Certified Mold Testing  Home  Inspections “ don’t regret, have us inspect” Understanding Radon Q:      What is Radon? A:      Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. Q:      How is Radon produced? A:      It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.  Certain types of rock, including granites, dark shales, light colored volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks containing phosphate, and metamorphic rocks devrived from these rocks, have a higher then average unranium contents. Q:      How does Radon enter my house? A:      Through dirt floors, hollow block walls, cracks in the foundation floors and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes, and sump pumps. Q:      Is Radon really a health hazard? A:      Yes! Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, estimated to cause 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Q:      How do you test for Radon? A:      There are several testing methods available, at Guardain Real Estate Inspections we utilize the E-PERM Radon Monitoring Systems. E-PERMs are ion chambers fabricated from electrically conductive plastic which use an electret as both the high voltage source for ion collection and the integrating ion sensor.  They are passive devices requiring no power to function. We use two E-PERM Systems per test for cross base-line comparisons.  The kits are then sent to an accredited laboratory for scientific analysis. We believe this to be the most accurate short term test available.   Q:      How long does it take? A:      A minium of 48 hours in the residence, please allow 1-2 business days for results from the laboratory. Q:      What are acceptable levels? A:      The Federal EPA recommends that action be taken to reduce radon levels at 4 pCi/L (picoruries per liter) of air or higher. Q:      How do you mitigate Radon? A:      Typically, in homes with sump pumps, a PVC pipe will be placed in the same hole, below the pump. The exhaust vent pipe is then installed along the exterior of the house, venting near the roof line, or installed through the walls, into the attic, and  vented through the roof. A fan is installed to create negative pressure to draw the gases and vent. Q:      How much does Radon Mitigation Cost A:      Although Guardian Real Estate Inspections does not offer mitigation services, you can  estimate services to range from $1,000.00 - $2,500.00 depending on contractor and complexity of installation. At Guardian Real Estate Inspections our NACHI Certified Home Inspectors proudly provide residential and commercial inspections throughout Central Ohio, including but not limited to: Columbus, Pickerington, Lancaster, Pataskala, Newark, Granville, Delaware, Logan, Worthington, Hilliard, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Groveport, Bexley, Whitehall, Circleville, Baltimore, Marysville, Powell, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Millersport, Etna, Buckeye Lake, Hebron, Bremen, Thornville, Amanda, Stoutsville, New Lexington, Junction City, Washington Court House, Carroll, Canal Winchester, Ostrander, Chillicothe, Johnstown, West Jefferson, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Hocking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, Union counties, in Ohio Back To How It Works