RADON

What is radon?
Radon is the tasteless, odorless gas released from the natural, radioactive decay of uranium and radium in the soil and rocks. It is present everywhere.

Is radon dangerous?
According to the EPA, WHO, CDC and the Surgeon General, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer and responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer-related deaths in the United States per year.

How does radon enter my property?
Radon seeps into structures through foundation cracks or holes, construction joints, wall cracks, floor gaps, service pipe cracks, wall cavities, and in some cases may even enter drinking water.7

Does IL have high levels of radon?
According to Illinois.gov, homes across the state of Illinois have elevated levels of radon gas. Nationwide 1 in 15 homes has elevated radon. Regardless of where you live in Illinois, your property should be tested.

TESTING

What types of buildings should be tested for radon?
Every home should be tested for radon, but radon can be in any structure. Office buildings, industrial buildings, apartments/condos, schools, daycare centers, and home daycares should be tested.

How do you test for radon?
Our licensed professionals will go to the property, ensure testing conditions are established, identify the correct device placement location(s), place the equipment, and leave required information and postings. The equipment remains at the property for at least the minimum testing period (which can vary from 48-96 hours, depending on different factors) and then the technician comes back to retrieve the equipment.

The test results are reported and delivered the same day the equipment is retrieved.

For homeowners testing only for their own interest, we can perform a professional test as above, or we can recommend a reliable alpha track home test kit.

Should I have a home tested for radon before a purchase?
The EPA recommends every home be tested for radon before purchasing.

In Illinois, there are real estate disclosure mandates regarding radon. If you haven't spoken to your agent or home inspector, please reach out so we can further assist you.

How often should radon be tested?
The EPA recommends testing anytime another level is occupied, after a renovation, anytime a purchase/sale is made, or at least every two years.

What happens if radon elevated radon levels are detected?

Radon mitigation is a specific system or installation to lessen indoor radon gas levels. While there are several types, Sub-Slab Depressurization is one of the most common.

In most cases, mitigation systems can decrease radon gas levels up to 99%.

  1. “The ABCs of Radon in Illinois” IEMA, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/NRS/Radon/documents/abcofradon.pdf
  2. “Illinois Radon Awareness Act” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 24 July 2019, http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2913&ChapAct=420%20ILCS%2046/&ChapterID=37&ChapterName=NUCLEAR%20SAFETY&ActName=Illinois%20Radon%20Awareness%20Act
  3. “Radon and Cancer.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon
  4. “Protect Yourself and Your Family from Radon.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Jan. 2020, www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/protect-home-radon/index.htm
  5. Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions in Illinois, https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/NRS/Radon/documents/radontestguidelineforrealestate.pdf
  6. “Environmental Health and Medicine Education.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.atsdr.cdc.gov.
  7. Radon in Illinois. Radon in Illinois - Radon. (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2021, from https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/NRS/Radon/Pages/RadonIllinois.aspx