Radon Gas Testing

Radon Gas Testing...a test every home should have.

In addition to your HBP home inspection, you may want to request specialized environmental testing for radon gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends every home be tested for radon, the number two cause of lung cancer in the country.

The only way to make sure your home is safe is to have it tested.

What is radon gas?

Radon is a natural occurring gas that comes from deteriorating uranium in the ground. The gas filters up through the ground and enters the home through cracks or voids in the walls and floors. It is odorless and colorless, and the only way to know the levels in a home is to have it tested. According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 deaths annually in the United States are caused by radon. Both the Surgeon General and the American Lung Association® recommend that all homes be tested for radon.

Is radon a problem in Nebraska or Iowa?

Yes. In fact, over 50% of the homes tested in eastern Nebraska and Iowa have elevated levels. See the EPA maps below. The EPA guidelines recommend that homes with radon levels 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher be fixed. The average radon level in homes that have been tested in our area is approximately 5.7 pCi/L.

 

Nebraska	Iowa

Can a home with high radon levels be fixed?

Yes. All homes with high radon levels can be fixed. The most common method is a sub-slab ventilation system. This system has an active fan that pressurizes the area under the home and pipes the radon gas to the outside before it can enter the home. Radon mitigation companies as well as radon testing companies are required to be licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa. Home Buyers Protection Company tests are performed by a state-licensed, independent contractor.

How is a test performed?

Certain guidelines must be followed to obtain accurate results. During a real estate transaction, a valid test must:

• Run for a minimum of 48 hours.
• Maintain “closed-house” conditions, meaning all exterior doors and windows must be kept closed during the entire test except for normal entry/exit.
• Be performed in the lowest livable level of the home.

How much does a radon test cost?

A typical test costs between $120 and $150. We offer a substantial discount if the test is ordered in conjunction with a home inspection or with another one of our services. Call us today for a quote.