What is Radon, and is it Harmful?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless. Radon is an element that forms naturally when radioactive compounds decay in the Earth’s crust everywhere on the planet. Radon makes its way into soil and water above and below the Earth’s surface and can be found both inside and outside of man-made structures. Radon tends to concentrate inside structures and in water supplies when it finds a path from the underground into contained spaces. Radon clings to dust and other air particles and can then be inhaled by humans.
Radon is the
second leading
cause of lung cancer, trailing only smoking. Smokers who are exposed to Radon have a significantly higher risk of lung cancer from Radon exposure. Radon changes the molecular structure of certain cells in the human body that can lead to cancer. There are no symptoms of Radon exposure until lung cancer is present in the body.
What is Radon Testing?
Radon testing is the only way to find out if your home or business contains any level of Radon gas. Specialized equipment is necessary to test for Radon. Our professional home inspection company can determine which types of devices are needed to test your property depending on your particular circumstances.
There are a variety of different device types that can test for Radon. Passive devices do not need power to operate. They generally capture air inside a building which is then professionally tested for any level of Radon gas. Active devices are powered and provide more continuous feedback to a professional tester of any Radon in a building and any fluctuations in the levels of Radon present at different times.
Depending on the device used and the type of testing desired, the testing can take a short amount of time or up to 90 days or longer for complete testing. We will consult with you and advise you regarding the most appropriate type of testing for your property.
What Can I Do If My Property Tests Positive for Radon?
If your property tests for Radon at higher than safe levels, continued testing or different testing methods may be needed to verify the exact level of Radon present in your home or business. If the testing continues to show high Radon levels, it will be essential for you to seek professional assistance with Radon mitigation. Without the right expertise and equipment, radon testing, and mitigation by a non-professional can be counterproductive and increase the risk presented by Radon in your building. Depending on the type of structure you have, and whether it is built over a basement or on a slab foundation, different kinds of Radon mitigation systems and repairs are available.
Contact us at The More You Know Inspections, LLC today for more information about Radon testing at your home or business. We will provide you with a quote for testing services at your property and can provide radon testing as part of a complete inspection or as a standalone service.