It is important when purchasing a home to find a home that is safe and free of environmental concerns such as Radon. Radon is one issue that can make some buyers have second thoughts.  I strongly believe that if we as real estate professional take the time to educate the buyers this will not be a problem.  Radon is presently everywhere, and if the level is high it can be fixed.  I took a look at the radon level in the Dutchess County  and the radon level is higher than the EPA recommended level; so I would direct the client to the site so they could see that there is a good probability the radon level could be high in their home.

What is Radon?

It is a colorless, odorless gas formed as a result of uranium breaking down in the soil, rock and water.

Why should we care about Radon ?

Radon is known to cause lung cancer; because of this the EPA recommends the level should not exceed 4pCi/L (picoCuries is the measurement used for radon)

What if the the level exceed 4 pCi/L?

If the test is high you could go ahead and conduct a long term test.  The radon level is not constant, it can be affected by the weather, season etc.

Most buyers and seller go ahead with mitigation, this is accomplished by using a sub-slab depressurization system; that is, a hole is drilled into the basement floor, a pipe is inserted to suck out the radon gas and a fan is used to vent it out through the roof.  This process cost around $1000-$1500.

You can also seal up crack in your basement floor.

Just keep in mind THIS IS FIXABLE!

Here is an example of a test

For more information on radon consult the EPA

 http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/radon/radonhom.htm