Radon Testing In Your Area

Need Radon Testing? Here’s What You Should Know

Meta Description: Discover the importance of radon testing for your home’s safety. Learn about test types, EPA guidelines, and how to protect your family from this invisible threat.

Radon is a silent killer. This radioactive gas causes lung cancer in non-smokers. It claims over 21,000 lives yearly in the US.

Radon can sneak into your home unnoticed. It puts your family’s health at risk. But there’s hope – radon testing can detect this invisible threat.

Key Takeaways

• Radon is a radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and buildings, posing a serious health risk.
• Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels, as the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
• The U.S. EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor for radon, as levels can vary greatly even within the same neighborhood.
• Radon testing kits are affordable and widely available, making it easy to check the safety of your living environment.
• Addressing high radon levels through mitigation systems is crucial to protecting your family’s health and wellbeing.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas from uranium breakdown in soil, rock, and water. It seeps through the ground and enters homes through foundation cracks. Radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, detectable only by testing.

Radon is present in homes across the United States. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. High radon levels can increase lung cancer risk, even for non-smokers.

Monitoring radon levels and taking action is crucial for protecting your family’s health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the safety limit at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Radon exists in all homes, regardless of age, construction, or location. Common building materials can contribute to elevated radon levels. These include granite, gypsum, natural stone, brick, concrete, and sandstone.

Monitoring and addressing radon in your home is vital. It helps protect your family’s health from this hidden danger.

Protecting Your Family from Radon

Radon is the top cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Smokers living in high-radon homes face an even greater risk. The combination of radon and smoking dramatically increases lung cancer chances.

Radon can be present in any building, regardless of age or construction. Testing is the only way to detect high radon levels. If levels are high, contact a licensed professional for radon reduction.

The EPA estimates radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths yearly in the US. A proper radon reduction system can lower levels by up to 99% in homes.

Your family’s health is priceless. Test your home for radon and take action if levels are high. It’s a smart investment in your loved ones’ well-being.

Why Should You Test for Radon?

Radon testing safeguards your family’s health. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon can be found in homes nationwide, regardless of age, construction, or location.

The EPA and Surgeon General estimate radon causes 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths yearly. This silent threat affects homes across the country.

Radon levels vary greatly, even within neighborhoods. The national indoor average is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Outdoor levels average about 0.4 pCi/L.

In areas like Colorado, homes often have indoor radon levels above 4 pCi/L. This is the EPA’s recommended action level.

You should test your home for radon if:

• Your home has never been tested before
• The radon levels in your home are unknown
• You are preparing to buy or sell the home
• You are planning any major renovations, especially in the basement or lower levels

Radon levels can change over time. Even if previously tested, it’s wise to check again. Professional testing provides more accurate results than DIY kits.

Testing for radon and addressing high levels reduces lung cancer risk. It’s a crucial step in protecting your family’s health. Don’t delay – test your home today.

Types of Radon Tests

Radon tests come in two main types: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests measure radon levels for 2 to 90 days. These include charcoal tests and continuous radon monitors.

Long-term tests measure radon for over 90 days. They give a better idea of average radon levels in a home. The EPA recommends short-term tests for quick results when buying or selling a home.

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The EPA suggests action if levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher. Licensed professionals should conduct tests for accurate results.

Short-Term Radon Tests

• Charcoal tests typically provide results within 2 to 7 days for initial screening.
• Continuous radon monitors (CRMs) like the Radon Sentinel™ Radon Measurement System offer hourly readings for 48 hours, delivering detailed reports within a few days.

Long-Term Radon Tests

• Long-term test kits, such as alpha track detectors, remain in the home for 90 days to a year to provide a comprehensive average of radon levels over time.
• Long-term tests are useful for confirming initial short-term results that fall between 4 pCi/L and 10 pCi/L.

Professional radon testing is vital for accurate results. These results guide steps to protect your family’s health and safety. Choose the right test to ensure your home’s air quality.

