Nearly 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. have elevated radon levels—could yours be one of them? If you live in Maryland, that’s quite a possibility because the importance of radon testing in this state cannot be overstated.
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. And do you know how many deaths are credited to radon throughout the country every year? 21,000! That’s quite a number.
Now come back to your Maryland home. Did you know that some houses in Maryland have radon levels higher than 200 pico-curies per liter (pCi/l) of air? What might surprise you even more is that these levels are 50 times higher than the guidelines set by the EPA! In fact, certain areas in Maryland, such as Montgomery County, have been identified as radon “hot spots,” where homes are more likely to have dangerous levels of radon gas.
What does all of this suggest? Radon testing is not just a precaution. Instead, it is a vital step that safeguards your and your family’s health as well. However, if these reasons are not compelling enough, we will be stating more reasons in our blog. So, read on to learn why radon testing is necessary, when to test for radon and much more.
Why is Radon Testing Necessary for Your Maryland Home?
Here are some of the more detailed reasons for getting a radon test in Maryland:
High Radon Levels in Maryland
First off, if you’re living in Maryland, you shouldn’t even think twice before getting a radon test. In fact, the need for radon testing doubles if you live in counties like Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery. All of these are known for higher radon levels. Plus, the state’s diverse geology also plays its part. It lets radon easily seep into homes through foundation cracks and other openings. This makes testing a very important part of homeownership, regardless of which county you live in.
Protecting Your Family’s Health
Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer, even if you don’t smoke. And if you do, then the chances increase. As we mentioned earlier, this deadly gas can cause approximately 21,000 deaths every year (due to lung cancer). However, since radon is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas, the only way you can detect it is by getting your house tested. If high levels of radon are found in your Maryland home, then it is time to take mitigation measures to reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health.
Affordable and Simple
You might be thinking getting a radon test will be a burden on your pocket. Well, that’s not the case; radon testing services are not only affordable but also simple. Whether you decide to DIY it or hire a professional to conduct the test, in both cases, it is quite inexpensive, especially if you compare its price to the potential health risks of being unaware of your home’s radon levels.
When to Test for Radon?
You need to test for radon in different instances, like when buying or selling a home, after major renovations, every two years, etc. Let’s break these down below:
When Buying or Selling a Home
If you’re buying a Maryland home, then getting a radon test is a smart move. In fact, you may get it with your home inspection. This will put you on the safe side. However, if you’re selling a house, then getting a radon test before selling would help in reassuring your potential buyers. As a result, it will also expedite your selling process.
After Major Renovations
If you’ve recently made any changes to your home, especially structurally, for example:
- Finishing a basement
- Adding an extension
- Making repairs
In all of these cases, it is best to get a radon test after the work is done, as it might have impacted how radon enters your home. Also, testing your house for radon after renovations also ensures that radon levels remain within safe limits in your house.
During the winter months
You might not know that radon levels are higher in the colder months because, obviously, the homes are sealed up not to let air out. So, once you test for radon during this time, you get more accurate results for the test. Most of the time, the levels are also at their peak, so you get a better idea.
If You’ve Never Tested Before
You might be new to the concept of radon testing, or you might not have tested for it yet. Whatever the case, this is your sign to get your home tested for radon. It doesn’t matter whether your home is new or old; trust us, radon doesn’t have any prerequisites before entering your living spaces. So, to be sure whether radon is in your house, you need to get it tested.
How Often Should You Test for Radon?
You should test for radon every two years. Getting regular tests done for radon is the key to smart homeownership. So, don’t settle with, “Oh, I have recently gotten the test, so I don’t need to test again.” You need to conduct radon tests every couple of years, as this will help keep your home safe and secure.
Please note: Factors like soil changes, settling foundations, and new construction happening nearby can alter radon levels over time.
Conclusion
Radon is a silent threat that can easily go unnoticed, yet its impact on health is anything but subtle. If you’re a Maryland homeowner, then you already know how the risks associated with radon are particularly significant given the state’s varied geography and known radon “hot spots.”
Testing for radon isn’t just a recommended practice—it’s a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your family. Whether you’re buying or selling a home or making renovations, regular radon testing is a simple, affordable, and essential part of responsible homeownership. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can protect your home from this invisible danger and keep your loved ones safe for years to come.
Don’t take chances with your family’s health. Trust Top to Bottom Services for comprehensive radon inspection services. Our experienced team uses the latest technology to detect radon levels and provide you with clear, actionable results. Our inspection is fast, affordable, and essential for safeguarding your home. Schedule your radon inspection with Top to Bottom Services today and ensure your home is a safe place to live.
