Radon

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

Should you test your home for Radon?

YES

 One in three homes in Minnesota have elevated levels of Radon!

Testing is the only way to know your home's radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface but, may be effecting you and  your family now. 

We have the equipment and knowledge to test your home. Our equipment will give you the most accurate Radon levels, giving you the average Radon level for each our. Some of the "kits" that are available on the market will only give you a one time reading and may miss elevated levels.

It is important to note that the action level (4 pCi/l) stated by the E.PA.  is not a safe level, as there are  no “safe” levels of radon gas. It is not safe to assume if your neighbors home tested withing recommended levels that your home would be the same. Radon levels vary from home to home due to the construction of the home and the different appliances that cause negative pressure within the home that literally cause the home to suck Radon (also moisture) into your living space.

What’s radon?

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children and the elderly may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.

The alpha radiation emitted by radon is the same alpha radiation emitted by other alpha generating radiation sources such as plutonium.

A person or family whose home has radon levels of 4 pCi/l is exposed to approximately 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if those people were to stand next to the fence of a radioactive waste field.

Where does Radon come from?: Radon is not a man made product. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in our soils.  Minnesota is rich with these types of soils. In some cases the ground is saturated enough with radium and uranium that Radon will contaminate well water. The diagram below shows the portions of Minnesota that Radon has been found to be of high levels in homes, red being the worst areas.
 

 

If you would like to have your home tested for Radon gas please contact South Central Home Inspections llc at:

507-837-2340  Ask for Larce Jorgenson or laj@southcentralhomeinspectionsllc.com 
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO6Xq9mJevo&feature=youtu.be