Radon Testing
Making sure you’re protected from harmful exposure to radon
Award Home Inspections is one of the few companies that performs radon measurements in the Richmond, Virginia area. The company is certified through the National Radon Safety Board and offers a competitive price on radon measurement services.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, flavorless and colorless gas that most commonly enters the home from the ground. It’s dangerous at high levels and is the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers across the globe. Scientists estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year are attributed to radon exposure.
Radon Inspections
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that radon levels not exceed 4 pCi/l, but many homes in Central Virginia exceed those levels. It’s estimated that 1 in 15 homes across the United States have radon levels at or above the levels recommended by the EPA.
A radon measurement is a simple process. A certified radon measurement specialist comes to a home or business and sets up a radon monitor. The monitor will collect data for a minimum of 48 hours. The radon measurement specialist will collect the monitor, analyze the data and provide a detailed report at the conclusion of the test.
Radon is everywhere, but this simple test saves lives.
F.A.Q.
Answers to often-asked questions about radon testing.
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is odorless and invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, radon is nine times denser than air and can easily penetrate building materials like gypsum board, concrete, mortar, tarpaper, wood paneling and insulations.
Is radon harmful?
Yes. It’s a radioactive carcinogen. 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year are attributed to radon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
How does radon get into my home?
Radon gets into a home through radioactive rock , soil or water below the home. Often the air pressure is lower inside the home than in the surrounding soil, which acts as a natural vacuum. The gas seeps up through the foundation and gets trapped inside the home.
How is radon gas measured?
A monitoring device is placed inside the home for several days. A radon measurement specialist examines the data from the machine and determines if the home or business has unsafe radon levels.
What does someone do if radon is discovered?
We do not specialize in radon remediation, but we do put the homeowner in contact with someone who can find ways to reduce the level of radon. Frequently, the easiest solution is increasing air circulation in the home.