Radon Testing

Smith Home Inspections offers radon testing by a third party certified radon testing company. 48 hour testing is completed using continuous radon monitors.

What is radon and why you should test?

Radon is a cancer‑causing, radioactive gas that can't be seen or smelled. It is very common in our region. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States 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. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uraniumin soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. 

• If you are buying a home, it's recommended to have it tested for radon.
• For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
• Fix the home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries) or higher by installing a radon mitigation system.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be reduced by installing a radon mitigation system.