89. Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground, especially in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil and rocks.
Nature of radon
Radon is odourless, colourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialised equipment. It is formed by the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in varying concentrations in soil, rocks, and groundwater.
Radon can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes and cables, and other entry points in contact with the ground. Once inside, radon can accumulate to potentially harmful levels, posing health risks to occupants through inhalation of radon decay products.
Radon testing and reporting
To determine if a property has elevated radon levels, a radon test should be conducted. This test measures the concentration of radon gas within the property's indoor air. Sellers should check whether a radon test has been carried out on the property and provide a copy of the radon test report as part of the disclosure process. This report offers insights into radon levels and whether they are within acceptable limits.
Determining radon test history
Discovering whether a radon test has been previously conducted on the property involves a combination of investigation and communication. Here is how you can determine the radon test history:
| Review property records | Begin by reviewing any property records, documentation, or maintenance reports you have. Past radon tests might be mentioned in these records, providing valuable information. |
| Consult previous homeowners | If possible, reach out to previous homeowners or occupants of the property. They might recall whether a radon test was conducted during their time in the residence. |
| Engage with real estate agents | Contact the real estate agents who were involved in previous transactions of the property. They might have access to records or information about any radon tests conducted. |
| Check disclosure documentation | If you have previously purchased the property, review any disclosure documentation you received during the buying process. Sellers are often required to disclose radon test results in these documents. |
| Contact local environmental agencies | Some local environmental or health agencies might maintain records of radon tests conducted in the area. Reach out to these agencies to inquire about any previous tests on the property. |
| Radon professionals | Contact radon professionals or testing companies that operate in your region. They might have records of tests conducted on the property, especially if they were involved in previous testing. |
| Review home inspection reports | If you have had a home inspection conducted on the property, review the inspection report. It might mention whether a radon test was performed as part of the inspection process. |
By diligently exploring these avenues, you can piece together the history of radon testing on the property. This information is valuable not only for your own understanding but also for providing accurate disclosures to potential buyers regarding radon testing and its outcomes.
How to obtain a radon test
Obtaining a radon test is a straightforward process that involves acquiring a radon test kit and following the recommended testing procedures. Here is how to get hold of a radon test:
| Purchase a radon test kit | Radon test kits are widely available from hardware stores, home improvement centres, online retailers, and local health or environmental agencies. Choose a kit that suits your needs and the specific testing requirements for your region. |
| Online retailers | Numerous online retailers offer a variety of radon test kits. Look for reputable sellers that provide detailed product information and user reviews. |
| Local health or environmental agencies | Some local health departments or environmental agencies might distribute radon test kits either for free or at a reduced cost. Contact these agencies to inquire about availability. |
| Home improvement stores | Many home improvement stores carry radon test kits in their home safety or indoor air quality sections. Visit these stores to explore different kit options. |
| Types of radon test kits | Radon test kits come in different types, including short-term and long-term tests. Short-term tests provide quick results over a few days to weeks, while long-term tests provide a more comprehensive assessment over several months. |
| Follow instructions | Once you have the radon test kit, carefully read and follow the included instructions. These instructions will guide you through the proper placement of the test kit and the required testing duration. |
| Place the test kit | Depending on the type of kit, place it in a suitable location within your property, such as a basement or ground-level room where you spend a significant amount of time. |
| Close windows and doors | For accurate results, keep windows and exterior doors closed during the testing period. However, normal entry and exit are acceptable. |
| Complete the test period | Allow the test kit to remain in place for the recommended testing duration. Short-term tests typically range from a few days to a week, while long-term tests can extend to several months. |
Submit the test kit |
Once the testing period is complete, follow the instructions to seal the test kit and return it to the manufacturer or laboratory for analysis, if required. |
Obtaining a radon test kit is an important step in assessing radon levels in your property. Following proper testing procedures ensures accurate results, helping you make informed decisions regarding potential radon mitigation measures or disclosures to future buyers.
Remedial measures for radon mitigation
Radon mitigation refers to the various strategies and interventions employed to reduce elevated levels of radon gas within a property, particularly when these levels surpass the recommended safety limits.
Radon, a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground, poses health risks, and mitigating its infiltration is crucial for occupant safety. Remedial measures for radon mitigation encompass a range of techniques designed to curtail or eliminate radon gas entry. One common approach involves enhancing ventilation throughout the property, ensuring that fresh air circulates effectively and helps disperse radon gas.
Additionally, sealing potential entry points, such as cracks or gaps in the foundation, aids in preventing the ingress of radon. A more advanced and systematic method involves the installation of radon mitigation systems. Sub-slab depressurisation is a widely used system that employs a vent pipe to draw radon from below the building and expel it safely into the outdoor air. Positive pressure ventilation, on the other hand, introduces fresh air into the property to dilute radon concentrations.
During real estate transactions, sellers are typically obligated to disclose whether any remedial measures were implemented during the property's construction to address radon concerns. This disclosure ensures that potential buyers are informed about the property's history in relation to radon mitigation, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding the purchase and taking into account the measures in place to mitigate radon gas levels. Overall, the implementation of radon remedial measures is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe indoor environment and adhering to health and safety standards.
Impact on Property Sale
Radon testing and mitigation measures can affect the sale of a property in several ways. Prospective buyers may request radon testing as part of their due diligence process, especially in areas known for high radon levels.
If radon levels exceed the recommended action level, sellers may need to undertake remediation measures to reduce radon concentrations before selling the property. Failure to address radon issues could lead to concerns among buyers and affect the property's saleability and value.
Sellers are generally required to disclose any known radon issues to potential buyers, and failure to do so could result in legal liabilities and disputes.
On the other hand, if radon testing indicates low or acceptable radon levels, sellers can use this as a selling point to reassure buyers about the property's indoor air quality and safety.