Frequently Asked Questions

Radon is found everywhere in the environment, is present in all 50 U.S. states, and is a fairly common problem for Missouri. In fact, Radon is common enough to be known as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and according to the EPA, nearly 1 in 15 homes have elevated dangerous levels of Radon. In Missouri, those numbers are estimated to be 1 in 5.

Pressure variations between a building’s foundation and the surrounding soil result in a vacuum-like condition that can ultimately pull Radon gas from the soil and bring it into the home through cracks and small openings in the foundation. When Radon gas seeps into poorly ventilated buildings, it cannot be diluted and may result in significant levels of accumulation, presenting potential serious health risks to you and your family. Devastating effects, like cancer, can manifest if the Radon levels are not controlled.

Testing is easy and inexpensive. There are short-term tests (about 48 hours) that collect your air quality sample. When we test for you with our continuous Radon monitors, you will likely get results the same day we pick up the monitor. Long-term tests are also available, which gives you a more accurate result of the Radon levels in your home. These tests are usually done over a 90-day period or longer.

Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). While no level of Radon exposure is considered safe, the EPA has set an action level at 4.0 pCi/L If a Radon test in a home shows levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L, action should be taken to fix the Radon health threat.

We provide fast and easy professional Radon testing with highly sensitive and accurate detailed results. If you would like us to help you with your Radon testing needs, we would be happy to help you. Our testing takes 48 hours and we most often provide you with results the same day as we retrieve the testing monitor. Because rock and soil formations are not uniform and due to the variables in house construction and occupancy patterns, one home can test high and the one next door can test low. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk.

If the Radon levels in your home are high, take the steps necessary to reduce the levels in your home. Radon mitigation can consist of installing an active Radon removal system in your home, fixing any ventilation issues present, and sealing Radon entry routes. Mitigation will reduce Radon levels in your home and prevent Radon from entering your living space.

How much Uranium/Radium is present in the soil. How porous the soil condition is. House construction, including foundation type: Basement, crawlspace, or sub-slab on grade. Weather conditions: Temperature, wind, and barometric pressure. Occupant activity.

Sealing alone is not a solution, but it is a step in the process of mitigation. Diluting the Radon gas by opening doors and windows may seem like a solution, but it is impractical and would typically only be done until a permanent system can be placed.

Testing for Radon is a common step of real estate transactions. If a Radon problem exists, rest assured that it is fixable. A mitigation system can be custom installed to reduce the unwanted Radon levels.