What is Radon?
Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is hazardous to inhale. Build-up of radon in homes is a health concern and many lung cancer cases are attributed to radon exposure each year. About 12% of lung cancers and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. The Surgeon General of the United States has issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. Dr. Carmona, the Nation’s Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. He also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible.
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 of lung cancer is especially high.
How do we test for Radon?
We use Sun Nuclear continuous recording monitors (CRM) which is the EPA recommended method for real estate transactions. Radon along with other environmental data is taken hourly for a minimum of 48hrs. The indoor environmental data along with motion sensors indicate to us if a home owner has attempted to tamper with the test. This ensures that you will receive a reliable result.
Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels.
The Pennsylvania DEP, the EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. 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. This means 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.
Pennsylvania Notice to Clients
The Radon Certification Act requires that anyone who provides any radon-related service or product to the general public must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. You are entitled to evidence of certification from any person who provides such services or products. You are also entitled to a price list for services or products offered. All radon measurement data will be sent to the Department as required in the Act and will be kept confidential. If you have any questions, comments or complaints concerning persons who provide radon-related services, please contact the Department at the Bureau of Radiation Protection, Department of Environmental Protection, P. O. Box 8469, Harrisburg, Pa. 17105-8469, (717) 783-3594.