Certified Radon Gas Inspection Services

Most Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Slab-2-Shingles® test for radon?
• What is radon?
• What can radon do to you?
• Radon facts?

How does Slab-2-Shingles® test for radon?

Our testing method Slab-2-Shingles® uses an active continuous monitor (method CR or CW) that has the capability to integrate and record a new result at least every four hours. As a control a(secondary) passive or active measurement device is used. Shorter integration periods and more frequent data logging afford greater ability to detect unusual variations in radon or radon decay product concentrations. The minimum measurement period is 48 hours. The first four hours of data from a continuous monitor may be discarded or incorporated into the result using system correction factors (EPA 520-402-R-92-004; EPA 1992c). There will be least 44 contiguous hours of usable data to produce a valid average. (The "backing out" of data [i.e., removal of portions imbedded in the two days] to account for weather or other phenoma will invalidate the measurement.) The periodic results will be averaged to produce a result that is reported to our client.

Protocol

Notify occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give occupants written instructions or a copy of the EPA Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon http://www.radon.com/pubs/hmbyguid.html (EPA 402-R-93-003; U.S. EPA 1993), or a State-required alternative, and explain the directions carefully.

The radon measurement equipment used should is listed by Air Check and is listed in Florida. Slab-2-Shingles® follows the manufacturer's instructions that come with the device. Slab-2-Shingles® professionals conducts the test, he/she is listed and certified with Floridas State-listed program,  Under the former National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP), EPA recommended that their photo identification should be provided to the client or homeowner at the time of, or before, the test, and the contractor's identification number should be clearly visible on the test report. The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself. Conduct the radon test for minimum of 48 hours. Some devices must be exposed for longer than the 48-hour minimum. Check to see if an active radon reduction system is in the house. Before starting a short-term test lasting less than four days, make sure the active system has been operating for at least 24 hours before beginning the test. EPA recommends that short-term radon testing, which lasts for no more than a week in length, be done under closed-building conditions. Closed-building conditions means keeping all windows closed, keeping doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines that bring in air from outside. Note that fans that are part of a radon reduction system or small exhaust fans operating for only short periods of time may run during the test. When doing short-term testing lasting less than four days, it is important to maintain closed-building conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and for the entire test period. Do not operate fans or other machines that bring in air from the outside.

Slab-2-Shingles® is licensed and certified to perform radon tests in Florida. A full radon test can be performed with any home inspection.

What is radon?

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Radon Report

Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth's suface. Though you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, it is there and may be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon gas.

What can radon do to you?

Radon gas contains radioactive particles which get trapped in your lungs every time you take a breath. Test for radon before buying a home Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that's formed during the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It exits the ground and can seep into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. It can also enter your home in well water.

Health officials have determined that radon is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer. Studies show that radon is more of a risk to smokers, but nonsmokers have a slightly elevated chance of developing lung cancer, too. The only way to find out if your house contains radon gas is to have it tested.

Radon facts?

There are no average radon levels for a specific city, state, or region. You may have heard that houses without basements are not at risk--but that isn't true. It doesn't matter if your neighbor's radon test was low or high, results for your home may be completely different.

Acceptable Radon Levels

The EPA recommends you install a system to reduce radon if the level of gas in your home is 4 picocuries of radon per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

Putting It In Perspective

The EPA offers a look at what they believe to be the risks of radon at different concentrations for 1,000 people who smoked and were consistently exposed to a certain level of radon during their lifetimes.

Slab-2-Shingles® is licensed and certified to perform radon tests in Florida. A full radon test can be performed with any home inspection.