Kansas Kansas

Why are we talking about radon during real estate transactions? Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive soil gas present every where on planet Earth indoors and out. As a gas, radon can make its way through the foundations of buildings and enter the indoor environment and the air we breathe at home. The concern with radon in the indoor environment is that long-term exposure to elevated indoor radon concentrations increases the lifetime risk of lung cancer. Radon gas exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer death for non-smokers, and the primary point of exposure is in our homes as, on average, we spend 10-12 hours a day at home – mostly asleep.

The purchase of a home is an excellent time to address potential residential radon issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a recommended national Action Level of 4 picocuries of radon per liter of indoor air (4.0 pCi/L). The EPA recommends buildings that test at this level or higher be fixed to lower levels of radon in the home. The Kansas Radon Program (KRP) strongly recommends that all home buyers 1) include a professional radon test as part of the due diligence of a home purchase and 2) take steps to reduce radon concentrations at or above 4.0 pCi/L.

For questions on radon or to arrange a free Radon for the Real Estate Industry CE class through the KRP, call 800.693.5343 or email lwallace@ksu.edu. You can also visit www.kansasradonprogram.org for more information

Average Radon Level by Kansas County 2016-2020

Copyright 2023