Buying a home in Elizabethtown is an exciting milestone, but one invisible threat could quietly undermine your investment—and your health. That threat is radon gas. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Yet it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and it often enters homes without warning. That’s why radon testing in Elizabethtown, KY should never be overlooked.
As a local home inspections contractor, we’ve seen how often radon levels go unchecked in properties across Hardin County. If you’re buying a home, especially in Central Kentucky, testing for radon should be just as essential as checking the roof or plumbing.
What Is Radon and Why Should You Care?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. It seeps up through the ground and can enter homes through:
- Cracks in foundations
- Gaps around pipes or drains
- Crawl spaces and sump pits
- Well water in some rural areas
Once inside, it gets trapped, especially in well-sealed or poorly ventilated homes. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can lead to serious health issues—even for people who have never smoked.
Radon Is a Real Issue in Kentucky
Many homes in the Elizabethtown area sit on soil and rock known to emit radon. Kentucky is classified as a high-risk state by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which makes radon testing in Elizabethtown, KY not just smart, but essential.
How Radon Testing Works
Short-Term Testing
The most common type used during real estate transactions is short-term testing. This process typically takes 48 to 96 hours and measures the radon level inside the home. The test unit is placed in the lowest livable area of the house, like a basement or crawl space.
Long-Term Testing
This is more accurate but less practical during a home sale. Long-term testing lasts over 90 days and accounts for seasonal changes in radon levels. However, if you’re already living in a home and want the most precise picture, this is a great option.
Acceptable Radon Levels
The EPA recommends mitigation for any radon level at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). However, even levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L can pose a risk and are worth addressing.
What Happens If Your New Home Has High Radon Levels?
Finding out your prospective home has high radon levels doesn’t mean you should walk away from the deal. It simply means mitigation is needed.
Radon Mitigation Systems
These systems are designed to reduce radon levels by venting the gas out of the house. A common method is sub-slab depressurization, which involves inserting a pipe through the foundation and using a fan to pull the radon from beneath the home and vent it safely above the roofline.
The systems are relatively affordable, effective, and can be installed with minimal disruption. Many buyers negotiate to have the seller cover mitigation costs before closing.
Why Radon Testing Should Be Part of Every Home Inspection
As a professional home inspector in Elizabethtown, KY, our goal is to uncover every potential issue with a property—seen and unseen. Radon is invisible, but it’s a real and measurable risk.
Unfortunately, radon testing isn’t always included in a standard home inspection, so it’s important to request it. Including this test during the inspection period gives buyers the opportunity to make informed decisions and protect their families.
Home Features That May Increase Risk
While radon can be found in any home, certain features can raise concern, such as:
- Homes with basements or crawl spaces
- Homes built on bedrock or high-uranium soil
- Newer, airtight homes with limited ventilation
- Older homes with unsealed foundations
Local Insight: Elizabethtown, KY’s Radon Risk
The Elizabethtown area has geology that supports radon buildup, particularly in neighborhoods built on limestone and shale. Local homes, especially those with finished basements or older construction, often test above the EPA threshold. That’s why radon testing in Elizabethtown, KY isn’t something to skip or delay—it could save your life.
Schedule Radon Testing Before You Close—Protect Your Family and Investment
Don’t let an invisible gas jeopardize your family’s health or your financial future. Radon testing is quick, affordable, and one of the most important steps you can take before purchasing a home.
At My New Kentucky Home Inspections LLC, we specialize in radon testing in Elizabethtown, KY and full residential inspections. Let our experienced team give you peace of mind before move-in day.
Call today to schedule your inspection and radon test:
Matt: 502-744-1200
Paul: 502-715-0020
Buying a home is a big move. Make sure it’s a safe one.
