Do home inspectors check for radon?

Radon testing is often mandated by home insurance companies and lenders, and it is strongly advised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some residences may already have a radon mitigation system in place, or the current homeowner might have conducted a recent radon test. If there is documented evidence of a recent radon test, it may eliminate the need for an additional test when purchasing a residential or commercial property.

Radon is recognized as a significant health hazard and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

To conduct a radon test, home inspectors place a testing device in the residence for a period of 2-4 days to monitor radon levels. The testing can be performed using a radon test kit, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis, or an electronic meter that provides immediate results. Radon is most commonly found in the northern states. For specific information about radon levels in your state, please refer to the EPA's website here:  EPA Radon Map