You cannot see Radon, you cannot smell it or taste it, however, it is possible that it is in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas. When you breathe, air containing Radon gas, this unstable radioactive gas breaks down, sending trillions of charged particles on a collision path to the cells in your lungs. The electrical charge and impact to the cells can result in lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Is there Radon in your Home?
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy—it should only take a few minutes of your time.
How Does Radon Enter a Home?
Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Is there Radon in Watauga County, North Carolina?
Radon can be found in most regions of North Carolina. Watauga County, including Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, are designated as Zone 1 areas by the EPA. A Zone 1 Region has been determined by the EPA to have average indoor readings above 4.0 pCi/L. The EPA recommends that homes that are found to contain these levels of Radon Gas have a Radon Gas Mitigation system installed. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels of Radon Gas is to directly test for it.
How Do I Test My Home For Radon Gas?
You can test your home yourself, or hire a Certified Professional to test your home for elevated levels of Radon Gas. This is most commonly performed with a Short-Term 48 hour test. Inspector Nation Certified Radon Professionals are the only Radon Professions in the United States Certified by an ISO 17024:2012 Accredited Certification Body. This is the only way to ensure that your test results meet a required level of accuracy and precision, which is otherwise difficult to obtain. As a Certified Radon Professional, Mike has the expertise you need to have peace of mind. Arrange for radon testing services by calling 828-699-9650 today.