The amount of people testing for radon these days is growing and growing. Reports across the country show radon testing volumes are way up. Sun Nuclear Corporation, the industry’s leading source of radon monitors, reports record demand for their monitors. They are having a hard time keeping up with the demand (6 week back order).
Radon mitigation companies are reporting record volumes. Radon fan manufacturers are also reporting sales being up significantly.
Why is that? We’ve known about the dangers of radon exposure for over 3 decades now. Why are people now testing and fixing their homes now more than ever? Well, there are 4 main factors that can help explain this phenomenon:
1) Concerned homeowners are becoming educated. People talk. The word spreads. Dr. Oz, Dr. Mercola, The New York Times, Goodmorning America, The Today Show , and many other media outlets continue to report stories about the facts about innocent people dying in the US due to radon exposure (21,000 per year). Radon is serious and it’s a big deal!
2) Home inspectors are selling radon testing to grow revenues. Most people get home inspections when purchasing a home nowadays. Since the real estate market has been hit pretty hard in recent years, Home Inspectors are looking for creative ways to increase their revenue. Any smart home inspector is getting certified to test for radon and selling it to every home buyer as a “must”. After all, high radon levels can kill you. Home inspectors are simply brining up this option to test for radon along with the typical home inspection. Most people say “yes, test this house”.
3) Radon disclosure laws are increasing. Most states across the country are creating legislation to education home owners about radon during a real estate transaction. If the real estate agent hasn’t brought up radon to their client before closing on a house, they could blow their deal. Radon testing and radon level disclosure is included in real estate closing documents.
4) Banks require testing for multifamily. Apartment complexes, condominiums, and commercial office buildings are also requiring testing when the properties are financed. Banks throughout the US are now requiring a radon test before securing the initial loan, or during refinancing.
Bill Angel, President of American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologist, states that there are more homes in the US with high radon levels now than ever before. Since we’ve started mitigating homes in the ‘80’s, we’ve built more homes with high radon levels than we’ve fixed. The industry is just now starting to catch up to the problem thanks to new Radon Resistant New Construction codes for builders.
So, is everyone doing it? Well, not everyone is testing their homes for radon today. But, it is now a common and accepted test to do to protect yourself and your family. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. If you have high radon, it’s very affordable and most systems can be installed in less than 1 day. My recommendation? Test your home today. If you have high radon levels, fix your home!
Written by Curt Drew,
President of National Radon Defense