When you're buying or selling a home in Mid-Missouri, there's a long list of things to consider—home inspections, financing, negotiations, and paperwork. But one often-overlooked detail can have a significant impact on your health and peace of mind: radon.
At CENTURY 21® Community, we believe our clients deserve more than just smooth transactions—they deserve safe homes. That’s why we always recommend considering a radon inspection as part of the home buying or selling process. Let’s walk through what radon is, why it matters, and how a simple test can protect your health and your investment.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless—meaning you won’t know it’s in your home unless you test for it.
Radon enters homes through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, floor drains, and even well water. Over time, long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country, second only to smoking.
Why Radon Is a Concern in Missouri
Radon levels vary across the country, but Mid-Missouri is considered a high-risk area for radon exposure. The EPA recommends radon testing for all homes in Zone 1 counties, which includes many of the communities we serve, such as:
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Columbia
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Jefferson City
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Ashland
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Fulton
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Boonville
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Moberly
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Mexico
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California
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Centralia
Whether you're buying a new home or selling your current one, knowing the radon levels can help avoid costly surprises and ensure everyone involved can make informed decisions.
Benefits of a Radon Inspection
1. Protects Your Health
The most important reason to test for radon is to protect yourself and anyone else living in the home. Elevated levels can often be corrected with a mitigation system, but without testing, there’s no way to know it’s an issue.
2. Informs Buyers and Builds Trust
Sellers who proactively test for radon—and provide results—can help reduce buyer anxiety and keep negotiations on track. It shows transparency and concern for the well-being of future occupants.
3. Supports Negotiations
If high radon levels are detected during a transaction, buyers and sellers can negotiate who pays for the mitigation. Addressing it early in the process allows for smoother agreements and fewer surprises before closing.
4. Adds Value Over Time
A home with a radon mitigation system in place can be a plus for future buyers. It shows that the property has been properly maintained and that environmental health has been considered.
How Radon Testing Works
Radon testing is simple and affordable. A licensed professional places a test kit in the lowest livable level of the home, typically over a 48-hour period. The results show the average radon level in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends mitigation if levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L.
If mitigation is needed, a radon reduction system can often be installed in a day and typically costs between $800 and $1,500. It’s a small investment that can make a major difference.
Final Thoughts
At CENTURY 21® Community, we guide our clients through every aspect of the real estate journey—including what to expect from inspections. A radon test is one of the most overlooked, yet most important, steps you can take to ensure a home is safe and sound.
Whether you're buying or selling in Mid-Missouri, from Columbia to the surrounding counties, we’re here to help you make smart, informed decisions. If you have questions about radon inspections or want to be connected with a trusted local inspector, we’re just a phone call away.