Radon in Homes: What New York Homebuyers Should Know

Radon in Homes: What New York Homebuyers Should Know

Radon in Homes: What New York Homebuyers Should Know

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and buildings from the ground. It's colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it a silent threat. In New York, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, so understanding the risks and what you can do about it is crucial, especially if you're a homebuyer.

What is Radon and Why is it a Concern?

Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and gaps around pipes. Because it's a gas, it can accumulate in indoor air. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the New York State Department of Health have established action levels for radon. Elevated levels pose a significant health risk, increasing the chance of developing lung cancer.

Radon Testing: A Must for New York Homebuyers

Testing for radon is the only way to know if a home has a problem. It's a simple and inexpensive process. Here's what you should know:

  • Hire a certified radon professional: While DIY kits are available, a certified professional ensures accurate testing and interpretation of results. They can also advise on mitigation if needed.
  • Timing: Testing should ideally be done before finalizing a home purchase. This allows you to negotiate repairs or reassess your decision.
  • Types of tests: Short-term tests provide results within a few days, while long-term tests offer a more accurate average over several months. A short-term test is often sufficient for real estate transactions.

Radon Mitigation: What if a Home Tests High?

If a home's radon levels are at or above the action level (4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the US), mitigation is necessary. Common mitigation systems involve:

  • Sub-slab depressurization: This is the most common method. It involves installing a pipe and fan to draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and vent it outside.
  • Sealing: Sealing cracks and other entry points can help reduce radon levels, but it's usually not enough on its own.

Mitigation systems are typically effective in reducing radon levels significantly. It's important to have a certified professional install the system and conduct post-mitigation testing to ensure its effectiveness.

Protecting Your Family

Radon is a serious health concern, but it's one that can be addressed. As a New York homebuyer, taking the necessary steps to test for radon and mitigate if necessary is a crucial part of protecting your family's health.

Resources

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hudson Valley Real Estate Market Update June 2025

Image
Hudson Valley Real Estate Update - June 2025 Hudson Valley Real Estate Update Your Local Market Insights | June 2025 Edition Dutchess & Putnam Counties Market Report 🏠 Dutchess County Home Prices Rise 6.7% in Strong Market Median Home Price: $457,496 (+6.7% YoY) Price per Sq Ft: $249 Market Status: Neutral Market Inventory: 1,158 homes (+6.7% from April) The Dutchess County real estate market continues to show steady growth with home prices increasing 6.7% year-over-year to a median of $457,496 in May 2025. The market has shifted from a seller's market to a neutral market, indicat...
Read more

Guide to Purchasing a Mobile Home in a Park in Ulster County, NY

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Mobile Home in Ulster County, NY Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Mobile Home in an Ulster County Park (Cash Purchase) 1. Obtain Park Approval and Review Park Rules Notify the Mobile Home Park: Ensure the seller has informed the park management of the intended sale. Ulster County law requires the seller to give the park owner 20 days’ written notice of intent to sell. Park Approval of Buyer: The park owner/operator may require you (the buyer) to apply and meet their tenancy criteria (e.g. background or credit check). Approval cannot be unreasonably withheld and must be decided within 15 days of your application. If the park owner fails to respond in 15 days, approval is assumed by law. Be prepared to fill out a park residency application and provide any required information. Review Park Lease and Rules: Once approved, you’ll need to sign a lot lease with the park. ...
Read more

On Ai Long Term Memory

Image
AI Solutions for Long-Term Memory and Recall AI Solutions for Long-Term Memory and Recall Consumers today have access to several AI-powered tools designed to store information long-term and retrieve it later, even from vague prompts. These range from personal chatbots and voice assistants that remember facts about you, to note-taking apps and "digital memory" tools that index everything you read or see. Below, we explore widely available solutions, their features, and how reliably they serve as a long-term memory aid. Personal AI Companions with Persistent Memory Inflection Pi (Personal AI) Pi is a conversational AI designed to be a personal companion that "remembers" past interactions. It can recall details from prior conversations and bring them up later to personalize the dialogue. For example, Pi is able to remember who you are and key facts (up to at least 100 turns of conversation) and even follow up on topics you mentioned in earlier chats (...
Read more