Home buyers often ask us
"What is radon and should I test for it?"
Fact: Radon gas
is the second leading
cause of lung cancer.
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is everywhere. Although radon can sometimes enter your home through well water, radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation, trapping radon inside, where it can build up. 

Any home, no matter the age or condition, may have radon problems.

Radon is radioactive and a proven carcinogen. After smoking, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US and responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year. The EPA recommends mitigation if the radon level in your home is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher.

Should I test my home?
If you are buying a home or if you already own a home in Connecticut, you should definitely test for radon. The EPA map of radon zones in CT shows elevated levels in all zones with the highest concentrations along the shoreline. Testing is recommended in the winter months. If you have a well, it is recommended that you also test your water for radon, especially if your radon air levels are above normal limits. You can either test for radon on your own by purchasing a test kit from a lab or home improvement store, or you can have it professionally tested. 

Eagle Home Inspections offers our home inspection customers radon testing for both air and water.


And if your radon test results are high, remedies to correct the problems are available through professional radon mitigation companies. Click here for that list.
Eagle Home Inspections
We inspect 7 days a week!
Call or text (203) 640-2053