When it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of your family, the air you breathe inside your home plays a pivotal role. In South Jersey, one invisible threat that might be lurking in your home is radon—a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks. Understanding the importance of radon testing and ensuring your home is safe can protect your family from potential long-term health issues.
What is Radon and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation and becomes trapped inside, where it can accumulate to dangerous levels. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right behind smoking.
Radon in South Jersey: A Local Perspective
South Jersey’s geological characteristics can affect radon levels, with some areas more prone to higher concentrations. Since radon levels can vary greatly even between neighboring homes and change with seasons and over time, testing is the only way to determine if your home has a radon problem. Given the health risks associated with long-term exposure, radon testing is not just advisable; it is crucial.
How Radon Testing Works
Testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. It involves placing a radon detector in the lowest livable part of your home, where radon levels are likely to be highest. The detector remains in place for a designated period—usually a few days to a week—before being sent to a lab for analysis. The results can help you understand whether you need to take further action, such as installing a radon mitigation system to reduce radon levels in your home.
- Short-term testing: This is a quick way to screen your home for radon. It’s ideal if you need results soon, such as during a real estate transaction.
- Long-term testing: This provides a more accurate representation of the average year-round radon levels in your home.
Both types of tests are effective, but your choice might depend on your specific situation and the time of year.
Protect Your Family’s Health with Professional Radon Testing
As a dedicated South Jersey Home Inspection company, we understand the local concerns and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to perform professional radon testing. Ensuring your home is safe from radon is a straightforward step that can have a significant impact on your family’s long-term health. By identifying and mitigating radon, you can breathe easier knowing that your home is a safer place.
Need a Professional Home Inspection? Call Us!
If you’re concerned about radon or need any other home inspection services, don’t hesitate to call us at 609-315-5742. Protecting your home means protecting your family, and we’re here to help every step of the way.