What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil breaks down. Radon enters your home through cracks in your foundation, openings around sump pumps and drains, construction joints and cracks in walls. Radon is most concentrated in the lowest level of the home.

Radon may also enter a home through private well water or groundwater supplied by community water systems. Radon in the water can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses.

Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, a melting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and 18 radioactive isotopes; it is an extremely toxic, colorless gas; it can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid; it is derived from the radioactive decay of uranium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography. (From the word radium, the substance from which it is derived.) Source: Condensed Chemical Dictionary

Where is Radon found?
Elevated indoor radon levels have been found in all 50 states and in all areas of the country. Houses next door to each other can have very different levels. Some homes in low radon potential areas have been found to have high levels of radon. Conversely, some homes in high radon potential areas have been found to have low radon levels. The only way to know if your house has an elevated radon level is to test. EPA recommends that all residences below the third floor be tested for radon.

What health problems are caused by radon?
An increased risk of lung cancer is the health effect associated with exposures to elevated radon levels in air. Radon does not cause any short-term health effects, such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches or fever.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon in indoor air causes an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer

How do I find out if I have radon?
Because radon is colorless and odorless, the only way to find out if you have radon is through testing.

Why should I used a certified tester/mitigator?
Certified testers and mitigators have undergone special training for their jobs. They use testing machines that are much more accurate than do it yourself tests and the knowledge to interpret test results. A certified mitigator is able to evaluate your home and determine the best mitigation system for your particular situation. They also back up their work with a guarantee of reduced radon levels and provide follow up testing to ensure radon levels remain low.

How do you fix a radon problem?
Typically the most effective mitigation system is what is called sub slab depressurization (ssd). This involves penetrating the concrete slab in your home and using a small fan and piping to vent air to the outside of the home from underneath the slab. This creates lower pressure underneath the slab than above, preventing the radon from seeping into the home. Instead the radon gas is vented to the outside where it safely disperses.

How much does it cost to fix a radon problem?
To have a mitigation system such as sub slab depressurization system installed typically costs between $1800 and $2800, call today to receive a price estimate.

What are the annual costs associated with a ssd system?
The only long-term cost associated with a ssd system is that of powering the fan. Depending on the fan used, this will typically cost between $50 and $70 a year.

Why should I have my house tested if I am moving?
Many real estate agents are recommending to their buyers that they test homes before they buy. If a potential buyer has your home tested and it is positive, it can lead to problems. It often leads to delays in closing as it can take time to resolve the radon situation. Most likely the buyer will want you to pay for the mitigation, and this is an expense you had not planned on when determining the asking price of your home. Even worse, a surprise like this could turn away a potential buyer.