Buying or selling a home? Test it for radon.

According to the MO Dept of Health,  1 out of 3 of homes in Missouri have dangerous levels of the radioactive gas call Radon — an odorless gas that seeps into your home through the foundation.  It is the #1 leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

The presence of radon in your home is caused by the breakdown of uranium in the soil below your house.  This means radon levels vary from home-to-home based on the ground composition below a particular home, as well as the condition of the foundation.  If your foundation or basement has cracks, it is easier for the radon gases to enter.

The area most at risk is the lowest level of the home that is lived in.  This is where we conduct the 24 to 48-hour test.  Radon levels fluctuate over time, so this test takes the average for that period and tells us what the highest and lowest radon levels are.

Any radon levels of 4 pCi/L or greater are considered dangerously high, and will need a mitigation system put in place.  Long-term exposure to these levels will increase chances of developing lung cancer, although it is not guaranteed to do so.

Mitigation usually involves the installation of a radon fan that filters out the radon from the soil before it has a chance to enter your home.  These systems are highly effective.  While I do not install the radon mitigation system, I can give you good references for businesses who can.  Installation costs are usually around $1,000 – $2,000.