Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth’s suface. Though you cannot see,smell, or taste radon, it is there and may be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon gas.rs.
Cinder-block, brick or rock wall
Exposed soil in the basement or foundation
Cracks in the basement wall or foundation
An open sump pump hole or floor drain
Spaces between walls and floors
Exposed pipes or loose pipe fittings
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you could be breathing in this deadly radioactive gas.
The level of radon in your home or office;
The amount of time you have spent exposed to radon;
Whether you are a smoker or have ever been exposed to tobacco smoke.
Cigarette smokers who have radon concentrations of 10pCi/L or higher increase their chance of developing lung cancer by as much as 18 times or 1800%.
The greatest concentration of radon is usually found in the lowest level of homes or offices. This is because radon is found in the soil and rocks beneath the foundation. If you have dirt floors in the basement, cracks in the foundation, or openings from a sump pump hole or drain, radon is likely to build up quicker and in higher concentrations. Radon can also enter your home or office through your water supply (i.e. shower, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.). If your home or office uses well water, we suggest testing with our professional Radon in Water Test Kit.
The presence of radon in a home cannot be detected by human senses. The only way to know if your home contains radon gas is to test. To find out if radon gas is a problem in your home or office, call today to schedule testing. Radon gas testing from Norcon Home Services is accurate and reliable for checking the level of radon gas in your home or office.
An acceptable level of radon is less than 4.0(pCi/L). If the average of your two test results are equal to or higher than 4.0(pCi/L) you should take some action to reduce the radon level in your home or office.
EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homeowners and all homebuyers test for Radon.
Norcon Home Services recommends that you conduct a radon test every year. Annual testing is the best way to determine whether or not your home or office has the potential for a radon problem.
There are many straight-forward reduction techniques and Radon Mitigation Systems that will work in almost any home. Costs should run between $500-$2,500 depending on the seriousness of your problem. Start by contacting Norcon Home Services for a free consultation today!
Map of Radon Zones for Minnesota
*This map is not intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all zones. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location.
