Radon Testing in South Carolina: What Buyers Should Know

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that most buyers never think about, but it’s a legitimate health consideration worth understanding as part of your home buying process. Here’s what you need to know.

What Radon Actually Is

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through foundation cracks, crawl spaces, and other entry points, and prolonged exposure to elevated levels is a recognized health risk, particularly related to long-term lung health.

Does South Carolina Have Radon Concerns?

Radon levels vary significantly by geology, and while South Carolina generally has lower average radon levels than many parts of the country, elevated levels can still occur in specific areas, including parts of the Upstate. Because radon levels vary even between neighboring properties depending on soil composition, the only reliable way to know a specific home’s radon level is to test it directly.

How Radon Testing Works

Radon testing typically involves placing a testing device in the lowest livable level of the home for a specified period, commonly 48 hours for a short-term test, and then having results analyzed. This is a straightforward, relatively inexpensive test that can be arranged through your home inspector or a specialized radon testing service.

What Happens If Levels Are Elevated

If a test comes back showing elevated radon levels, the EPA recommends mitigation for levels at or above a specific threshold. Radon mitigation systems, typically involving a vent pipe and fan system that redirects gas from beneath the home to the outside, are a well-established, generally moderate-cost solution that effectively reduces radon levels in most homes.

Should You Test Every Home You’re Considering?

Radon testing isn’t automatically included in a standard home inspection and typically needs to be requested separately. Given the relatively low cost of testing compared to the potential health consideration, I generally recommend it as part of your due diligence, particularly for homes with basements or crawl spaces, regardless of the general regional radon profile.

If you have questions about radon testing for a property you’re considering, I’m happy to help you understand your options. Reach me at 864.913.8295 or Ambur.Davis@Century21Blackwell.com.