If you’re thinking of buying a home in Charlotte or already live in Charlotte (or really any city in the U.S., for that matter), this blog about radon may be important for you to read.
 Having a family means you do your best to give them a safe and clean environment to live in, right? Personally, I vacuum up dog hair probably twice a day (thank you, Kaya & Moose) and am forever loading the dishwasher. I go to town on making the countertops spotless and tirelessly put toys back into the closet so as to de-clutter my living room.
[For more on de-cluttering, click here: http://charlottesrealestatemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/importance-of-de-cluttering-your-house.html].
Even after all this cleaning, I may still be missing something that could really affect the health of my family.

You’re probably the same way: you have a carbon dioxide alarm, a fire alarm, change your air filters frequently, but have never considered that the odorless, colorless gas called radon could be in your home. I learned recently that radon not only comes from the ground but that it could be in your KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS seeping out from the granite or marble!


Fortunately, having a high level of radon in your home is more easily treatable than the other household concerns like lead & mold. If radon is found in your home, a ventilation system can be installed to circulate the radon out safely.
I was shocked and appalled that after all of my efforts to keep my home clean and safe for my baby by wiping, sudsing, and Swiffering, I may still be putting her at risk.

Chances are, your house is at a safe radon level. But just in case, head to your local hardware store and get a test. I’ve looked at a few places and a test will generally run you about $30. It may be a good idea to do this before you list your home so you’re aware of the problem before folks buying a home in Charlotte come through the doors.

Go get the test for your peace of mind. The gov’t actually just lowered the level of radon considered “safe”, so if you have any questions about how much radon is acceptable, which strains of granite they’re finding radon in, or how to conduct the radon test, shoot me an email at sarah@sarahmartinhomes.com .


Happy Cleaning!