Why Inspect

The radon measurement process determines the amount of radon gas in a home by the quantity of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and is performed with an EPA approved passive or active measurement device.  For quick results a short term test is usually done that takes no less than 2 days or more than 90 days to produce results.  Most tests dealing with a real estate transaction tend to follow the 2 day measurement period.  The test device(s) is placed in the lowest living area or useable living area of the home.  A closed home condition is maintained (closed windows & doors except for normal entry and exit) during the test period and 12 hours prior.  Upon test completion the device is read by a certified laboratory or the tester (if the device permits it) and the average radon level is identified for that time period.  Please refer to the EPA document A Citizen's Guide to Radon  for further details.

A radon mitigation system reduces the average radon found in homes (originating from either air or water) to an acceptable or comfort level by various methods.  The current action level for radon in air defined by the EPA is 4 pCi/L, but levels of 2 pCi/L or lower can be obtained with present mitigation methods.  High levels of radon in water (usually from private wells) can be reduced greatly (between 95% and 99%) with present technology eliminating the increased radon in air contribution from water use. Radon in air can be lowered by active soil depressurization (ASD) or ventilation methods which either mixes higher radon levels with lower levels or forces radon out by increasing interior building pressurization.  There are various cost, maintenance and energy impacts to evaluate before deciding on a final solution.