http://www.rangerradonservicesinc.com/about-radon
Radon is a common gas that can be found across the country. It comes up through the floors and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. According to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, an estimated 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline of 4 picocuries per liter. One of the highest in the country!
If you haven’t had your current home tested, or if you are buying a home, it is highly advisable to hire a professional, certified inspector to conduct a test for you.
Testing
The test runs around $125-$135 depending on the inspection company. A seller must have their house closed up (no windows or doors open) for 24 hours prior to the test. The certified inspector places a device in the basement that must remain there for 48 hours and not be disturbed in any way as it can detect if windows have been opened or it has been moved. Some inspection companies put testers on multiple floors -basement, first and second floor – to see where the levels are across the house. You can purchase a do-it-yourself-tester from Lowe’s or Home Depot however they are not as accurate as a professional test.
At the end of the 48 hour period, the tester comes back to pick up the test and the results usually come back the same day or the next day. If the test is higher than 4.0 picocuries, it is advised to install a radon remediation system. A system can be installed to remediate any level of radon, even below 4.0.
The companies who install the systems DO NOT also test as that would be a conflict of interest. It is not advised to use a company who does both. If a radon system is working properly, the radon levels should decrease to a level below 4.0.
Access to Testing Companies and Remediators
To have the radon levels in your home tested, click here for a link provided by the Commonwealth of PA for certified testing firms sorted by County.
If you find your radon level is higher than the recommended guideline and needs to be remediated, here is a link to certified radon system installation companies provided by the Commonwealth and sorted by county.
Contact us with any questions or if you need a recommendation for a tester or remediator!
Happy House!
Angela and Rick
Photo Credit: http://www.rangerradonservicesinc.com/about-radon
