Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released as soil and rock break down underground. It is colorless and odorless, and it can seep into a home through the foundation and collect in basements and lower levels. Long-term exposure to high levels is a recognized health risk, which is why radon is common to test for across New England, including many parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Testing is typically added to a home inspection and takes a couple of days. If levels come back high, the fix is a mitigation system, usually a vent pipe and fan that draws the gas out from under the foundation and releases it above the roofline. Mitigation is a well understood job, and a high reading is a repair item, not a reason to panic.