Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Radon gas is odorless, inert and colorless and testing is the only way to determine radon levels. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in small amounts and generally disperses quickly and not generally a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside buildings such as homes and workplaces after entering the building and getting trapped.
Some areas are more prone to higher Radon as indicated on the map of Maryland below but Radon levels can vary from house to house.
EPA guidance suggests mitigating if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L. Steps can be taken to reduce the level of radon in your home to help protect you and your family but the only way to know first is to have it tested.
Currently serving the counties of Frederick, Washington, Montgomery and Carroll County in Maryland although other possible areas around there. Please ask if you have an additional location and we may be of assistance.
Test setup: Our NRPP certified radon technician will come to the property as scheduled and place the radon test monitor according to EPA protocol. All outside doors and windows must remain closed for 12 hours prior to the start of the radon test. Setup takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Test: The test will collect data for a minimum of 48 hours. Please keep closed-home conditions or the test will be invalidated. This means all exterior windows and doors are to remain closed except for normal entry and exit to the property. Please do not point fans in the direction of the testing equipment and please do not use any devices that bring in or recycle the outside air. Operation of normal HVAC systems is fine.
Pick-up: Our certified staff will return to retrieve our Radon testing equipment as scheduled no less than 2 full days (48 hrs) from the start of the test. This only takes 5 to 10 minutes to do so.
Test results: Radon reports will be generated and sent to real estate agent and/or client asap.