Cardinal Home Inspections LLC

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What is Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States . Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Cracks and other holes in the foundation of buildings can allow radon gas into your home. Any home can have a radon problem. This includes, but is not limited to: new homes, old homes, energy efficient homes, drafty homes and homes with or without basements. In fact, nearly one out of every 15 homes in the Untied States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4.0 pCi/l or more). The national average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/l. The higher the homes radon level the greater the health risk to you and your family. Reducing your radon levels can be done easily, effectively and fairly inexpensively. Even homes with very high radon levels can be reduced below 4.0 pCi/l.

Radon Testing

Close all your windows on every level and all outside doors at least 12 hours before the beginning the of the test.

Throughout the test, “closed house conditions” must be maintained. This means keeping all windows closed for the duration of the test.

Test duration is minimal 48 hours from the Start time and date. This means the inspector will need to return and retrieve the sampling cassettes 2 days after their placement.

Keep outside doors closed except for normal momentary entry and exit.

Do not operate fans or other machines that bring in air from outside.

Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans such as kitchen and bathroom fans operating for only short periods of time may run during the test.

Central heating and air conditioning systems are permitted, but wall/window air conditioning units that are set to exchange air are not.

Use air conditioning (central/window units on recirculate modes only) and fans to keep cool (excluding whole house fans). Be sure fans are not directed at the test device. Some test devices are very sensitive to air flow.

Test Results from the lab are available in one week.