What is Radon Gas and How Do We Test for it?
Radon gas is a serious health hazard that can seep into our homes through any crack it can find. It is a natural source of radiation and can be very harmful to adults, children, and pets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States behind smoking and the leading cause of cancer for non-smokers. Testing is the only way to know if a home or' levels of radon are high, but there is no known safe level of exposure.
Radon exposure is a serious concern for homes and businesses, and testing is the only way to know if levels are high. The EPA suggests mitigation once concentrations reach 2pCi/L, but unfortunately, levels as high as 177 PCi/L have been reported in our tri-state area of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In some areas, 1 in 4 homes have levels above 4 pCi/L, which can have a strong negative impact on indoor air quality. It's important to take action to ensure the safety of your indoor environment.
Radon gas seeps into homes through various entry points, such as foundation cracks and poorly sealed pipes. The accumulation of gas in confined spaces, particularly basements and other low-lying areas, can lead to hazardous levels over time. Exposure to radon gas can have severe potentially fatal consequences for both humans and pets. It is crucial to ensure proper sealing to prevent gas ingress and mitigate the associated risks.
Testing for Radon Gas in Residential Home:
Two radon monitors are placed in the lowest level of your home under closed home conditions for a minimum of 48 hours. Once the radon monitors have been retrieved, your technician will send youa report outlining the average radon level in your home as well as indicate if your Radon Levels are low or elevated.
All windows need to be shut 12 hours prior to the start of the test and remain shut through the entire duration of the testing period. Exterior doors may be opened for normal use but cannot be propped open. Failure to comply with closed house conditions may result in either a false low radon level or even a false elevated level. Your technician may order a 4 day test if windows are open at the start of the testing period or may declare the results void if windows are opened during the testing period or at the end.
Additional Information Regarding Radon Testing
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Conducted by professionals certified by the NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program)
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An initial radon inspection can be included with a home inspection or independently.
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How much time it takes:
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Our inspectors need 10 minutes without a home inspection for the best placement of the devices.
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No extra time is required when paired with a home inspection
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The electrets (how we test the radon levels in the home) need 48 hours to take a reliable reading
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After that 48 hours, we'll send a technician by to pick them up
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In 95% of cases, you get the results the same day we pick up the electrets.
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Unobtrusive, this is a passive test so it won't hurt you, your family, or your pets. You may even forget it's happening!
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Please keep windows closed for more accurate test results.
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The inspection is good for two years, after that the EPA recommends getting tested again.
Note: This page is about residential radon testing, for information about commercial or large-scale radon testing click here.
Specialized Radon Testing
Reliable Home Inspection Services provides professional Radon Testing services for various types of properties, such as schools, daycares, apartments, and multi-family homes. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of your property and its occupants. Contact us today to schedule your Radon Testing appointment at 877-993-9100 or email us at info@reliablehomeinspectionservice.com.
If you're interested in learning more about our Large Scale Radon Testing Services for Multi-family Dwellings, click here. Our team of experts will collaborate with you to develop a customized testing action plan that adheres to both AARST and HUD Radon Testing Protocols.
Ensure the safety of your students and staff with our Professional Radon Testing Services for Childcare facilities. We specialize in testing schools, daycares, and other childcare facilities, and we follow state testing standards to create a personalized Radon Testing Proposal for your institution. Click here to learn more about our services and how we can help you provide a healthy environment for everyone.
Radon Test Results & What they Mean for Your Health and Home
If your radon levels are 4pCi/L or greater, then we, the EPA, the Surgeon General, the CDC, and the state offices in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland all recommend a radon mitigation program. If you are interested in pursing radon mitigation with us please click here.
The EPA recommends "that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2pCi/L and 4pCi/L." If you would like to fix, reduce, or mitigate radon with us, then please check out our mitigation page, here.
If your radon results are Low you don't need to pursue radon mitigation. Remember the EPA recommends testing every two years or with any additions or renovations you may add to your home.
Radon Notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
The Radon Certification Act Requires that anyone who provides any radon-related service or product to the general public must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. You are entitled to evidence of certification from any person who provides such services or products. You are also entitled to a price list of services or products offered. All radon measurements data will be sent to the department as required in the act and will be kept confidential. If you have any questions, comments or complaints concerning persons who provide radon-related services, please contact the department at the Bureau of Radiation Protection, Department of Environmental Protection, P.O. Box 8469, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8469, (717) 783-3594 or (800) 237-2366.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: How long does a radon inspection take?
A: If you're getting any kind of home inspection the radon inspection won't add a significant amount of time. But if the radon inspection is scheduled without a home inspection please allow our qualified professionals up to an hour.
Q: How long does the radon test take?
A: The radon test takes 48 hours, after that, an environmental technician will pick up the tests.
Q: Do the results need to go to a lab?
A: No, we can read the results in our office!
Q: When will I get the results of my radon test?
A: The same day the technician goes to pick them up for pick-ups before 4:00 pm. Pick-ups after 4:00 pm may be read the next morning.
Q: If radon is radioactive, then are the devices used to test it also radioactive?
A: No, the electrets we use to test for radon are harmless. They are not radioactive.
Q: Will the devices hurt my children or my pets?
A: Nope! The electrets are harmless and it's a passive test.
Q: Is there anything I need to do for the inspection?
A: Please keep the windows closed and the doors closed as much as possible for the duration of the 48hr test.
Q: Is Radon Gas also harmful to dogs and cats?
A: Unfortunately, elevated radon gas is harmful to dogs and cats; it's actually potentially even more harmful to them due to their smaller lungs.
" Pets are small, and so are their lungs, meaning their lungs can be damaged much quicker than human lungs. Like humans, they don’t show symptoms of radiation poisoning until they’re already sick. This can include fever, coughing, a lack of appetite, abnormal swelling, breathing troubles, vomiting, and more. If radon is trapped indoors with your pet, it becomes a hazardous substance for your furry friend. It’s especially problematic if your pet prefers the basement, where radon is most likely to convene. It’s estimated that radon is responsible for 20,000 deaths a year. Radon can be dealt with, and a checkup at the vet can ensure your pet’s health is top-notch. (Source: www.inspectionsupport.com/how-dangerous-is-radon-for-your-pets)
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Radon Health Effects
Long-term exposure to radon gas is often deadly. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the 2nd leading cause in smokers. Every year in the United States, around 21,000 people die due to radon-related lung cancer. Your risk is increased by both the levels of radon in your home and your time of exposure.
If you are a smoker or have recently quit smoking, or have a family history of lung cancer you are at a higher risk from radon. Children may also be at higher risk.
The EPA has set the radon action level at 4.0 Picocuries/liter. This is the level at which a homeowner should have their home's radon mitigated. However, exposure to any level of radon can have damaging effects and homes above 2.0 pc/l should consider radon mitigation.
