Direct answer
What does radon mean?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter buildings from the ground and cannot be seen or smelled.
Exam cue: Testing is the way to determine a building's radon level. Do not infer safety from location or building age alone.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A buyer uses a qualified test to measure radon before deciding whether mitigation is needed.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Radon is a gas, not a visible mold or an asbestos fiber.
Related construction and environment terms
AsbestosAsbestos is a group of mineral fibers formerly used in many building materials and associated with health risks when fibers become airborne and are inhaled.Environmental assessment formAn environmental assessment form (EAF) is a New York SEQRA form used by an agency to help evaluate the environmental significance of a proposed action.Environmental impact statementAn environmental impact statement (EIS) is a detailed document examining potentially significant environmental impacts, mitigation and reasonable alternatives under SEQRA.FoundationA foundation is the part of a structure that transfers building loads to the soil or supporting material below.Lead-based paintLead-based paint is paint containing lead that can create serious health hazards, especially for children, when it deteriorates or creates contaminated dust.Load-bearing wallA load-bearing wall is a wall that carries structural load from above in addition to its own weight.
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