What is the primary purpose of conducting radon testing in residential buildings?

Conducting radon testing in residential buildings primarily aims to assess health risks associated with radon exposure. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate in homes, especially in areas with poor ventilation or where radon is naturally present in the soil. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon has been linked to lung cancer, making it essential to identify and mitigate such risks for the health and safety of the occupants.

While improving air quality, ensuring compliance with local laws, and determining property value are important considerations, they are secondary to the primary health focus of radon testing. Radon testing enables homeowners and potential buyers to make informed decisions about remediation efforts and to take necessary actions to reduce radon levels and thereby lower the associated health risks. The priority of radon measurement is fundamentally geared towards protecting human health.