Radon Inspections

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas. It comes

from

the natural breakdown of uranium soil, rock and water.

Radon moves typically up through the ground and gets into the home

through

cracks, open seams and holes in the foundation.

Radon and its decay products, when inhaled, become lodged in the

lungs

where they can radiate the cells lining the respiratory system.

Alpha particles

emitted by the radioactive decay products of radon are

damaging to the lung

tissues. Exposed to elevated levels of radon

greatly enhances the risk of lung

cancer.

How to test for Radon:

There are two categories of radon tests, - Short Term tests and Long

Term

tests. Short term tests measure radon levels for exposure

periods

of 2 days

(minimum recommended by EPA and IEMA) to 90

days,

depending on the

device used. Short term tests are extremely

useful

when results are needed

quickly, such as during real estate

transactions.

Interpreting the Test Results:

Radon is measured in pico curies per liter (pCi/L). EPA

(Environmental

Protection Agency) and IEMA (Illinois Emergency

management Agency)

recommend that levels at or above 4 pCi/L be

reduced through

mitigation.

Reducing high levels of Radon:

Indoor radon levels can easily be lowered by installing a radon

mitigation

system that collects radon prior to its entry into the home

and

discharges it

safely outside. This is, however, not a "do-it-

yourself"

project. Only Illinois

Licensed Mitigation companies should

be consulted

for this purpose.

Call
888-942-8100

Call
888-942-8100
to schedule a Radon Test by
IL Licensed Radon Measurement Professionals