Radiation worries most of us, mainly because it is invisible: we cannot tell whether the home we want to buy is exposed to excessive radiation, or judge which of the fields around us, electrical or cellular, are actually dangerous and at what level. We live surrounded by radiation every day, and not all of it is harmful.
To be sure that the property you want to buy has no radiation problems, have it tested professionally as part of a general home inspection (bedek bayit), before you make the final decision to buy.
Purpose of the radiation test
As part of a home inspection, the radiation surveyor locates the sources of radiation inside and outside the building, and advises you on ways to reduce your exposure, even where levels are already below the Israeli standard. At the end of the test you receive a detailed summary report of all the findings.
Who is qualified to test for radiation?
A radiation testing expert has a background in electronic engineering, training from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and a permit to measure and carry out these tests. They must be able to show they have the right equipment for the job, and have it calibrated every year at a state-approved laboratory.
Types of radiation
- Cellular radiation, from communication sources such as mobile devices and antennas.
- Electrical radiation, from high-voltage lines, power poles and electrical cabinets.
Cellular radiation
A building inspection for cellular radiation matters because you can never know, just by looking, whether an antenna has been installed near your apartment. As the number of mobile devices grows, carriers need to expand coverage, so more antennas keep going up near residential areas and public spaces.
The health effects of cellular radiation are not yet fully understood, but some studies link it to harm to the brain or to fertility. It is worth taking this seriously and choosing a home inspection that covers it.
Electrical (electromagnetic) radiation
Appliances in the home, nearby power lines and transformers all produce electric and magnetic fields. Electrical installations near a home can expose you to radiation that may be carcinogenic, especially with long-term exposure.
This test matters because you have no control over the infrastructure surrounding an apartment you are about to buy, and you do not want to discover the problem after the purchase. Electromagnetic radiation is especially dangerous for children, who are more sensitive to high-voltage lines and the radiation they emit.
In the end, a beautiful apartment in a great location is no comfort if you later find out it sits in an area with high radiation levels. Your health comes first. Everything else comes after.
The engineers of Arad Bedek Bayit, led by building engineer Ron Arad, whom courts appoint as their own expert on construction defects. The company has been inspecting apartments and buildings since 2001. Engineer Ron Arad · More about the company