Radon Testing: 5 Powerful Reasons It’s Critical in NJ
Posted by Honest Home Inspections NJ
Radon testing is one of the most important—and overlooked—steps homeowners can take to protect their family’s health and their home’s value. In New Jersey, where natural uranium deposits and home construction styles make radon intrusion common, this type of testing is especially critical. Whether you’re buying, selling, or living in your home, testing for radon is a low-cost, high-impact action that can literally save lives.
Table of Contents
- What Is Radon?
- Health Risks of Radon Exposure
- New Jersey Radon Risk Zones
- 5 Powerful Reasons to Get Radon Testing
- How Radon Testing Works
- When Should You Test for Radon?
- What If My Home Tests High?
- Why Choose Honest Home Inspections NJ
- Schedule Your Radon Test
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It moves through the ground and can enter homes through foundation cracks, sump pump pits, crawlspaces, and other openings. Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radon is completely undetectable without specialized testing equipment.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can damage lung tissue and cause cancer—even in non-smokers. The EPA estimates that radon causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year.
New Jersey Radon Risk Zones
New Jersey has one of the highest radon exposure risks in the northeastern U.S. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) categorizes the state into three zones based on average indoor radon levels. Zone 1 areas like Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris, and Warren counties are considered “high risk,” where over 30% of homes have tested above the EPA action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
5 Powerful Reasons to Get Radon Testing
1. Protect Your Family’s Health
There’s no early warning system for radon exposure. Unlike carbon monoxide or smoke, there’s no smell or irritation. Testing is the only way to know if your home has unsafe radon levels—and early detection can significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems later.
2. Radon Testing Is Fast and Affordable
A certified radon test from Honest Home Inspections NJ takes only 48 hours and costs less than most home maintenance tasks. It’s an inexpensive way to avoid costly health consequences. If you’re buying or selling a home, a test can give both parties peace of mind or leverage for negotiations.
3. Many Mortgage Lenders and Buyers Require It
Radon testing is often required during real estate transactions. VA loans, in particular, mandate radon testing in some areas. Buyers are increasingly aware of radon risks and may request proof of recent testing as a contingency for closing.
4. Newer Homes Are Not Immune
Many people assume that radon is only a problem in older or poorly sealed homes. In reality, newer homes can trap radon more efficiently due to tighter building envelopes. Even with modern construction, radon gas can accumulate to unsafe levels.
5. Long-Term Exposure Is Cumulative
Radon exposure risk increases the longer you live in a contaminated environment. Even homes with slightly elevated levels can pose a danger over time. This makes regular testing a smart part of any long-term home maintenance plan.
How Radon Testing Works
Radon testing is a straightforward process. Our inspectors place a continuous radon monitor (CRM) in the lowest livable level of your home, such as the basement or crawlspace. The device records air quality over 48 hours. After retrieval, we generate a detailed report showing the average radon level, hourly readings, and whether mitigation is necessary.
Tests must be performed with windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours prior to and during the test period to simulate winter conditions when radon is most likely to accumulate.
When Should You Test for Radon?
The EPA recommends testing your home for radon:
- When buying or selling a home
- Every 2–5 years in any home, regardless of location
- After finishing a basement or doing foundation work
- When installing a new HVAC or ventilation system
- If a neighbor has high radon levels
What If My Home Tests High?
If your test results come back above 4.0 pCi/L, don’t panic—radon mitigation systems are highly effective. Most mitigation systems involve a PVC pipe inserted into the soil beneath the home, connected to a continuously running fan that vents radon gas above the roofline. These systems can reduce radon levels by over 99% when properly installed.
Honest Home Inspections NJ partners with NJDEP-licensed radon mitigation professionals and can refer you to trusted contractors who will get the job done right. After installation, we can return to perform post-mitigation testing to ensure radon levels have dropped to safe levels.
Why Choose Honest Home Inspections NJ?
We are fully certified in radon testing through the NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) and follow all EPA and NJDEP testing protocols. With years of experience serving Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren, and surrounding counties, we know the specific radon risks in New Jersey homes. We use professional-grade testing equipment and deliver clear, actionable results.
Unlike big national chains, we’re a family-owned company based in your community. We take the time to explain your results and next steps in plain language. Our goal is not just to meet standards, but to protect the health and well-being of our clients and their families.
Learn more about our inspection services, including pre-listing inspections, home maintenance checks, and WDO and termite inspections.
Schedule Your Radon Test Today
Protect your family, protect your investment, and protect your peace of mind. Radon testing is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner—and one of the easiest to complete. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact Honest Home Inspections NJ today to schedule your certified radon test anywhere in Central or Northern New Jersey.
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