Radon Gas Testing – Information
in the Annapolis / Washington DC Area
Radon Gas Testing
Why it’s Important to Test for Radon Gas?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that, according to EPA, is present in the environment – indoors and outside. It is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer over time. At Dynamic Home Inspections, Inc., we offer Radon Testing as an additional service to our list of home inspection services based in Annapolis, MD. We serve all of Central MD and Washington DC. Here is what you need to know about radon, its danger, how to test for radon, and how to reduce radon levels in your home.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, bedrock, and water. It can be in the air you breathe and enter your home through cracks, gaps, and other holes in the foundation.
Dangers of Radon
Radon is a health hazard and the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to cigarette smoking. Radon Gas is responsible for 21,000 deaths per year, according to the EPA. Since it is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible to detect until a radon test is done. Radon is called the silent killer. Many homeowners have no idea how toxic this gas is. Studies show a correlation between breathing high concentrations of radon and lung cancer; according to the EPA, Smokers are more susceptible to lung cancer due to the synergistic effects of both radon inhalation and smoking combined. A person who never smoked but is exposed to 1.3 pCi/L has a 2 in 1000 chance of lung cancer, while a smoker has a 20 in 1,000 chance of dying from this disease.
Radon also produces radioactive decay products called radon daughters or radon progeny. These decay products are robust and stick to surfaces called plating, as dust particles that can easily be inhaled. Inhalation of contaminated dust can also cause lung cancer.
You can’t see or smell radon. Testing is the only way to know your levels. Radon poisoning may be one of the reasons why your house could be making you sick.
Higher Risk Areas Include:
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon gas can seep through cracks and other holes in the foundation, pores in concrete, and gaps in walls and floors. Common ways for radon to enter your home are as follows:
- Cracks in the floors
- Construction-Control joints
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Service pipes gaps
- Cavities inside walls
- Water supply
- Cracks and holes in your foundation
Radon Testing
EPA highly recommends hiring a professional to conduct the radon test, and you can Call Us Today for your Radon Testing in the Annapolis, DC, Metropolitan Area.
The EPA also recommends “consider taking action” when the radon level exceeds 1.9 pCi/L. Radon levels between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/l also carry some risk over long-term exposure. Lowering the radon level reduces the risk of lung cancer. A general rule as a comparison is that Every 1.0 pCi/l of Radon Gas is Equal to 2 Cigarettes Per Day.
Any radon levels over the EPA-established 4.0 pCi/L are recommended to take corrective measures, i.e., installing radon mitigation which reduces the radon gas concentrations in the home. Just because the house has elevated radon levels doesn’t mean it’s a bad home; it just means the radon needs to be managed and reduced to acceptable levels with mitigation. The addition of a Radon Mitigation System is usually fairly inexpensive.
Radon is a serious health risk, and the only way to know if the home has elevated levels of radon gas is to have a test done. So, take action and call Dynamic Home Inspections Inc. Today.
Why it’s Important to Test for Radon Gas?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that, according to EPA, is present in the environment – indoors and outside. It is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer over time. At Dynamic Home Inspections, Inc., we offer Radon Testing as an additional service to our list of home inspection services based in Annapolis, MD. We serve all of Central MD and Washington DC. Here is what you need to know about radon, its danger, how to test for radon, and how to reduce radon levels in your home.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, bedrock, and water. It can be in the air you breathe and enter your home through cracks, gaps, and other holes in the foundation.
Dangers of Radon
Radon is a health hazard and the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to cigarette smoking. Radon Gas is responsible for 21,000 deaths per year, according to the EPA. Since it is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible to detect until a radon test is done. Radon is called the silent killer. Many homeowners have no idea how toxic this gas is. Studies show a correlation between breathing high concentrations of radon and lung cancer; according to the EPA, Smokers are more susceptible to lung cancer due to the synergistic effects of both radon inhalation and smoking combined. A person who never smoked but is exposed to 1.3 pCi/L has a 2 in 1000 chance of lung cancer, while a smoker has a 20 in 1,000 chance of dying from this disease.
Radon also produces radioactive decay products called radon daughters or radon progeny. These decay products are robust and stick to surfaces called plating, as dust particles that can easily be inhaled. Inhalation of contaminated dust can also cause lung cancer.
You can’t see or smell radon. Testing is the only way to know your levels. Radon poisoning may be one of the reasons why your house could be making you sick.
Higher Risk Areas Include:
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon gas can seep through cracks and other holes in the foundation, pores in concrete, and gaps in walls and floors. Common ways for radon to enter your home are as follows:
- Cracks in the floors
- Construction-Control joints
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Service pipes gaps
- Cavities inside walls
- Water supply
- Cracks and holes in your foundation
Radon Testing
EPA highly recommends hiring a professional to conduct the radon test, and you can Call Us Today for your Radon Testing in the Annapolis, DC, Metropolitan Area.
The EPA also recommends “consider taking action” when the radon level exceeds 1.9 pCi/L. Radon levels between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/l also carry some risk over long-term exposure. Lowering the radon level reduces the risk of lung cancer. A general rule as a comparison is that Every 1.0 pCi/l of Radon Gas is Equal to 2 Cigarettes Per Day.
Any radon levels over the EPA-established 4.0 pCi/L are recommended to take corrective measures, i.e., installing radon mitigation which reduces the radon gas concentrations in the home. Just because the house has elevated radon levels doesn’t mean it’s a bad home; it just means the radon needs to be managed and reduced to acceptable levels with mitigation. The addition of a Radon Mitigation System is usually fairly inexpensive.
Radon is a serious health risk, and the only way to know if the home has elevated levels of radon gas is to have a test done. So, take action and call Dynamic Home Inspections Inc. Today.
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Frequently Asked Question
What is radon, and why should I test for it?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground. Long-term exposure to high levels can increase the risk of lung cancer. Testing is the only way to know if your home has a safe radon level. Professional testing provides peace of mind.
How does radon get into my home?
Radon enters through cracks in foundations, basement floors, crawlspaces, and gaps around pipes or wiring. It seeps from the soil and can build up indoors, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Even new or well-sealed homes are vulnerable, making regular testing essential for health and safety.
What levels are considered dangerous?
The EPA considers radon levels of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher to be dangerous and recommends mitigation. However, even lower levels can pose health risks over time. Dynamic Home Inspections provides accurate readings to help you make informed decisions about your home's air quality.
How do you test for radon?
Dynamic Home Inspections uses advanced electronic monitoring devices placed in the lowest livable area of your home for 48 hours. These devices provide detailed, reliable results, helping you understand if action is needed to reduce radon exposure in your living space.
If radon levels are high, what then?
If high levels are found, radon mitigation is recommended. This usually involves a licensed contractor installing a ventilation system to reduce radon buildup. Dynamic Home Inspections can guide you through the next steps and connect you with trusted professionals to ensure your home is safe.
How do I arrange for a radon inspection?
Scheduling a radon inspection with Dynamic Home Inspections is simple. You can request it as a standalone service or add it to a home inspection. Just contact our team via phone or through our website to book your appointment at a time that works best for you.
Why use a professional rather than DIY kits?
While DIY kits are available, they often lack accuracy and can be affected by improper placement or timing. Professional inspectors use calibrated equipment and follow strict guidelines, ensuring more precise results. Dynamic Home Inspections delivers trustworthy data you can rely on for critical health decisions.