Radon is a radioactive gas that is generated through the breakdown of uranium inside the earth. Radon gas enters buildings primarily through cracks, crevices and other holes in the foundation. Radon is odorless and tasteless – once inside a structure, radon is trapped, and levels of the gas can become concentrated and toxic.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. causing approximately 21,000 lung cancer related deaths annually. For every 1,000 non-smokers exposed to radon levels at twice the EPA’s recommended action level, about 15 will contract lung cancer. For smokers the odds of contracting lung cancer increases to 120 victims per 1000 exposed.
EPA statistics document the fact that radon is a deadly carcinogen that is easy to ignore and is undetectable by the human senses. Another aspect of radon that makes it particularly dangerous is that it primarily attacks victims at the location where they feel most secure—their home. The EPA estimates that one in every 15 homes in the U.S. has radon levels at or above the action level.
Common side effects of toxic Radon include: persistent cough. coughing up blood. wheezing. shortness of breath. hoarseness. chest pain, especially when you cough or laugh. frequent infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
At Sentry Home Inspection Services, we are fully trained and certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants to conduct full Radon Testing in determining any dangerous Radon threat to you and your family. We collect air samples over a 48 hr period. We adhere to a strict “Chain of Custody” protocol and use a fully accredited nationally recognized full service environmental analytical laboratory to ensure accurate results with a 2-day turnaround time.
Once completed, you are given a full report that clearly shows any dangerous Radon Levels present. Let us take the guess work and stress out of having a comprehensive Radon test done and let us give you the information you need to make an informed investment decision.
