Radon Measurement
Protect your family
1 in 15 homes have a radon problem, estimates the EPA. Radon measurement is an important part of keeping your family safe when purchasing a new home.
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is naturally occurring from decaying uranium in the soil. It is harmful to the lungs and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, followed only by smoking. Radon enters the home through the soil, often through foundation cracks, even tiny and minor ones. Testing for the presence of radon is an important part of home buying.
How do we measure radon?
A radon measurement test is performed through the use of a continuous radon monitor. The home is prepared by initiating “closed home conditions” 12 hours prior to the test. This means that all exterior windows and doors remain shut. Passage in and out of the home is acceptable, but doors should be closed tightly behind the occupants. After the 12 hour period, testing will begin for 48 hours, sampling radon measurements every hour. Afterwords, the average radon concentration is determined. If the measurement is of concern, a duplicate short term test should follow for confirmation, then a recommendation can be made to mitigate or not.
