"All
Homes Should be tested for RADON"
It
is estimated that 1 in 7 homes have radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in
non smokers. EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer
deaths each year in the U.S. are
radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause
of lung cancer after smoking. 
We
perform short term initial radon testing.
There
are various ways to test for radon, including kits to do
it yourself . Associated Inspection Firm tests for Radon
with a state of the art (CRM) continuous radon monitor.
This will produce immediate results following the test,
eliminating the need to send canisters to a laboratory.
In this day of limited time in a real estate transaction
and the probability of the current occupant disturbing the
testing device we choose this type of monitor because it
will detect any movement or disturbance during the test.
What
is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is odorless, tasteless, and
colorless. It is a Noble gas that is inert (non-reactive)
and is found
throughout the world in varying concentrations. Radon forms
naturally from the radioactive decay of Uranium in rock,
soil, and water. When radon gas is formed, it migrates through
the soil to the air above.
Radon enters buildings through existing cracks in concrete
floors or walls, open soil in crawl spaces, improperly or
poorly sealed floor drains, or pipe entry points in floor
slabs. Without significant ventilation and air exchange
in crawl spaces and under the floor slab (sub slab ventilation),
Radon builds up and enters the living spaces of homes and
other structures. Radon is found in varying concentrations
throughout the United States with moderate levels found
in Oregon.
Why
is Radon harmful?
Radon decays and produces radioactive particles that become
trapped in the lungs and may damage tissue. Over time, exposure
to high levels of radon increases a person's risk of developing
lung cancer. This is the only known health effect. For smokers,
this lung cancer risk is even higher. It takes many years
of exposure to radon before the onset of lung cancer. The
higher the exposure, the greater the risk of induced lung
cancer and the sooner it may occur.
How
does Radon get into my home?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay
of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically
moves up through the ground to the air above and into your
home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any
home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes,
well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without
basements.
What
If high levels of Radon are found?
Radon levels can usually be lowered using a process called
mitigation, a term that means to moderate something or make
it less severe. Some radon
mitigation methods prevent radon from entering your home
and others reduce radon levels after the gas is there. The
average mitigation cost is between $800 to $2,500 with
an average of $1,200 and generally requires little to no
maintenance once installed.
Information on
this page is provided by the EPA,
CDC,
Oregon
Health Department.
The
EPA Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon.
Call
NOW for a FREE phone consultation about radon and your home.
Radon Testing Vancouver, WA 360-546-2093
Radon Testing Portland, OR 503-774-1916
|
