You may have heard about radon gas but doubt that it is real or that it matters to you. Maybe you've seen news stories about a "silent killer" and written it off as scare tactics. But the truth is, radon gas is something that every homeowner should be aware of. Take a few minutes and read the 5 w's that you need to know about radon gas
The first thing you need to know about radon gas, is what it is. Radon is the radioactive byproduct of the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. This radioactive gas has no odor, color or taste but can enter your home through the foundation. Because it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted in the air, the only way to know if it is present is through special testing.
If your home does have high radon levels, you are at risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has stated that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US today. This is second only to smoking. Other organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have also stated that prolonged exposure to radon is a health risk for you and your loved ones.
Where Can Radon Gas Be Found? Radon Gas comes from soil, rock and water which means that every single home has a chance to have high radon. In Utah, 1 in 3 homes have high radon levels. While some areas are more prone to have higher averages, any home can have a radon problem. If your neighbor tested and had low levels that doesn't automatically mean your home will have low levels. The EPA, along with the Governer recommend that every home in Utah be tested for radon gas.
Whether you have lived in your house for 20 years or if you just moved in, anytime is the right time to test for radon gas. You can test in any season, although you do have to have closed house conditions - meaning no open windows for the duration of the test. Tests can usually be set within 2 business days. It must then run for a full 48 hours. Certified results can be provided 1-2 days after testing is complete. Radon testing is becoming more and more common in the real estate industry so if you are buying or selling a home, make sure that the home is tested for radon.
Keep in mind that radon levels can change over time (as more uranium decays in the soil around your home), so it is recommended to test your home every two years.
At Utah Radon Services we offer free certified testing for all Utah homeowners. Why do we offer free testing when inspectors can charge $100+ for testing? Because we believe that every home should be tested for radon. However, only 1 in 5 homes in Utah have actually had radon testing done. We are set up to do a high number of tests very efficiently and we use certified radon testing equipment and produce highly accurate, EPA certified test results. We also offer free real estate testing for anyone buying or selling a home within 50 miles of Draper. Testing with Utah Radon Services is easy. Simply fill out the form on this page or call us at 801-871-0715 to request a test kit.
Many studies by the EPA, WHO, Surgeon General and more state exposure to Radon Gas is a health risk. The good thing is that it is compltely preventable. Testing is quick, easy, FREE and can provide you with peace of mind. It is easy to begin, simply fill out the form on this page to get started.
Radon is a radioactive gas that rises into homes from uranium in the soil underneath the building. This gas can pass through a home’s foundation and may lead to lung diseases, including lung cancer, for those inside. Although it can pass through the foundation, the cement and other materials still slow radon entry into the […]
Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas created when uranium breaks down in soil and rocks. It enters homes through cracks and pores in the foundation and construction joints, and long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States! With such […]
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas created when uranium in soil decays. Uranium is found in varying levels in soil and rock worldwide but is present in high concentrations in Utah. As it decays, radon rises from the ground and into homes where it is inhaled and can cause lung cancer. In fact, one […]
