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. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States 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 for lung cancer is especially high.
But what is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States, and here in the Inland Northwest we have higher than normal levels of radon as compared to the rest of the country. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above, and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.
Any home can have a radon problem, including 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, as this is where you spend most of your time. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States are estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi\L or more).
So, what can you do? Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon exposure. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, or neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon tests taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next door to each other can have different radon levels. Testing is the only way to find out what your homes radon level is.
You can trust Quality Home Inspection to do a thorough and accurate radon test for you. Radon testing is simple and will not interrupt your daily life. I use the Air Check Pro radon tests which are a simple passive test, they are activated charcoal test kits that are small and easy to set up and retrieve. I simply place the test kits in your home for approx. 48 hours and then pick them up and immediately send them to the lab, the results are usually back within 2 days of the lab receiving the test kits. These tests can be done at the time of a home inspection, which is highly advised, or as a stand-alone service. Don't risk your family's health and well-being, have your home tested toady. Contact me for your radon test and I will get you scheduled right away, the small cost of a test is worth the peace of mind you will have, knowing your home is safe for you and your family.
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