About Radon Testing
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is not detected by our human senses; it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. This radioactive gas comes from the natural decay of uranium-236 and radium-238, which is mainly found in rock and soil. The radon-laden gas from soil may enter buildings through various infiltration pathways and increase the concentration of radon gas and decay products in the indoor space.
Continuous Radon monitor collecting hourly data points.
SHOULD ALL HOMES BE TESTED FOR RADON? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Lung Association, Surgeon General, and other health organizations suggest that every residence be tested for radon. Testing for radon is easy and relatively inexpensive. In the US, about 21,000 deaths each year are related to radon. Exposure to radon is the number one leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME DID NOT HAVE HIGH RADON…
Some people believe that if their neighbor's home did not have a high radon concentration, then their home will not have a high concentration. This isn't always true. Radon concentrations are based on a number of variables, including construction methods and pathways for radon to enter that are unique to each individual home.
WHAT IF MY HOME HAS HIGH LEVELS OF RADON?
The EPA estimates that about 1 out of 15 homes in the United States have concentrations of radon that "call for action towards mitigation". Particularly in the Pittsburgh area, the EPA estimates that the average indoor air radon level is greater than 4 picoCuries per liter air, which is the EPA's action level for mitigation. High radon levels can be mitigated by a certified radon mitigation contractor. Mitigation cost ranges from $500 to $2,500, with an average cost of $1,200.
HOW DOES WELCOME HOMES TEST FOR RADON?
Upon arrival to the site, we set up the instrumentation and allow it to be deployed, undisturbed for 48 hours. We then retrieve the testing device and analyze the data offsite. A report of radon concentration results accompanied by a discussion of the findings is generated and delivered within 24 hours.