When moving into a new home, most people worry about things they can see, such as the condition of the roof, the state of the plumbing, or the age of the appliances. What often gets overlooked is what you can’t see at all: radon.
This invisible, odorless gas seeps up from the ground and can build up indoors without any warning signs. Over time, it can pose serious health risks, making it one of the most important issues homeowners need to be aware of.
That’s where radon inspections come in. They act as an early warning system, showing you if your home has elevated radon levels and what steps to take next. In this blog, we’ll cover why radon inspections matter, how they work, and what every homeowner should know to keep their family safe.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Radon Inspections
Here are some reasons why you cannot ignore radon inspections.
Radon is Real and Serious
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters homes through the ground. It is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States, killing an estimated 21,000 people a year. Among non-smokers, it is the number one cause.
The Majority of Americans are Not Doing it
Approximately 75% of American homeowners have not tested for radon levels. What is even more surprising is that more than half do not view it as a risk.
High Radon Level is Rampant
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has high radon levels above the EPA threshold of 4 pCi/L.
So, Are Radon Inspections Necessary
Absolutely, here’s why:
Invisible doesn’t mean Harmless
Since you can’t see or smell radon, your best option is testing. It is similar to carbon monoxide; you can’t smell it, so you need a monitor to detect its presence.
Results Can Save Lives
Acute and long-term exposure to radon poses a great risk when it comes to lung cancer. Testing will bring the threats to the surface before they become unmanageable.
Radon Levels Can Vary
Radon levels can change after home renovations or repairs, seasonal changes, or alterations to your HVAC system. Regular radon inspections keep you on top of it.
Can Easily Be Done, and Costs Little
The DIY test kits are inexpensive and easy to use. When the level rises above 4 pCi/L, mitigation solutions such as sealing the fissures and installing a vent system, costing between $800 and $1300, can decrease radon by up to 99%.
The Real Life Radon Moment that is a Game Changer
In the 1980s, Stanley Watras, a construction engineer working at a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, reported a radiation alarm at work on a daily basis- only to be cleared of contamination a few minutes later. In one case, an investigation was conducted, during which it was found that his house had an extremely high radon level of 2,700 pCi/L, approximately 700 times above the safe level. His case attracted national attention and led the EPA to set the radiation level in indoor homes.
That story serves as a bright reminder that even new houses can harbor harmful amounts of radon. And yes, radon inspections are necessary.
Quick Guide: Radon Inspection Basics
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| 1 | Test your home (short- or long-term kits, or hire a pro) | Detects radon levels before they become harmful |
| 2 | Evaluate results (EPA action level: 4 pCi/L) | Determines if mitigation is needed |
| 3 | Mitigate if needed (venting systems, sealing gaps) | Reduces radon exposure significantly |
| 4 | Retest after mitigation | Confirms the fix worked |
| 5 | Test again in a few years | Radon levels can change – stay safe over time |
Facts that Build Matter
- Roughly 21,000 Americans are killed every year by radon.
- The Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all buildings below the third floor be tested and retested in the event of any significant alteration.
- The health risks are well understood; radon has been proven to be a carcinogen, both at work and at home.
Conclusion
Let’s repeat the question: Are radon inspections necessary? They most certainly are. You cannot afford to ignore measuring radon in your home; that is why testing is the only credible option you have to safeguard the air quality of your house. Testing is cost-effective, repairs are simple, and protecting your family is priceless.
Being around your family is essential for your health and safety; make the most of it. You may be buying, selling, or living in your house. It is up to you to make radon testing a top priority.
At OnSite Home Inspections, we offer professional, reliable radon inspections with clear results, expert advice, and fair pricing. We treat your house like it’s our own. Want a clear conscience and a healthier, safer, indoor environment?
Call OnSite Home Inspections today, and let us help you breathe easy.