Radon Testing
Radon Testing
What's The Problem With Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is all around us, whether outdoors or indoors. It is a naturally occurring, noble gas, and is a decay product of uranium (found in all soil) and radium. It emits ionizing radiation, which can alter and damage cell DNA. When outdoors, radon is diluted enough to not cause a problem. However, it becomes dangerous indoors, because it is more concentrated and can’t escape easily. Radon emits from the soil up to the air above, and enters a house through openings and small cracks in the foundation
There are serious health risks associated with radon contamination. Radon is the second-highest cause of lung cancer after smoking, resulting in over 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. It’s the highest cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Central Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the U.S., according to the EPA. The counties that we cover in Central PA are in red Zone 1, indicating a high degree of radon contamination.
The good news is that you can fix a radon problem in a home with a remediation system. These can cost about $1200 to install on average; passive systems cost less than active systems. Reaching the EPA recommended level of 4 pCi/L can sometimes be difficult, but a remediation contractor will know best how to tackle the problem if there is one.
We Can Test Your Home For Radon
The U.S. Surgeon General, the EPA, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection strongly recommend that all home buyers have the home tested for radon. We also recommend this, to protect you and your family.
To test for radon, we place monitoring equipment in the home to accurately measure the concentration of radon. A test result of 4 pCi/L or more is considered an elevated level, and remediation is highly recommended. Typically, the remediation system consists of a PVC pipe inserted into the soil underneath the home, often with a fan installed inline, and routed through the roof, safely venting the gas outdoors. This can also reduce humidity levels in the home. We do not install remediation systems, but can recommend qualified contractors to do so.
Testing for radon levels during a home purchase is smart for any home buyer. Not only does it inform you if your potential home is safe and healthy, but it can also save you money. If there are high levels of radon in the home, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of having remediation installed.
If you are purchasing an old or a new home in Central PA, we strongly recommend that you don’t skip the radon test. We can also perform radon tests if you’ve been living in your home but never had it tested, and maintenance tests to monitor the level of radon over time. For peace of mind, health and safety for you and your family, Contact us today to schedule a radon test
How Radon Enters a Home
