You cannot see it. You cannot smell it. You certainly cannot taste it. Yet, radon gas causes the second-highest number of lung cancer cases in the United States. Only cigarette smoking is more dangerous for your lungs.
The EPA estimates that nearly 21,000 people die every year from radon-induced lung cancer. That is more people than those killed in drunk driving accidents annually.
In the Chicagoland area, our geography makes us particularly vulnerable. The soil beneath our homes contains uranium, which decays into this radioactive gas.
This blog will help you understand the invisible risks lurking in your new basement. You will learn how to protect your family and why a simple test is your best defense.
Is Radon Common in Basements
Yes, it is extremely common. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground beneath your foundation.
Since basements are literally surrounded by soil, they act like a giant vacuum for this gas. It seeps through foundation cracks, sump pumps, and floor drains with ease.
The air pressure inside your home is usually lower than the pressure in the soil. This difference sucks the gas right into your living space through the smallest openings.
Why Radon Testing Chicago Homes is Non-Negotiable
Many buyers think a brand-new home is automatically safe. But that is not true.
Newer homes are often built so tightly for energy efficiency that they actually trap the gas inside. An old, drafty house might actually have lower levels because it breathes more. So, don’t assume that your home will be safe from radon just because it is new. Age has nothing to do with radon prevalence. Every home is equally at risk.
The Difference Between Professional and DIY Tests
You can buy a charcoal canister at a hardware store for twenty bucks. However, these are often inaccurate if they are not placed perfectly.
They only give you a snapshot of a very short time window. Radon levels fluctuate wildly with the weather, wind, and season.
Professional radon testing Chicago residents trust uses continuous monitors. These devices track the levels every hour for several days to get a real average. They also have anti-tampering sensors. This ensures that a seller did not just open a window to lower the levels during the test.
What to Do if the Numbers Come Back High
If your test comes back above 4.0 pCi/L, the threshold fixed by the EPA, do not panic. It is actually a very easy fix.
You just need a mitigation system. This usually involves a pipe and a fan that vents the gas from under the house to the roof.
Getting this fixed during the home purchase is the ideal scenario. You can often ask the seller to cover the installation costs before you move in.
The Story of Lindi Campbell
Lindi Campbell, a healthy nonsmoker from Kentucky, was diagnosed with lung cancer despite having never smoked. She had spent 21 years living in a basement bedroom, where radon levels are typically highest.
After her diagnosis, testing of her childhood home revealed radon levels over 21.6 pCi/L, which is more than five times the level at which action is recommended. Lindi had no obvious risk factors like smoking. Radon exposure was identified as a likely contributing cause.
Protecting Your Most Valuable Living Space
If you are planning to use your basement as a gym, office, or bedroom, you will spend a lot of time there. That significantly increases your exposure.
The soil under Chicagoland does not care how expensive your basement renovation was. It will continue to release gas for centuries.
A test is a small price to pay for your family’s safety. It removes the “what if” from your new home purchase.
Secure Your Peace of Mind with a Professional Test
When you’re buying a home, it’s worth knowing what can’t be seen.
Radon isn’t something you’ll notice during a walkthrough, but testing can give you a clear answer before you move forward.
The Brickkicker provides reliable radon testing for Chicago buyers, using accurate equipment and straightforward reporting so you know exactly where things stand.
If you’re preparing to make a purchase, scheduling a test is a simple step that helps you move forward with more confidence and peace of mind.
