Yes, Radon has been proven to be the second leading cause of Lung Cancer in the United States.  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 21,000 Americans die each year from indoor Radon exposure causing Lung Cancer.

Radon naturally forms from within the Earth, and is released from rock materials.  High levels of concentrated Radon tend to form in basements, crawl spaces, and under concrete slabs.  The Radon then passes upwards and through the floors and walls into the building itself.  Once inside Radon can become even more concentrated, or even trapped in these areas.

One in every 15 homes in the United States has elevated levels of Radon, based on E.P.A. standards.  However, the World Health Organization has also stated that they do not believe that any level of exposure to Radon should be considered as a safe level.  Testing for Radon is a simple way to ensure that your home, or building, is safe for all who occupy it.  Studies show that most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors, making our indoor air quality just a important as our outdoor air quality.

Yes, and you have the right to test and you should test any building for Radon before you purchase it.  The National Realtors Association of America, actually recommends Radon testing on every home purchase.  In fact, they have even created countless numbers of articles and marketing pieces for distribution to home buyers which Realtors can provide to their clients during the home buying transaction.

For real estate transactions involving Radon testing, a 48 hour test using a Continuous Radon Monitoring Devices is used.  This electronic device will provide hourly readouts as to what the recorded pCi (picocurie) rate is for the building.  We can drop off on day one, pick up the machine anytime after 48 hours later, (the machine is only about the size of a small laptop), and we can have the results of the testing to you that same day.

We have found that using Electronic Continuous Monitoring Devises over charcoal-based,  or mailed in laboratory kits, tend to be the most accurate and quickest way to obtain results on Radon testing.  The inspection report will provide a hour by hour pCi/L level, state what the average pCi/L level was over the course of the 48 hours monitored, and whether or not we recommend taking action steps to reduce Radon levels within the home/building.

Yes, our team works directly with homeowners, builders/developers, and Realtors.  Once your Radon testing is completed we will provide you with detailed results, and any recommended actions to take, as well as provide a copy of the inspection report to your Realtor if you like.  We understand that if the home tests positive for Radon, and action steps are recommended to reduce Radon levels, your Realtor will need our detailed report to use when negotiating the purchase of the property.

The E.P.A. has set a take “Action Level” of 4 or greater pCi/L , and at this recorded average measurement we will recommend Radon Mitigation steps be taken.  Mitigation can be performed in a number of different ways based on how the home is constructed, and where the Radon was detected.  We are happy to provide you with a number of options on how to move forward.  However, no action at all is required by you, as you have the choice as to what step you may or may not take with findings of the Radon inspection.

Mitigation systems and cost may vary based on the home’s size, construction style, foundation type, and more.  Generally Radon mitigation costs will average between $2,000 and $4,000.    An set priced, upfront quote is always the best way to determine exactly what to budget for the work in advance.