How much radon is in the air you’re breathing?

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of Uranium in rocks and soils. It can enter your home through openings in the soil and your home’s foundation. It can then get trapped, forcing you to inhale it. Find out more at the EPA website or EPA basic radon facts.

Indoor air that is highly concentrated with radon can damage your lungs and increase your risk for lung cancer, for which radon is the second leading cause. Smokers have an even greater risk. But radon can be mitigated.

Remodeling or weatherizing your home can change indoor radon concentrations, so you should re-test after making any ventilation, weatherization or HVAC modifications. The EPA also recommends that you test your home for radon every 2 years as radon levels can vary.

The best way to deal with an unknown is to know. The first step is to find out what the radon level is in your home. Testing takes as little as two days!

How do I test for radon in your home?

Home Gnome uses what’s called a continuous radon monitor (CRM) for radon testing. CRM electronic detection devices for measuring radon gas have been used commercially since 1986. The equipment I use is US EPA verified, NEHA-NRPP listed & evaluated and is approved by the NRSB for use in real estate transaction testing. Nicole was trained in radon measurement by Jim Burkhart/NRPP.

Your test results give you an average radon level over the testing period as well as a chart showing the radon level at each hour during the testing period. Because radon levels change throughout the day and with different conditions, this chart looks a bit like an EKG with peaks and troughs.

Keep in mind that closed house conditions must be maintained during the entire testing period as well as for the 12 hours prior to the start of the test. Occupants may enter and exit normally during this time, but windows and doors must otherwise be kept closed.

Having radon testing done in your home? Here are the guidelines to follow.

RADON TESTING PRICES:

$150 when done with a home inspection (test start or end must be at time of inspection).

$175 when done without a home inspection.

Re-test $100 in Portland (no matter who performed the test in the past). Re-testing is recommended every 2 years or when any remodeling, weatherization or changes to ventilation/HVAC have been made.

Continuous Radon Monitor test results are received on the day the test ends.