Christine Gallagher REALTOR® Associate

As a responsible realtor, ensuring the safety and well-being of your clients is paramount. One often overlooked but critical aspect of home safety is radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground and pose serious health risks. In this blog post, we will delve into what radon is, its potential dangers, and the importance of radon testing in real estate transactions.

What is Radon and Why is it Dangerous?

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It tends to move through the ground and can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps in floors, and openings around pipes and utility lines. Once inside, radon can accumulate to harmful levels, especially in enclosed spaces like basements.

The primary concern with radon is its link to lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and it is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States annually.

Importance of Radon Testing in Real Estate

For both home buyers and sellers, radon testing is a crucial step in the real estate process. Here’s why:

1. For Buyers:

• Health and Safety: Buyers deserve to know if the home they’re considering has elevated radon levels that could put their health at risk.
• Negotiation: If high radon levels are detected, buyers can negotiate with sellers to address the issue before finalizing the deal. This could involve radon mitigation measures, such as sealing foundation cracks, installing ventilation systems, or other remediation techniques.

2. For Sellers:

• Full Disclosure: Being transparent about radon levels and any mitigation efforts can build trust with potential buyers and prevent future legal issues.
• Competitive Edge: A home with a clean bill of health in terms of radon can be a selling point and give sellers an advantage in the market.

The Radon Testing Process

Radon testing is a relatively simple procedure. There are short-term tests that last a few days and long-term tests that extend over a few months. Tests can be conducted by homeowners themselves using kits available at home improvement stores, but for the most accurate results, it’s recommended to hire a professional radon testing service.

Radon Mitigation

If a radon test reveals elevated levels, there’s no need to panic. Radon mitigation systems are effective in reducing radon concentrations to safe levels. These systems typically involve installing a vent pipe to redirect radon gas from the ground away from the home’s interior, preventing its accumulation. A fan may also be used to increase the ventilation rate and reduce radon infiltration.

Radon in New Jersey: Understanding the Local Concerns

When it comes to radon gas, its presence is not evenly distributed across all regions. New Jersey, like many other states, has specific considerations related to radon due to its geological characteristics and housing landscape. Here’s what you need to know about radon in the context of New Jersey real estate:

Geological Factors in New Jersey:

New Jersey’s geology plays a significant role in radon levels within homes. The state is situated in an area known for its granite and shale bedrock. These types of rocks can contain elevated levels of uranium, which is a precursor to radon gas. As these rocks break down naturally, they release radon into the soil and groundwater, potentially leading to higher indoor radon levels.

High-Risk Areas:

Certain regions in New Jersey are considered higher risk for radon gas due to their geological composition. Counties such as Sussex, Warren, Morris, and Hunterdon have a higher likelihood of elevated radon levels. However, it’s important to note that radon can be present anywhere, and even homes in low-risk areas should be tested to ensure safety.

State Regulations and Awareness:

New Jersey has been proactive in addressing radon concerns. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) provides guidelines and recommendations for radon testing and mitigation. The state offers resources for both homeowners and professionals to ensure proper radon testing and mitigation measures are taken.

Real Estate Transactions and Radon in New Jersey:

For real estate transactions in New Jersey, radon testing and disclosure are important steps. The Radon Hazard Control Act of 1991 requires sellers to provide buyers with information about known radon concentrations in the home. Sellers are also required to provide a written warning about the potential hazards of radon gas.

It’s recommended that all homes, regardless of their location within the state, undergo radon testing as part of the real estate process. This ensures that buyers are aware of the radon levels in the property they are considering and can make informed decisions.

Radon Mitigation in New Jersey:

If elevated radon levels are found during testing, New Jersey offers certified radon mitigation professionals who can design and install effective mitigation systems. These systems are tailored to the specific characteristics of the home and can significantly reduce radon concentrations, ensuring a safe indoor environment.

Christine Gallagher is a Licensed Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Action Plus Realty located at : 132 Farnsworth Ave Bordentown City NJ 08505. Office: 800-299-2129 Cell: 732-701-7270