Understanding Radon Test Results

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The EPA has set an action level of 4 pCi/L. If your home’s radon level reaches this amount, take steps to reduce it.

There’s no safe level of radon. Even levels below 4 pCi/L can pose a risk. The higher the radon level, the greater the lung cancer risk.

The national indoor average for radon is 1.3 pCi/L. Outdoor air averages 0.4 pCi/L. If your test shows 4 pCi/L or higher, contact a licensed radon mitigation professional.

A radon reduction system can lower levels in your home. Retest after installation to ensure effective reduction. Test results are usually available 3-5 days after the lab receives the sampler.

Protect your family by understanding radon test results. Take necessary steps to reduce high levels of this invisible gas. Your actions can safeguard your loved ones from potential health risks.

Next Steps After Testing

If your radon test results show a level of 4 pCi/L or higher, act quickly. The EPA advises immediate action to lower the radon levels in your home. Start by conducting a second retest to confirm the initial results.

If follow-up tests still show high levels, seek help from a licensed professional. They can install a radon reduction system to remove the gas from your home.

After installation, retest your home to check if radon levels have dropped. These steps are vital for your family’s health and cancer risk reduction.

Mitigating High Radon Levels

• Conduct a second radon test to verify initial results if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L
• Contact a licensed radon mitigation professional to install a radon reduction system
• Retest your home after the system is installed to ensure radon levels are effectively reduced
• Follow EPA recommendations to protect your family’s health and reduce lung cancer risk

Where to Find Reliable Radon Testing Resources

Worried about radon in your home? Contact your state radon office for valuable information. They can provide a list of qualified radon testers in your area.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers helpful resources too. Their National Radon Hotline provides information on testing and mitigation.

Kansas State University maintains the National Radon Program Services. This resource helps find qualified radon measurement professionals. It also teaches about radon testing procedures.

These reliable sources ensure accurate information to protect your family. Radon-induced lung cancer causes over 21,000 deaths yearly. Up to 15% of all lung cancer cases link to radon exposure.

• State radon office: Provides information on radon testing and mitigation, and a list of qualified radon testers in your area.
• EPA resources: Includes the National Radon Hotline, which offers information on radon testing and mitigation.
• National Radon Program Services: Maintained by Kansas State University, this resource can help you find qualified radon measurement professionals and learn more about radon testing.

Use these reliable radon testing resources to keep your home safe. You can then take steps to fix any high radon levels found.

Radon Testing During Real Estate Transactions

Radon testing is crucial when buying or selling a home. The EPA advises testing during real estate deals to spot and fix radon issues. This step is vital for protecting your family’s health.

Sellers should test homes before listing and share results with buyers. If untested, buyers should get it done before purchase. New home buyers should ask about radon-resistant features used in construction.

For quick results, the EPA suggests three short-term testing options. These tests last two to seven days. High radon levels may lead to negotiating mitigation costs with the seller.

Radon is the top lung cancer cause in non-smokers. It’s the second leading cause overall. Tackling high radon levels before moving in is essential for your family’s safety.

The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon. This applies to homes being bought, sold, or long-held by families. Testing ensures your new home is safe and healthy.

The FindPros Advantage

Concerned about high radon levels in your home? FindPros can help. Simply fill out a short survey about your home and project needs, and we’ll match you with top-rated local professionals who can properly test for radon and provide effective mitigation solutions. No need to worry about “do-it-yourself” short-term tests or interpreting long-term results – our experts will guide you every step of the way. Protect your family’s public health by working with FindPros to determine the best course of action and get the job completed safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Radon is a serious health concern. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon exposure puts your family’s well-being at risk.

Testing is the only way to detect radon. It’s an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas. The EPA and Surgeon General advise testing all homes below the third floor.

High radon levels require action. Install a mitigation system to protect your family. This ensures your home remains safe and healthy.

Radon testing and mitigation are vital. They maintain your home’s safety and reduce health risks. Don’t delay in prioritizing these steps.

Act now to safeguard your family. Identify and address elevated radon levels in your home. Create a healthier living space and reduce lung cancer threats.