Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless. It can affect many homes by seeping in from the ground and becoming trapped indoors, sometimes reaching dangerous levels. To help our agents better understand radon and how we can guide our clients, we welcomed Midwest Radon for an informative session on the most common radon misconceptions. Their insights are helping us stay informed and keep our clients safe. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply want to learn more about your home’s environment, Skogman Realty is here to guide you every step of the way!
Myths about Radon:
Myth: Homes with slabs and crawlspaces do not have Radon. False!
Fact: The main floors in these houses with either slabs or crawlspaces are in direct proximity to soil like a basement floor. Because of this, they are actually MORE likely to have elevated radon levels.
Myth: Homes with walk-out basements are less likely to have Radon. False!
Fact: Even with walk-out basements, foundation walls and footings can trap radon beneath the home, allowing it to build up to unsafe levels.
Myth: Since my house is new, I will not have to worry about Radon. False!
Fact: Radon is caused by decaying uranium in the soil and has nothing to do with the age of the home. In fact, newer houses are often built more tightly and with better insulation, which can lead to higher radon levels.
Myth: Since my home has a radon mitigation system, I don’t need to test for Radon. False!
Fact: The EPA recommends testing a mitigated house every two years.
Myth: You can ventilate your home by opening windows and letting the Radon Escape. False!
Fact: Radon gas is approximately 7.5 times heavier than air, but as a noble gas with no chemical affinity, it is easily influenced by air movement and pressure. Opening a window won’t eliminate significant levels of radon—instead, it can cause the gas to disperse unpredictably throughout the home.
Myth: Radon tests from a neighbor’s house are accurate indicators of the radon levels in your own home. False!
Fact: Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home, the levels being directly connected to the amount of uranium within the footprint of the home. The only way to know if your home has a radon issue is to test for it.
Radon is often misunderstood, but by separating fact from fiction, homeowners can take the right steps to protect themselves and their families. At Skogman Realty, our agents are committed to ongoing education so we can better guide our clients through every part of the home buying or selling process—including understanding radon. When you work with a Skogman agent, you can trust you’re getting knowledgeable, reliable support every step of the way. Reach out today.