What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally ocurring radioactive gas, which can enter homes though cracks, seams, water supply, building materials and other areas. At EPA's recommended radon action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), it is estimated that over a lifetime of living in those conditions, 7 out of 1,000 non-smokers could develop lung cancer? For smokers, the number jumps to 62 per 1,000! EPA estimates that nearly 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States are attributed to radon-related lung cancer.
Nationally, it is estimated that 1 out of 15 homes has elevated radon levels. That number jumps to nearly 1 out of 3 homes in New Hampshire.
Radon Testing & Mitigation Services
SLIDESHOW (picture source: EPA)
How do I know if radon levels are high in my house or one I wish to purchase?
The only way to determine if radon exists in any home is to test for it. Though test results using test kits available at local stores are acceptable, provided that tests are performed in accordance with EPA standards, SRW recomends professional testing using a continuous radon monitor (CRM). A CRM provides much more information than just the average radon level over the course of the test period, which is what the other testing methods are limited to. SRW personnel hold certification for professional radon testing using continuous radon monitors, and will provide you with accurate, reliable, third party results. SRW follows strict quality control/quality assurance protocols and is fully insured with general liability, pollution and professional errors and omissions insurance.
What can be done about high radon levels?
Fortunately, radon mitigation is rather easy and relatively inexpensive when considering the cost of a home purchase, as low as $1,000 for installation, plus the minimal monthly costs for operation. Of course, these costs can only be determined by knowing radon levels, site conditions, building construction, etc. If elevated radon levels are discovered, SRW can design and install radon mitigation systems to reduce your radon exposure, with as little impact as possible to your home.
Why SRW?
SRW is nationally certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program for testing and mitigation (NRPP ID #107467 RMT). In addition, Todd Scheffer, SRW's certified radon professional, has a degree in civil engineering, is a New Hampshire licensed professional geologist (ID #265), and has been performing professional soil, water and air assesments / mitigation for over 20 years.
Find more information about radon from EPA by clicking here.