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Buying a New Home? Don’t Overlook This Invisible Risk
Reading time: 3 minutes
Safety
When buying a home, especially new construction, it's easy to focus on location, layout, or finishes. But there’s an invisible factor that should never be overlooked: radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms underground as uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawlspaces, and other entry points.
It’s also dangerous. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. In Canada, radon is also the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, contributing to over 3,000 deaths annually, according to Health Canada.
Sources: EPA Radon Health Risk, Health Canada – Radon
Radon Doesn’t Discriminate
Former U.S. women’s hockey player Rachel Malmberg was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer despite being a lifelong non-smoker. Her experience led her to test both her childhood and current homes. Both had elevated radon levels.
We did some testing in my childhood home that I lived in for 19 years and then my current home, and both of those came back with high test results.
via Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
Why Homebuyers Should Ask About Radon
Buying a new home is one of the best opportunities to ensure long-term indoor air quality. Radon testing during or soon after construction is straightforward and mitigation, if needed, is much easier (and less costly) when addressed early.
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5 Questions to Ask Your Builder or Home Inspector
We asked Crystal Lytle, Radon Sales Manager at Fantech, for the top questions buyers should ask before closing on a new home:
Q no. 1: Has the home been tested for radon? Is testing required by local code?
A: Some states or municipalities address radon testing during the process of buying and selling of homes, but many do not. Either way, ask for test results in writing and confirm testing was performed by a certified radon measurement professional.
Q no. 2: What did the test show and what’s the plan if levels are high?
A: If results are elevated, the builder should work with a certified mitigator to design and install the right system.
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Pro Tip: Choose certified radon professionals.
In the U.S., look for NRPP or NRSB certification.
In Canada, choose professionals certified by C-NRPP (recognized by Health Canada).
These certifications mean the pro has:
Completed approved training
Passed national exams
Follows industry standards
Maintains continuing education
Using a certified expert helps ensure accurate testing and effective mitigation.
Q no. 3: If there’s already a mitigation system, how should it be maintained?
A: Most active systems include a fan and vent pipe that draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it safely outside, typically above the roofline (as required in the U.S.) or to an appropriate exterior point in Canada, following C-NRPP guidelines.
Ask for:
System documentation and warranty
An explanation of how the fan works and how to read the system indicator
Maintenance tips — radon fans generally last 5 to 10 years
A reminder to retest every two years, even with a system in place
In the U.S., mitigation systems should comply with standards developed by ANSI/AARST (American National Standards Institute / American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists). Installation should be done by a certified professional, either through NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB (National Radon Safety Board), to ensure the system performs effectively and meets current guidelines.
In Canada, mitigation systems should meet the standards set out by Health Canada and the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), and installation should be performed by a C-NRPP certified professional. These pros ensure the system meets current best practices and is functioning effectively for Canadian building conditions.
Q no. 4: Will radon levels stay low?
A: Many new homes come with a passive radon system: a vent pipe routed through the home but no fan. These systems can usually be activated with a fan if future tests show high levels. Ensure the system complies with current ANSI/AARST (C-NRPP Standards for Canada) and is installed by a radon-trained professional.
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Q no. 5: Why It Matters More Than Ever
A: Indoor air quality has never been more top-of-mind. With more time spent at home and growing awareness of environmental health, radon deserves a place on every homebuyer’s checklist. Add to that climate-related changes in soil structure and moisture, and homes that once tested low may no longer be safe.
The good news: radon is manageable. Testing is affordable. Mitigators are available nationwide. Systems are effective when installed properly.
Resources for Homeowners
(Great for mitigators to share!)
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