Radon is invisible, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. On Long Island, it’s a real concern — and most buyers don’t find out about it until it either shows up in a test or gets overlooked entirely.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and unsealed openings in the basement or crawl space. Once inside, it accumulates — especially in lower levels that don’t ventilate well.
Is Long Island a High-Risk Area?
Parts of Long Island — particularly in Nassau County — show elevated radon levels consistent with EPA Zone 2 (moderate potential). The geology of the region and the preponderance of older homes with unsealed basements makes radon testing a reasonable precaution for any Long Island purchase.
What the Test Involves
A short-term radon test places a detection device in the lowest livable area of the home for 48–96 hours. Results come back with a measurement in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends mitigation for levels at or above 4 pCi/L.
If Radon Is Elevated
Mitigation is well-established and typically costs $800–$2,500. A sub-slab depressurization system — essentially a pipe and fan that vents radon before it enters the living space — reduces levels to safe ranges in the vast majority of cases. It’s not a deal-killer. It’s a manageable, solvable problem.
The Inspection Boys can add radon testing to any home inspection on Long Island. Book at homeinspectionsli.com.
