Continuous Radon Monitor Testing
Radon is a Radioactive Gas... You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in our area.
You Should Test for Radon... Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes for radon. This is done by placing an electronic devices in the lowest level of the home to monitor and record the ongoing radon levels. The monitor must remain in the home for a minimum of 48 hours. This will let us know actual house conditions every hour during the test and also give us the overall average to determine if any form of improvement is required.
You Can Fix a Radon Problem... If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
If You Are Selling a Home... the EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels. This could be a positive selling point.
If You Are Buying a Home... the EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you consider buying. If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for any information they have about the system. If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.
The EPA has published a guide to help you with radon questions and testing decisions. It is called A Citizen's Guide to Radon. For more information on how to reduce your radon health risk, call your state radon office for copies of these
If you plan to make repairs or updates to your home yourself, be sure to contact your state radon office or visit our publications site for a current copy of EPA's technical guidance on radon mitigation, "Application of Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses. "
Another great site for additional information is www.howstuffworks.com/radon.htm.