Moving into a new home is a stressful, exciting event, and while there are many things to keep in mind throughout the process of buying a house, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that radon testing is one that should not be overlooked.

In a recent press release, members of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) voiced their growing concern for homes in high radon areas and homebuilders who continue to dodge the issue. As a result of this concern, the AARST has written a code-ready standard, to be published in 2013, that suggests that homes in high-risk areas be built with a removal system and receive professional radon testing before anyone moves in.

According to the EPA, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, making it the second leading cause behind cigarettes. Radon is a radioactive natural gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil. It's odorless, tasteless and invisible, making it difficult to detect.

"It is deeply troubling that nearly 25 years after the U.S. Congress signed the Indoor Radon Abatement Act that homebuilders continue to construct new homes with elevated radon concentrations and then sell those homes to unsuspecting homebuyers," David Kapturowski, Vice President of AARST, said in the press release.

Moving into a new house that hasn't received a proper home inspection is a dangerous idea, as it can lead to lots of repair costs, and can even seriously compromise your health. If you're thinking of buying a new house, or if you want to conduct radon testing at your current property, a home inspection contractor can help you determine if you're safe, and what to do if you aren't. For those of you in the Maryland or Washington D.C. area, contact Alban Inspections to schedule a radon test.