Radon Testing

When purchasing any home or property we recommended that you test for Radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Ideally the testing takes place at the same time that other inspections and testing is being done on the property you are purchasing.  But if you are already living in your home, the test can still be performed. We will conduct a thorough test to make sure you know if radon is a problem in your current property or in the property you are thinking of purchasing.

Radon is estimated to contribute to many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you increase you chance of developing lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.

Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. 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.

Radon gets in through:

                       Cracks in solid floors                                Construction Joints                              Cracks in the walls

 Gaps in suspended floors                 Gaps around service pipes                   Cavities inside of walls                    The water supply

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in Illinois. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.

You can fix a radon problem. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing all schools. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

For more information on radon tesing visit  www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html

Any home may have a radon problem, Call today to schedule a test for peace of mind.