Radon Testing

Radon Testing is an additional certification that I earned when I completed a class sponsored by  InterNACHI.  Below is an outline of the curriculum associated with the class.

• comprehend the fundamentals about radon gas;
• understand the science of radon and radioactivity;
• communicate health risks of radon exposure;
• perform radon testing according to measurement protocols;
• perform an inspection of a radon mitigation system;
• understand the requirements for NEHA-National Radon Proficiency Program certification;
• understand the requirements for former USEPA Radon Proficiency Programs;
• perform an inspection of radon prevention building techniques;
• take the NEHA National Radon Proficiency (NEHA-NRPP) Measurement exam.

The most important item that I am responsible for is communicating the health risks of radon exposure to my clients.

 

3 Reasons why you should test for Radon

1. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states “All homes should test for radon.”
2. The Surgeon General strongly urges to “Test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house.
3. There is evidence to suggest that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer

 

Additional Articles:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/pollution/radon

https://www.livestrong.com/article/124565-signs-radon-gas-poisoning/

 

A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon levels in your home. One simple and low cost method is  sealing cracks in floors and walls. A proven method is installing a radon mitigation system, which simply increasing ventilation through “sub-slab depressurization” using pipes and fans. The EPA recommends that you have a qualified contractor fix your home because lowering high radon levels requires specific technical knowledge and special skills.

Short Radon Story: I personally have a radon mitigation system in my house.  Last year the blower failed and I did not get around to repairing it for a few months.  I tested my house and we were at 6.2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and my wife was not happy.  She knows that any level above 4 pCi/L is a “value of concern”, and needless to say it was fixed within the week.  I tested it over and over again over the next few months until our level settled down to a  “safe”  2.1 pCi/L.