Radon Testing

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Does your home have elevated Radon levels?  The only way to know for sure is to have a Radon Test.

You can’t see, smell, taste, or feel Radon.  But surprisingly, it’s the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking).

Radon, a known carcinogen, is a radioactive gas. It comes up from the ground and accumulates in the air we breathe regardless of if the home is on a basement, crawlspace, or concrete slab. And that’s why it needs to be tested for.

If a test shows levels are at or above 4.0 pc/L, the EPA recommends mitigation.  A properly installed Radon mitigation system can reduce levels by 50 – 99%.

The cost of Radon Testing is $150 with a home inspection, or $200 without.

Below are key statements about Radon from the Environmental Protection Agency:

Who should test for Radon?

  • Anyone buying or selling a home should have it tested for Radon.

What is Radon?

  • Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils.

Where is it found?

  • High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.

How does it get into a home?

  • It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.

How many people are affected by Radon?

  • The EPA estimates that radon causes about 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the U.S. If you smoke and your home has a high radon level, your risk of lung cancer can increase even more.

Can high levels of Radon be fixed?

  • There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but
    the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon
    from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home.

More Radon Information

Bill Wilkinson

  • Certified Professional Inspector
  • State-Certified Primary Radon Tester
  • License #RTP01276