  Radon Information |
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Radon Information
According to EPA statistics nearly one in 15 homes in the U.S. has a high level of indoor radon. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), approximately 60,000 radon tests are now done in New Jersey each year. The DEP Radon Program has also reported that nearly 75-80 percent of the radon tests performed in NJ are done as part of real estate transactions. This demonstrates the important role of REALTORS® in educating clients and customers about the risks of radon. Read the DEP list of Do's and Don'ts for Real Estate Professionals dealing with radon testing. Some regions in New Jersey have higher radon concentrations than others, such as along the uranium-rich Reading Prong, situated in the northwest and central portions of the state. However, indoor radon levels may vary significantly from home to home throughout the state. Below are some factors of indoor radon concentrations:
A radon test is the only way to determine whether or not a home has radon. Two relatively inexpensive and accurate measurement devices are available that can be purchased in many hardware stores. These are short-term and long-term test kits. Make sure you purchase a radon detection kit manufactured by a company certified by the DEP. In addition, a state-certified company must perform radon testing conducive to a real estate transaction. View the list of certified radon measurement businesses in New Jersey. According to New Jersey state law, a seller must reveal to a prospective buyer the results of all radon testing and any mitigation work when the contract of sale is entered into. A prospective buyer who pays for a radon test will receive the test results directly. For a real estate licensee, the situation differs slightly. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission advises that real estate licensees are precluded from disclosing the existence of any test or mitigation to anyone, prior to the contract, without the owner's authorization. To learn more about radon and other environmental issues that impact a real estate transaction, members can check out NJAR®'s Environmental Issues for Buyers and Sellers booklet. It is now available at the cost of $1.25 with a second booklet free! This publication is for members only.
More Resources for Consumers:Check out the links below for more information on National Radon Action Month and other radon resources. Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools and other EPA Publications on Radon National Safety Council Radon Poster Contest Radon and Cancer: National Cancer Institutee Radon Frequently Asked Questions from the EPA
Resources for Real Estate Licensees:Below are radon resources for REALTORS® and
real estate licensees: Certified radon measurement businesses in New Jersey Do's and Don'ts for Real Estate Professionals Test your knowledge with the DEP's Radon Test |
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless
gas that is a natural by-product of the
radioactive decay of uranium in soil, rock
and water. Concentrations may be found in
indoor and outdoor air. Radon is responsible
for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the
U.S. and approximately 140-250 in New Jersey
every year. Although lung cancer affects
both smokers and nonsmokers, it is a
preventable disease. The most effective
precaution against radon is to test your
home. 