Radon Inspection – Protecting Your Health from an Invisible Threat
At Flinn Inspection Group, we understand that a safe home extends beyond its physical structure. Our Radon Inspection service offers crucial testing for radon gas, a silent, invisible, and odorless killer that can pose a serious health risk in any home. Using state-of-the-art Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM), our licensed radon testers provide accurate results, giving you the knowledge to protect yourself and your family.
The Invisible Danger: What You Need to Know About Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas. It is formed from the breakdown of uranium and radium found in the soil and rock beneath your home. As these elements decay, they release radon gas, which can then seep up through cracks in foundations, floor drains, sump pumps, or other openings in the ground.
Once inside a home, especially those with modern insulation and tightly sealed structures, radon can become trapped and accumulate to dangerously high levels. The alarming truth is that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, surpassed only by smoking.
Because radon is undetectable by human senses, the only way to know if your home has unsafe levels is to conduct a professional radon test.
Our Advanced Radon Testing Process:
Flinn Inspection Group utilizes a sophisticated and reliable method to detect radon:
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Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM):
We deploy a highly sensitive Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) in your home. This advanced device constantly measures radon levels over a period, providing a detailed average and hourly readings that capture fluctuations.
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48-Hour Test Duration:
To ensure accurate and representative results, our radon test is conducted over a 48-hour period. This duration allows the CRM to gather sufficient data to provide a reliable assessment of your home’s radon concentration.>
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Licensed Radon Testers:
All radon tests are performed by our licensed and certified radon testers, ensuring adherence to industry standards and proper protocol for accurate readings.
Understanding Your Results & EPA Recommendations:
Once the 48-hour testing period is complete, our monitor is retrieved, and the data is analyzed. We will provide you with a clear and understandable report of your home’s average radon level.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends taking action to reduce radon levels in your home if the reading is 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Even if levels are between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA suggests considering mitigation, as there is no known safe level of radon exposure.
Should your test reveal elevated radon levels, we can provide guidance on understanding the results and recommend qualified radon mitigation specialists who can install systems to safely vent radon gas from your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radon Inspection
What is radon and why is it dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, invisible, and odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium and radium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. It’s dangerous because prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
How does radon get into my home?
Radon can enter your home through various pathways, including cracks in concrete slabs, foundation walls, floor drains, sump pits, construction joints, and tiny pores in concrete blocks. It is drawn into the home by the slight vacuum created by warmer air rising inside the house.
Can my home have radon even if my neighbor’s doesn’t?
Yes. Radon levels can vary significantly from house to house, even between adjacent homes. The amount of radon depends on factors like the specific geology beneath the house, soil composition, house construction, and ventilation patterns. Therefore, every home should be tested.
How does Flinn Inspection Group test for radon?
We use a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM), which is a highly accurate electronic device. The CRM is placed in the lowest livable area of your home (e.g., basement or first floor) and continuously measures radon levels over a 48-hour period. Our licensed testers ensure proper setup and adherence to testing protocols.
How long does the radon test take?
Our standard radon test using a CRM requires a 48-hour testing period to gather sufficient data for accurate results.
What is a “safe” level of radon?
There is no known safe level of radon. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to mitigate (reduce) radon levels if they are 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. They also suggest considering mitigation for levels between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/L.
What happens if my home tests high for radon?
If your home’s radon levels are elevated, we will provide a clear, detailed report of the results. As inspectors, our role is to report the findings so you can make informed decisions. In many cases, elevated radon can be used as a negotiation point with the seller. If needed, we can also recommend qualified radon mitigation professionals for you to consider, either during the transaction or after you move in.
Do new homes have radon?
Yes, new homes can have elevated levels of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter any home, regardless of age, foundation type, or location. In fact, some newer homes may be more tightly sealed, which can actually trap radon inside. Testing is the only way to know if radon is present at unsafe levels.
