Private home inspectors also may be useful in detecting the existence of potentially hazardous conditions if the sales contract provides for such an inspection. The pages that follow provide general information about environmental hazards that have the potential to affect the home environment. This information is believed to be accurate, but it is not meant to be comprehensive or authoritative. This publication provides introductory information to help home buyers understand the possible risk of exposure to potentially harmful environmental hazards in and around the home. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that occurs worldwide in the environment as a byproduct of the natural decay of uranium present in the earth.
Radon is present in varying quantities in the atmosphere and in soils around the world.
Radon that is present in surrounding soil or in well water can be a source of radon in a home. It can also seep into ground water and remain trapped there. The likelihood of radon in the water supply is greatly reduced for homes supplied with water from a municipal water supply. Radon generally concentrates most efficiently in areas of a home closest to the ground. Radon levels generally decrease as one moves higher up in the structure.