Radon is a radioactive gas, which appears whenever there are significant quantities of uranium in the soil or water. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (behind only cigarettes): it gets caught in your lungs when you breathe it in, damaging the tissue and resulting in long term health problems. Radon testing is a comparatively simple process designed to determine the levels of radon in your home and whether they constitute a danger. The benefits of radon testing in Portland and other Oregon cities are obvious – to alert you to any danger to you or other members of your household – but a little more information can help you understand the particulars betters.
Radon can get into you house through any kind of crack or crevice, such as a fracture in the floor or walls, or a gap to allow plumbing or electricity in. It can also get in through crawlspaces, and can infiltrate your water supply as well (especially if you get your water from a well). If radon is in the water, it can get into the air once it passes through a faucet.
You can’t predict when or where radon will get into your home. It has nothing to do with your home’s location or the proximity to hazardous sites. The only way to spot it is with testing, which a qualified professional can perform safely and efficiently. You should always have a test performer before buying or selling a home. It’s also a good idea to have it tested before having a baby, bringing a new pet into the home or before undertaking any large home improvement projects.
A good Portland, OR radon testing technician will perform both short-term and long-term tests, then discuss your options with you when he test comes back. In the case of high radon levels, you should first re-test to confirm, then discuss adding radon resistant features in your home, such as sealing or plastic sheeting. Radon testing in Portland can be performed by Clean Air Act. Our Portland radon testing technicians are dedicated to the highest quality of service, so give us a call today.