The Facts on Radon

What is it?

Radon, an odorless naturally-occurring gas, is often the single largest contributor to an individual’s background radiation dose, and is the most variable from location to location. The gas can accumulate in dangerously high concentrations in buildings -- especially in low areas like basements and crawl spaces -- making it a silent killer for families everywhere.

Why is it dangerous?

Studies have shown a clear link between breathing high concentrations of radon and the incidences of lung cancer. This gas, while a natural gas, is a significant and dangerous contaminant affecting indoor air quality worldwide. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. In a January 13, 2005, letter, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard H. Carmona issued a national health advisory on radon where he said in part: "It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

How does it get in my house?

Because radon come from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in the soil and water, it gets into the air we breathe each and every day. It comes into the home just like any other gas: through the doors and walls and then gets trapped in the lowest areas of your home, like basements and crawlspaces.

Can’t I just open the windows?

No one will stop you from opening the windows, but that alone will not reduce the levels of radon that are concentrated in your low lying areas. Radon mitigation helps to vent the gas from these low areas and in the area underneath your home to the air above your house where it can escape and disperse into the atmosphere.

How Radon Testing Works

There are a number of ways homeowners and business owners can test for radon gas. We utilize a continuous 48-hour test to get the best results. Much like a heart patient wears a heart monitor for 48-hours to get a clear picture, we do the same thing to test your home for radon. We want to understand peaks and valleys and provide you with the best information to protect your most prized asset: your family.