Radon is a colorless, odorless, and invisible gas that rises up from the soil and can enter homes. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in soils and rocks. Radon enters homes through small cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires, or pumps. There are many areas throughout Idaho that have high levels of radon; about 2 out of 5 homes that have been tested in the state have levels above 4.0 pCi/L.
Radon Statistics
According to the EPA, nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). 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. That is where you spend most of your time.
Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if you are at risk. If you’re looking at purchasing a new home, a radon test should be conducted as part of the overall home inspection. If you are simply curious about your current home, we can perform individual radon tests on your house as well. We have state-of-the art testing equipment that can quickly and efficiently conduct a test to measure your radon levels.
Getting Your Home Tested
The test will take approximately 48 hours to complete. Our Certified Professional Inspector will place a small testing machine in the lowest livable level of the home. During this time, the occupants of the home can continue life as normal. We just ask that no windows or doors be left open during this time except for normal ingress and egress. When the test has been completed, we will format the results and email them to you within a few hours. We will also be available to discuss the results with you.
We recommend all buyers and sellers test their homes for radon. It’s an inexpensive way to protect the health of you and your family. We are happy to answer any questions you have about radon. For those looking at testing for radon as a part of the overall home inspection process, we do offer bundled package discounting.