Frequently Asked Questions

What is radon?

Radon gas comes from the natural radioactive decay of radium and uranium found in the soil. The amount of radon in the soil depends on complex soil chemistry that varies from one house to the next. Radon levels in the soil range from a few pico curies per liter of air (pCi/L) to several thousands… Read more »

How does radon cause cancer?

If inhaled, radon decay products that have attached to the surface of aerosols, dusts, and smoke particles, become deeply lodged or trapped in the lungs, where they can radiate and penetrate the cells of mucous membranes, bronchi, and other pulmonary tissues. The ionizing radiation energy affecting the bronchial epithelial cells is believed to initiate the… Read more »

How do I test for radon?

The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested: http://www.epa.gov/radon/ Option 1: The least costly method is to contact your county or city health department. They give away free test kits. After the test period you will need to send the test kit to a radon laboratory and wait for the results.  Note: Users… Read more »

Real estate transaction testing?

What should I do when I want to buy a home and a radon test has already been done?  It is very important to select your own radon testing company – tests can be skewed. How can a radon test be beaten?  Simply opening windows or doors prior to or during the test, setting the… Read more »

How do I interpret the radon test results?

Unfortunately, people assume that if the “action level” is listed at 4 pCi/L, then a radon level of less than 4 pCi/L is safe. Scientists believe that any measurable amount of radon is unsafe long-term. For most people, their greatest exposure to radon will be in their homes; especially in rooms that are in contact… Read more »

Who should pay to get the radon reduced?

If you are buying a house, this is strictly a matter of negotiation for which there are no hard and fast rules.No matter who ends up paying, it is in your best interest that the buyer be the one to select the contractor and specify how the work will be done. We have tested several… Read more »

How do I fix the radon problem?

If you feel the radon levels are high enough to justify installing a radon mitigation system, we recommend installing a good quality, durable, energy efficient system. The EPA recommends that you have a system installed in your home to reduce the levels below 4 pCi/L. Certified mitigation contractors will assess the source of the radon… Read more »

How much does mitigation cost?

Every home or work place is different and the cost will vary. We can come to your home or work place, make an assessment, and give you a free proposal. passive system as the home is being built.  This can be accomplished with your building contractor making a simple phone call to Advanced Radon Services.… Read more »

How much does it cost to run the fan motor?

The average fan motor will draw between 90-120 watts of power. The radon mitigation fan motor will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for your protection. Specific to Kentucky, we have some of the lowest electrical rates in the nation and that means the cost can be estimated… Read more »

What about radon in granite countertops?

POSITION STATEMENT: Science and Technical Committee of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), August 4, 2008: At this time, the EPA does not believe sufficient data exists to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in counter-tops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels. Soil, sand, and rock underneath the home are… Read more »