Category: Radon

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Radon Test Before Basement Remodel

radon testing for basement remodel

It’s time to work on your basement finally. You have a plenty of ideas for what you may want your basement to end up being. It could mean you want an extra bedroom or a comfortable lounging area. You could also make it into a man cave for yourself. The most important thing to do before starting the project is testing for radon.

radon testing for basement remodelImportance of a Radon Test

Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that happens naturally in some homes. It has radioactive properties that are a health hazard to people and can cause cancer if exposed to it over time. Some areas in the country produce more of this gas than others, so it’s important to test for this.

Radon usually seeps through cracks and gaps in the home, whether that’s in solid floors, walls, service pipes, water supply, etc. In the basement, an uncovered sump pump can release this gas into your home.

Radon can be found in the soil underneath the home. This is how it can seep into cracks in the home. When the radon decays, the radiation is released from the gas, which can cause a plethora of health issues over a long period of time.

Here are some health hazards:

  • Radioactive particles can get trapped in lungs
  • Long-term health issues (cancer)
  • Smoking and radon = higher risk for lung cancer

First Choice Inspectors specialize in home inspection services including radon inspection for your home. If you’re looking to remodel your basement and turn it into a place to hangout with the family, it’s vital for your family’s safety and health to get a radon test done.

First Choice Inspectors

We take pride in our home inspection services for the Chicago area. Our inspectors have been trained and certifies to check your home for many issues, from structural to mechanical, and environmental concerns. Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today to get a quote on a radon test before you turn your basement into the lounge room you’ve always dreamed of having.

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Radon

It’s National Radon Action Month!

It’s National Radon Action Month!

Have you had your home tested for the presence of radon gas? This month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is raising awareness about the importance of radon testing in observation of National Radon Action Month.

Although radon tests can be conducted at any time of year, winter is widely regarded as the best time to get a radon test. That’s because it’s easier to get an accurate reading when all the windows and doors in a home are closed. It’s especially important for homeowners in our area to get radon tests, because many counties in Illinois have documented histories of elevated radon levels.

So what is Radon, and why is it a public health concern?              

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is a natural byproduct of trace amounts of uranium in soil undergoing radioactive decay. As the gas is release from the soil, it emits cancer-causing alpha radiation into the air. Currently, Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that radon-related lung cancer claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.

The good news is, radon exposure is a preventable health risk.

There are several effective radon mitigating techniques available that can reduce indoor radon levels by up to 99 percent. Before exploring these options, however, you must first have your home tested for the presence of radon. At First Choice Inspectors, we offer professional radon inspections to help homeowners determine whether or not they’re at risk of radon exposure. If we detect elevated levels of radon gas in your home, we can connect you with a qualified radon mitigation company to help you resolve the issue once and for all. Schedule your inspection online, or give us a call today to learn more!

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Radon

Buying a New Home? Be Sure to Get a Radon Inspection First!

Buying a New Home? Be Sure to Get a Radon Inspection First!There are plenty of things to check off your to-do list before you buy a new home. One thing that many homebuyers neglect to do, however, is get a radon inspection before they move in. It can be easy to forget, but radon inspections are very important, particularly if you live in an area that’s prone to radon exposure.

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when the uranium in soil and rock decays naturally over time. It comes up through the soil, and eventually makes its way into the atmosphere. When houses are built on soil with radon content, the gas can permeate the homes’ foundations and cause serious health problems for local residents. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. It’s also odorless and colorless, which makes it impossible to detect without a professional inspection.

Before you buy a home, you should ask a home inspector to conduct a radon inspection.

Radon inspections are very simple, but they are also very important to the health of you and your family. If radon is detected, a ventilation system can be installed to divert the gas away from your home. Any cracks in the home’s foundation can also be sealed to prevent radon from permeating the home in the future.  

Are you concerned about the presence of radon in your home? At First Choice Inspectors, we can conduct a comprehensive radon inspection to put your mind at ease. Contact us online or give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

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Radon

A Brief Overview of Radon

RadonJust like carbon monoxide, you cannot see, smell or taste a radioactive gas called radon.

Radon is naturally occurring and can be found in many residential and commercial properties; it is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after only smoking. Radon negatively affects indoor air quality and the only way to be sure it is present is by testing for it.

Radon is a natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. From there, it seeps into structures and becomes part of the air you breathe.

As a highly gaseous radioactive element, it is nine times denser than air, which makes it the heaviest known gas. Radon can easily penetrate common materials such as paper, leather, plastics of low density, sheetrock and concrete block, mortar, tarpaper, wood paneling, most paints and most insulations.

The US EPA, Surgeon General and various health associations recommend you test your home for radon. The test is not obtrusive at all, and takes a minimum of 48 hours to get a reading. You want there to be no detection of radon, but if there is, you want the level to be below 4 pCi/l. You will want to have a system installed to remove the radon if the level is at or above 4 pCi/l.

Young children tend to be the most susceptible to radon damage as they have a higher respiration rate. To protect you and your family, one of the best ways to determine if a house has radon is with a home inspection. Any time you purchase a home, it is recommended by the realtor and the lender to have a radon test performed.

If you feel concerned about the chances of having radon in your home, contact First Choice Inspections today. We can help ease your worry as well as guide you in the process of removing radon from your home.