radon testing...
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes
from the breakdown of naturally occurring
uranium in soil and rock. It is
invisible, order less and tasteless, and can
only be detected by specialized tests.
Radon enters homes through openings that are
in contact with the ground, such as cracks
in the foundation, small openings around
pipes, and sump pump pits.
Radon, like other radioactive materials,
undergoes radioactive decay that forms decay
products. Radon and its decay products
release radioactive energy that can damage
lung tissue in a away that causes the
beginning of lung cancer.
The more radon you are exposed to, and
the longer the exposure, the greater the
risk of eventually developing lung cancer.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung
cancer in the United States, resulting in
15,000 to 22,000 deaths per year.
Testing your home for radon is easy and
homes with high levels of radon can be fixed
(mitigated). The New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends
that all homes be tested for radon.
The US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states
about 1 in 15 homes has high radon levels.
EPA Map of Radon Zones
Radon Potential of Your Town
A radon testing device is placed within the
home for 2-6 days then mailed to a qualified
licensed
laboratory. Usually within a week or there after you
are provide with the laboratory results.
Protect your family. Test your
home.
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If high
concentrations
of radon is
found in
your home
it may be
necessary to
limit the
amount of
radon
getting into
the home by
sealing or
otherwise
obstructing
the access
points or a mitigation
system.
Typical
radon
mitigation
systems can
cost between
$800 and
$2500,
according to
the EPA.
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The
following statement is that of the State of
New Jersey, Department of Environmental
Protection.
The Radon Section, as
well as the US Environmental Protection
Agency, has always stressed that there is no
safe level of radon, and that homeowners
should reduce their levels as much as
possible.
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