Behind The Scenes Home Inspections | Salt Lake City, Orem, Provo; Utah

Radon Is The Leading Cause Of Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers.

You can't see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home.

According to the EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003) radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the USA.

The EPA also concluded that the effects of radon an cigarette smoking are synergistic, so that smokers are at considerably higher risk from radon.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water and mixes into the air you breathe.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools but you and your family are most likely to get the highest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend all homes below the third level be tested for radon.

If high radon levels are detected, radon reduction systems can be installed in your home and are not to costly. Some systems can reduce the levels in your home by up to 99%.

Radon can enter all homes, new, old, well sealed, drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

1 out of 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have high radon levels, but Utah has the potential for higher concentration levels such as 1 in 3 homes.

Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

January 2005

The Most Accurate, Unbiased And Convenient Radon Test Available Anywhere.

Fastest results in Utah! - Generaly within 1 hour after testing is competed.

48 hour test performed using a "Radalink" continuous radon monitor with the best tamper proof features available to any professional

Very affordable prices - discounts available if scheduled in conjunction with a home inspection.

Data is analyzed by a professional lab and detailed easy-to-read report is provided to all parties involved.

An ESA professional trained and NEHA Certified/ Licensed inspector will perform the radon test.

What if high levels are found in my home?

While there is no known safe level of radon, due to the fact there is always some risk, the EPA has set 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as the national action level. Homes exceeding that level should be fixed. Homes with levels lower than 4 pCi/l still pose a lesser risk, and in many cases may be reduced.

How do I lower the radon level in my home?

There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home. The primary system used is a vent pipe and fan, which will pull radon from under the home and vent it outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Other methods are also available and will vary based on the design of your home. A professional radon mitigation contractor can provide more details.

EPA Recommended Testing Steps:

1) Have a short-term test performed

2) If result is 4 pCi/L or higher, have a follow-up test performed to be sure. Long-term or short-term follow up test can be done, but long-term test are generally not possible for real estate transaction requirements.

3) If the average of the two tests is higher than 4pCi/L then consider having your home mitigated.

Should home sellers perform a pre-listing radon test?

More and more, home buyers and renters are concerned about radon levels of homes prior to buying or renting. Because real estate transactions happen quickly, there is little time to deal with high radon level issues that may be found during the contract period. The best thing you can do is to have us test for radon NOW and save the results in case the buyer is interested in them. Fix a problem if it exists so it wont complicate your home sale.

I am adding on to my home or finishing by basement. Do I need a radon test?

The EPA recommends if yo are planning any major structural renovation, such as converting an unfinished basement area into a living space, it is especially important to test the area for radon before you begin to project. If your test results are above the action level, radon resistant techniques can be inexpensively included as part of the renovation. Because major renovation can change the level of radon in any home, always test again after the work is finished.

If high radon levels are found in my home, what will it cost to have the problem remedied?

The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on the type of construction and the extent of the problem. Most homes can fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The average home cost about $1200 for a professional radon mitigation contractor to fix, although it can range from about $800-$2500. The cost is much less if a passive system is installed during construction. Behind The Scenes Home Inspections does not offer mitigation services due to the need to maintain an unbiased position for our clients, but we recommend visiting www.radongas.org to select from one of many well qualified mitigation contractors.

Performing Home Inspections In The Following Utah cities:

Alpine, American Fork, Benjamin, Bennion, Bingham Canyon, Bluffdale, Bountiful, Brigham City, Canyon Rim, Cedar City, Ceder Hills, Centerville, Clearfield, Clinton, Copperton, Cottonwood Heights, Cottonwood, Draper, Eagle Mountain, East Millcreek, Emigration, Farmington, Fruit Heights, Granger, Grantsville, Heber, Herriman, Highland, Holladay, Kaysville, Kearns, Lakeshore, Lakeview, Layton, Lehi, Lindon, Little Cottonwood Creek Valley, Mapleton, Midvale, Millcreek, Mount Olympus, Murray, North Davis, North Salt Lake, Oquirrh, Orem, Palmyra, Park City, Payson, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Richfield, Riverton, Roy, Salem, Salt Lake City, SLC, Sandy, Santaquin, Saratoga Springs, Smithfield, South Davis, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Spanish Fork, Springville, Syracuse, Taylorsville, Tooele, Val Verta, Washington, West Jordan, West Point, West Valley, Woods Cross

Certified Utah Home Inspections - Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, Davis County

Locally owned, specializing in certified home inspections along the Utah Wasatch Front near the following major cities: Salt Lake, Draper, Lehi, Murray, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Sandy, Saratoga Springs, South Jordan, West Jordan, Alpine, etc.