Radon Associates is a team of experienced, dedicated, and certified radon testing and mitigation experts, ready to help you stop radon in its tracks. To help you understand the harmful effects of radon, we've answered some of your more frequently asked questions below. In addition, you will also find answers to your questions about our radon testing and mitigation services as well.
For even more information, check out our Resources page for links, guides and more information about radon, its effects and what you can expect.
Everything You Need to Know About Radon:
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, color-less, odor-less, taste-less radioactive gas that occurs naturally due to the decay of uranium within the ground. Radon is naturally found outside in the air we breath, but typically in such low concentrations that it really doesn't pose a health threat outside. The issue with radon is when it becomes trapped in our houses and the concentrations become large enough to pose a health risk to the occupants inside the home. We spend nearly 80% of our time indoors. The only way to know if your house has elevated levels of radon is to test for it. The EPA recommends that every house be tested for radon! They also recommend testing every two years there after.
Why do I need to test for it?
Every house is different not only in physical location but also in the materials used to build the house and the construction techniques in which it was built. It doesn't matter if you have a 100 year old house or a brand new house, any house can have a radon issue. Your neighbors may have tested already with results that were good, this doesn't mean that your house is good. Get your house tested! It is the only way to know for sure.
Why should I be concerned?
YES you should be concerned because being exposed to radon for long periods of time or to high concentrations can lead to lung cancer. Radon in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage the delicate lung tissue and eventually lead to lung cancer. It is estimated that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking.
How can I limit my exposure to this deadly gas?
It is impossible to avoid it completely. Radon is in the air we breathe, both indoors and out. The average level of radon that naturally occurs indoors is around 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and the average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. Outdoors the radon generally disperses and does not reach high concentration levels. Indoors the radon gas given off by the soil or rock below the structure can enter the structure through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires, or pumps. Since radon is heavier than air, once it finds it's way into a structure it can accumulate to high levels. The EPA strongly recommends fixing radon concentrations that are at 4.0 pCi/L or higher. They also even recommend considering fixing levels that are in the 2.0-3.9 pCi/l range since most houses can be brought down to under 2.0 pCi/L fairly easily and inexpensively through the installation of a radon mitigation system and proper sealing of potential entry points.
FAQ's About Our Radon Testing & Mitigation Services:
How Does a Radon Test Work?
For 12 hours prior to your test and for the duration of the test, you must keep all your exterior doors and windows of the home closed. During the test, we use an electronic continuous radon monitor device to continuously monitor the radon in your home for 48 hours. After that time, we will come back to the house to pick up the machine and we are able to read the results immediately. If you have an elevated level of radon in your home, we will also be able to go over the various options and configurations necessary for radon mitigation with you.
How Does Radon Mitigation Work?
Radon mitigation —the removing of radon from your home—happens via a mitigation system installation. The radon system will pull the air from underneath your home and dispose of it outside of your home, typically via piping. Plus, any cracks or openings in your foundation that are accessible will be sealed.
How Long Does Radon Testing & Mitigation Take?
Our short-term radon testing typically takes 48 hours minimum. The test requires that your house be closed up for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test. If it hasn’t been, we’ll need to set a 12-hour delay on the test, extending the length of timing needed to get results.
Radon mitigation systems typically take a day to install. We’ll then come back three days later to perform another short-term test and ensure the system works as it should.
How Much Does Radon Testing & Mitigation Cost?
The cost of radon testing and mitigation will depend on the extent of the project. Most radon testing costs between $150 - $250 while mitigation costs anywhere from $1,500 - $2,500 depending upon what all is needed. For a more accurate quote, reach out to us.
Radon Testing page
Radon Mitigation page
Have More Questions? Reach Out to Our Team Today.
If you have more questions about radon or our services, give us a call at 866-697-2366 today. If you need radon testing or mitigation, go ahead and schedule an appointment.