What is radon?                                                 

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas resulting from the decay of uranium in the rocks, soil and ground of the earth. You cannot see, smell or taste radon but it may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Should you test for radon?

Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any health problems surface and then it may be too late. If you have a finished basement with an office, exercise room, bedroom, or living space, a radon test is strongly suggested. Even if you are purchasing a home with a radon mitigation system in place, an independent test can be performed to see that the system is working properly.

This inspector does radon testing, but does not do radon mitigation, or system installations, as to avoid conflicts of interest. New radon laws, starting July 2011 in Kansas, will allow for testers to also install mitigation systems. Use caution when using companies that do both, as this may be a conflict of interest.

Gary uses special, multiple radon test kits, and not electronic equipment, as to prevent testing failures/programming. See the "click here" link below that sends you to the testing company that I use, and for more radon information.

Radon tests are mostly all placed in basement areas, which are the lowest available living areas of a home. Homes with crawl spaces generally do not need radon testing, but under home spaces should be properly vented in warm seasons, and plastic ground covers installed. Close crawl space vents when outside air temperatures fall below 35 degrees. If you have a basement, running of a dehumidifier year round can keep basement areas dry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association and National Safety Council all recommend testing your home for radon.

Can you fix the problem?

If you find that your home has high radon levels, there are ways to reduce the concentrations. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Contact us for testing and more information.

Please note:  It takes 4-6 working days to receive the results of the radon test. Radon testing is only for the period of time noted on the test results. Radon measurements can change due to weather, earth, and home conditions. Click here for more radon information.

Gary has taken and completed the NACHI Radon Measurement Service Provider course.