Section #2 of a five part series:

What NOT to Tell Buyers about Radon Testing

Once the buyer is aware of EPA's radon test recommendation, avoid making any statement that could be construed as an attempt to talk them out of it, leaving you responsible.

Don't Say, "Radon really isn't a problem around here." Although some areas certainly have a lower incidence, houses with elevated levels can be found most everywhere. And, two houses side-by-side can have totally different indoor concentrations. If the buyer later discovers a problem, they will likely remember it was you who told them a test was unnecessary. Remember EPA test recommendations don't exclude your homebuyers.

Don't Say, "There's no reason to test this house because…. it's a new house," or "it's on a crawlspace," or "it doesn't have a basement." Radon is an equal opportunity pollutant. New houses as well as those with crawlspace or slab-on-grade foundations are all susceptible. Only houses built on open pier foundations (like at the beach) or apartments above the third floor are unlikely candidates.

Don't Say, "Radon isn't even proven to be a health risk." Radon is a Class A carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. The scientific community and every major health organization rank radon as the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, causing an estimated 14,000 U.S. deaths annually. Like it or not, the buyer will look to you for guidance and expertise. If your responses are inconsistent with government agencies and major health organizations, the buyer will be more apprehensive, and you could be held accountable should that buyer discover a problem in the future.

Watch for Section #3 coming soon: Dealing with a High Test

Have a high Radon test? Give your client our brochure titled:

"Radon - THERE'S NO CAUSE FOR ALARM"

E-mail for a sample or copies for your clients: CDHilton@aol.com.
Please state the following in your e-mail:

Name of brochure requested: ""Radon - THERE'S NO CAUSE FOR ALARM"
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