What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas found in the soil. It can enter your home through the smallest of entryways such as crawlspaces, sump pits and cracks in your home’s foundation. Radon is found in every type of home – new, old, commercial, residential, and every type of foundation. Deemed the “silent killer”, it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon has been found to cause lung cancer and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Lung cancer kills more Americans each year (160,000) than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer combined. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 21,000 deaths each year as a result of radon-induced lung cancer.
Although there are no technically safe levels of Radon, the EPA has recommended a maximum of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air. The Ohio Department of Health estimates that half of Ohio homes have a level that exceeds the maximum amount.
What are the chances my home has Radon?
Nearly 50% of Dayton area homes have been found to have an average higher than the 4.0 pCi/L action level established by the EPA. Averages do show that slab constructed homes tend to have a slightly lower concentration, but every type of home is at risk.
How does the test work?
We use state of the art equipment to test your home. We set up a continuous radon monitor, which – true to its name – takes continuous radon measurements throughout your test period. Other testing methods are approved but can have drawbacks and leave more room for human error or tampering. The test is 48 hours you will have results by the end of the day when the test is complete. Ohio has strict guidelines for testing so make sure whatever company you use is licensed! When scheduling, inform us of the day you will need your results and we will work with all parties involved to schedule our drop off and pick up times. Drop off and pick up generally takes less than 15 minutes. Be sure to see our Closed Home Conditions tab.
How is a high Radon level fixed?
Mitigation is a simple process and many times not very invasive. A PVC pipe will be installed with a fan to pull Radon gases from under your home and disperse the air above the roofline. We do not mitigate but are happy to refer you to a certified company.
My home already has a mitigation system. Do I still need to test?
Chances are – yes! The EPA recommends retesting every 2 years to ensure proper operation of the mitigation system. Many systems are improperly installed or lose suction and malfunction. Changes to the house or surrounding conditions can alter the Radon levels in the home. The house should also be retested after any significant remodeling.