Radon Sampling and Testing NEW - We now do Electronic Radon Testing and Monitoring - Results in 48 hours. What Is RADON? Radon a radioactive cancer causing gas. Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. You cannot see, smell or taste radon but it may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, 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, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. 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 and then it is too late. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association and National Safety Council all recommend testing your home for radon. The EPA now estimates in excess of 22,000 deaths will occur this year from RADON! How widespread is the problem? Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. Certain areas are more susceptible than others (http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html), but no location is immune. Wisconsin's studies indicate many areas where homes are expected to exceed the EPA's recommended action levels (State of Wisconsin Radon Map). Concentrations of radon-causing materials in the soil can be either natural or man-made. Homes built near historic mining operations may be at higher risk. The only way to tell for sure is to have a home tested. If high concentrations of radon are found in your home, you have several options. Since radon is only a problem when it is concentrated in high volume, improving the ventilation in an area is often sufficient to solve the problem. In other cases, it may be necessary to limit the amount of radon getting into the home by sealing or otherwise obstructing the access points. Once again, a professional should be engaged to ensure that the radon is effectively blocked. Typical radon mitigation systems can cost between $800 and $2500, according to the EPA. If you're buying or selling a home, radon can be a significant issue. Buyers should be aware of the radon risk in their area and determine whether a radon test is desirable. When in doubt, the EPA always recommends testing. The cost of the test can be built into the house price. If test results already exist, make sure they are recent or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the test was performed. If in doubt, get a new test done. If you're selling a home, having a recent radon test is a great idea. By being proactive, you can assure potential buyers that there is no risk and avoid the issue from the start. So whether you have an old home or a new one, live in an old mining town or in the middle of the Great Plains, radon is a reality. But it is a reality that we can live with. Proper testing and mitigation, can eliminate radon as a health threat. For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon. Visit these resources for more valuable information on Radon. The American Radon Policy Coalition is a group of organizations, scientists, educators, oncologists & individuals joining together as advocates for a public policy to prevent radon exposure. EPA's page on Radon National Radon Safety Board The NRSB seeks to encourage the highest standards of practice and integrity in radon services through the development of independent standards and procedures for certifying, approving and accrediting radon testers, mitigators, measurement devices, chambers and laboratories American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists. AARST" is a nonprofit, professional organization of members who are dedicated to the highest standard of excellence and ethical performance of radon measurement, mitigation and transfer of information for the benefit of members, consumers and the public at large. Specialists of WI, Inc. Radon Contractors specializing in design and installation of high quality, effective radon reduction systems. Bob Villa recommends Radon testing. If you are buying or selling a home have it tested for Radon. Ready when you are Providing 24 x 7 service, 365 days a year, ABC Home Inspection, LLC is only a phone call away. 866-321-8367  or  email