Radon Testing

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. When radon seeps into a home through foundation cracks, sumps, or utility openings, it can become trapped. As the gas decays, its radioactive particles damage the DNA in lung tissue when inhaled, which is scientifically proven to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer over time.

Radon levels are highly variable, even between neighboring homes, and there is no way to predict the level without testing. Testing is a crucial step in the home-buying process because it allows the buyer to identify a potentially serious and expensive health hazard. If high levels are found, the buyer gains the necessary leverage to negotiate the installation of a mitigation system by the seller before closing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if the concentration is 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or higher. While radon cannot be entirely eliminated, a professional mitigation system can successfully reduce indoor levels to below this threshold, often achieving levels below 2.0  pCi/L.

The single most important benefit is the dramatic reduction in your family's lifetime risk of developing lung cancer caused by chronic radon exposure. By reducing the concentration of radon decay products in the air, you are minimizing the amount of radioactive material being inhaled into the lungs, directly addressing a known environmental carcinogen.

The most common and effective technique is Active Soil Depressurization (ASD). This system involves:

• Creating a suction point (a hole) beneath the foundation slab or in the sump pump pit.

• Running PVC pipe from this point up through the home to the exterior.

• Installing a sealed, continuously running fan (mitigation fan) in the pipe (usually in the attic or outside).

The fan actively draws the radon gas from beneath the house and vents it safely above the roofline where it dissipates harmlessly into the atmosphere before it ever enters the living space.

Yes. An ASD system often provides secondary benefits:

• Moisture Reduction: The constant suction of air from beneath the slab can help dry out soil, reducing humidity that can rise into basements and crawl spaces.

• Odor/Gas Removal: The system helps vent other gases and soil odors (like methane) that may enter the home through the foundation.

• Increased Property Value: A home with a documented, successfully mitigated radon system is often more appealing to buyers, providing a marketing advantage and protecting the property's value.

A properly installed ASD system requires very little maintenance. The mitigation fan is designed to run continuously for years. The only major maintenance involves replacing the fan unit, typically after 5 to 10 years of continuous use. Homeowners should regularly check the U-tube manometer (a liquid-filled pressure gauge) installed on the pipe to ensure the fan is operating and creating the necessary suction. Retesting the radon levels every two years is also recommended to ensure the system remains effective.