Q. Should a 4.9 Radon Test Result Be Mitigated?

Q. Hey Mark,
I’m selling my home and the buyers inspector did a radon test. The result was 4.9, and they said I had to have a mitigation system installed. That’s not very high. Why do I have to have it fixed?
Bob

A. Hey Bob,
Technically, there are no federal laws that require you to do anything [...]

Q. How Can I Know Homeowners Didn’t Tamper With Radon Test?

Q. Hey Mark,
We are trying to move from Texas to Wisconsin and found a home. We had the typical inspection and radon test performed. There were numerous semi- minor issues but a few bigger ones. Radon at 5.7, tree roots growing into the sump pump crock, etc. In our contract we did not give the [...]

Granite Countertops and Radon

Readers,
Some Realtors have reported that they are getting questions from their clients about the safety of granite countertops. This is due to some information that has recently circulated regarding its potential for radioactivity. The American Association for Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) has released a statement on radon and granite counter tops.  This statement is [...]

Q. Should I Be Worried About My Granite Countertops?

Q. Hey Mark,
I’ve been hearing that Granite counter tops might be dangerous. I’m concerned because we just spent a lot money putting some in our new home. I don’t understand it all and just need to know if I should have the granite removed.
Thanks,
Tammy
A. Hey Tammy,
I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about granite too, [...]

Test Your Home for Radon! (My Personal Experience)

I am always very concerned when a home buyer declines having a radon test during their home inspection. I’m genuinely uneasy about the potential health repercussions of that decision. For me, I think it strikes particularly close to home for two reasons. One reason is that my wife’s grandmother, a non-smoker, passed away from lung [...]

Q. Were the radon test canisters left too long?

Q. Hey Mark,
The buyers of a home I have listed hired a company to do a radon test. The test came back a little high (4.9). I’m concerned about the test because they used canisters, and they left them in place from Wednesday through Saturday. Wouldn’t this increase the radon levels in the canisters by [...]

How to Improve Radon Test Results

Hey Readers,
Occasionally, I’ll take a look at the types of internet searches that bring folks to this page. I’ve recently noticed some people who found www.HeyMark.info via a search similar to the title of today’s post. ‘How do I improve a radon test?’
My first thought was one of shock. On the surface it appears someone [...]

Q. Sources of Radon Gas?

Q. Hey Mark,
I’ve heard two different things about radon gas from two different inspectors. One inspector said that radon comes from soil. The other said that it can be brought into the home through other things. Which is right?
Kathy
A. Hey Kathy,
Both inspectors are correct, you just didn’t get a complete explanation from either of their [...]

St. Louis Earthquake, Cracks in Foundation & Radon Gas

5.2 Earthquake and Radon
Hey Readers,
Since the recent earthquake here in St. Louis, I’ve received calls from folks who are concerned about cracks that have formed in their homes. Earthquakes instill a fear in all of our hearts that the structural integrity of our home might be compromised. For larger earthquakes, that is a very real [...]

Q. Radon Levels in a Neighborhood

Q. Hey Mark,
I have a listing, and the buyer’s inspector did a Radon test. I am concerned that the test may have been done improperly. The results came back at 4.6 but I know of three other properties in the same neighborhood that recently had radon tests performed, and they came back with no radon.
A. [...]