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Radon: The Unseen House Guest You Don’t Want (A Wisconsin Homeowner’s Guide)

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Thinking about buying or selling a home in Wisconsin? Great! But before you sign on the dotted line, let’s chat about radon—a radioactive gas that might be chilling in your basement, unbeknownst to you.

What’s the Deal with Radon?

Radon is a natural gas that comes from the ground. It’s invisible, odorless, and can seep into your home through cracks and openings. Why should you care? Well, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, trailing only smoking. That’s not something you want hanging around your house!

Wisconsin and Radon: Not a Great Combo

Unfortunately, Wisconsin is a bit of a radon hotspot, with many homes having higher-than-recommended levels. Luckily, the state’s real estate purchase offer (WB-11) includes a radon contingency, allowing buyers to test and potentially negotiate remediation if levels are high.

Testing: Your First Line of Defense

Testing for radon is easy and affordable. You can grab a DIY kit from a hardware store or online, or hire a pro to do it for you. If you’re buying a home, a professional test is a good idea to give you peace of mind.

Mitigation: The Fixer-Upper for Radon

If your home tests high for radon (4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more), don’t sweat it! Radon mitigation systems work like a charm. The most common one is a vent pipe and fan that sucks the radon from under your house and sends it outside. It typically costs between $1000 and $2,000.

DIY Testing Options

Here are a few easy DIY radon test kits you can snag:

  • Charcoal canisters soak up radon and are then sent to a lab.
  • Continuous radon monitors: These give you real-time readings to track any changes.

Remember, even if your home tests low, retest every few years, just to be safe. Radon levels can fluctuate, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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One popular option for continuous monitoring is the Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector. This user-friendly device displays real-time radon levels and provides long-term averages, allowing you to keep a close eye on your home’s air quality.

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Stay Smart, Stay Safe

Radon might be invisible, but it’s a real threat. By testing your home and taking action if needed, you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones.


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