Radon Testing

Radon Testing

   Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the environment that is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. It occurs when uranium, thorium, and radium break down in water, rock, and soil. It is naturally found in almost all soil and in the air we breathe every day in trace amounts. However, exposure in unsafe amounts can be deadly. 

   Radon can be found in homes that have a basement, crawlspace, or even a slab foundation. Radon is more likely to accumulate in homes that are tightly sealed, are well insulated, or in homes located where there is more radium, thorium, and uranium in the soil. Radon can come in through holes or cracks in the foundation and then become trapped inside. Radon can also get into your home through well water.

   When RHI tests for radon, your inspector will set up a radon machine or a continuous radon monitor on the lowest level of the home that can be occupied. It will run continuously for at least 48 hours. The windows of the home should remain closed and any fans that could bring outdoor air in should not be used during the testing. Once the testing is complete, your inspector will collect the machine and create a report for you to show the results. If results show the radon levels are below 4pCi/L, then levels are considered safe and your inspector would not recommend any further action at this time. If the radon levels show radon levels higher than 4 pCi/L at the time of testing, then you should look at your options for reducing or mitigating the radon in the home.