Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but it can accumulate inside your home to dangerous levels. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year.
Pennsylvania Is a High-Risk State
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the highest radon-affected states in the country. The geology of the Poconos, including Pike, Monroe, Wayne, and Lackawanna counties, creates conditions where elevated radon levels are especially common. Many homes in this region test well above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.
This doesn't mean every home is dangerous. But it does mean that testing is not optional: it's essential for any buyer in the area.
What Radon Testing Involves
A radon test is simple and non-invasive. At Ease Home Inspection Services uses passive diffusion chamber testing, which is accurate, EPA-recognized, and lab-analyzed. The test device is placed in the lowest livable area of the home, typically a basement or ground floor, for a minimum of 48 hours during closed-house conditions.
Results are returned from a certified lab, and you'll receive a clear report with your radon level and a recommendation on whether mitigation is needed.
What Happens If Levels Are High?
If your test results come back above 4 pCi/L, don't panic. Radon is fixable. A radon mitigation system (sub-slab depressurization) is typically installed by a certified contractor and can reduce levels by up to 99%. The system runs continuously and is highly effective. Mitigation typically costs between $800–$2,500 depending on the home's foundation type.
Many buyers use elevated radon results as a negotiating point, asking the seller to install a mitigation system prior to closing.
Don't Skip This Test
Adding radon testing to your home inspection is one of the most important things you can do as a buyer in this region. The cost is minimal and the peace of mind is invaluable. Whether you're purchasing a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property in the Poconos, radon testing should always be part of your due diligence.