The Hidden Radon Danger That Could Derail Your Real Estate Deal

Imagine this: You’ve finally found your dream home. The location is ideal, the layout checks every box, and the price is within reach. Everything is moving smoothly—until a routine radon test throws a wrench into the deal.

This is the hidden threat many Illinois homebuyers and sellers overlook: radon, an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and pose serious health risks. Despite its dangers, radon is often ignored in real estate transactions, potentially leading to delayed closings, lost deals, and costly negotiations.

At Quality Environmental Testing Inc., we help you avoid those surprises by providing certified radon testing services you can trust.

What Is Radon and Why Should You Be Concerned?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It enters homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, sump pits, or crawl spaces. Once inside, radon can accumulate to harmful levels, especially in winter when homes are sealed tight.

Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after smoking. What makes it even more dangerous is its unpredictability—two neighboring homes can have drastically different radon levels. Just because your neighbor’s house tested low doesn’t mean yours will.

How Radon Can Disrupt Your Home Purchase

Real estate deals are often time-sensitive, and discovering high radon levels during a home inspection can throw everything off course. Buyers typically have three choices when radon is detected:

• Request the seller mitigate the issue before closing

• Negotiate the sale price to account for mitigation costs

• Walk away from the deal

Each scenario can cause delays, uncertainty, or even cause the transaction to fall through—especially when buyers aren't familiar with the mitigation process or are concerned about long-term health risks.

To make matters more complex, some mortgage lenders may require radon testing or mitigation before approving financing. Without certified testing and documentation, financing and even home insurance can become more difficult.

Legal and Disclosure Risks for Sellers

In Illinois, while disclosure laws may vary, it's in the seller's best interest to proactively test and disclose radon levels. Failing to do so may result in legal consequences or damage your credibility with potential buyers. Even if the law doesn’t require disclosure, buyers can take legal action later if they suffer health consequences due to radon exposure.

Sellers who test and mitigate radon upfront have a competitive edge: they demonstrate transparency and eliminate a potential barrier for buyers.

What Homebuyers Should Do Before Making an Offer

If you’re house hunting, don’t skip the radon conversation. Start by asking if the seller has existing test results, and confirm that testing was conducted by a certified professional like those at Quality Environmental Testing Inc.

Even if results are available, it’s wise to conduct your own test—especially if they’re outdated or conducted improperly. Our certified team uses calibrated, professional-grade radon monitors for accurate readings. We offer both long-term and short-term testing options depending on your timeline.

If levels exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L (equivalent to ~148 Bq/m³), factor mitigation costs into your offer or negotiate for the seller to handle it.

How Sellers Can Prevent Radon-Related Deal Breakers

Selling your home? Testing for radon before listing can help prevent costly surprises. A documented low radon level—or an installed mitigation system—makes your home more marketable and minimizes last-minute buyer objections.

If testing reveals elevated levels, installing a mitigation system beforehand shows responsibility and increases buyer trust. It can also justify a higher asking price while helping you stay ahead of potential legal issues.

Take Control: Protect Your Investment and Your Health

Radon may be invisible, but its impact on your health and your real estate transaction is very real. Whether you're buying or selling, proactive radon testing can make the difference between a smooth closing and a lost deal.

That’s where Quality Environmental Testing Inc. comes in. Our certified professionals provide accurate, professional radon testing using state-of-the-art equipment calibrated annually. If mitigation is needed, we can refer trusted Illinois mitigation contractors to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.

Let Radon Be a Selling Point, Not a Stumbling Block

Don’t let radon catch you off guard. Whether you're entering the market as a buyer, seller, or agent, having a plan in place protects your investment and your peace of mind.

Contact Quality Environmental Testing Inc. today to schedule certified radon testing and ensure your next real estate transaction goes smoothly from start to finish.