Radon FAQ
North Georgia Radon Testing offers professional radon testing services and radon information to homebuyers, sellers, and established homeowners in the North Georgia area. We conduct our business in accordance with the AARST Consortium on National Radon Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is radon?
Radon is a gas that forms as a decay byproduct of certain radioactive elements that are buried deep within the Earth. The gas then travels upward, escaping through the ground’s surface and into the atmosphere.
Why is radon hazardous to human health?
When radon rises near the ground’s surface, the gas is able to enter a home through any gaps, cracks, or porous materials that are present. If high concentrations of the gas are sustained in a home for long periods of time, serious health problems can occur. Notably, radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in humans.
Are new homes at risk of radon contamination?
Yes! New homes are equally at risk. Areas of high radon occurrence are dependent on geography and geological processes, not the age or condition of affected homes.
Is radon testing mandatory when buying a Georgia home?
Radon testing is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend it. This is especially true for the North Georgia area, where radon is at peak concentration. For the sake of your family’s health, it’s important to measure a home’s radon levels in order to determine if a radon mitigation system will need to be installed.
What are the advantages of going through North Georgia Radon Testing versus using a home kit?
Karen Spinnler of North Georgia Radon Testing is NRPP certified as a Residential Measurement Provider for both Standard and Analytical Services. Our tests are far more precise than home kits and less prone to error. We obtain results substantially quicker than a home kit is able to provide—and because of our certifications, our test results can be used for the purposes of a real estate transaction.
How does the radon test work?
We use Sun Nuclear 1028 and the Airthings Corentium Pro, both machines are Continuous Radon Monitors and NRPP approved testing devices.
These machines are calibrated annually to ensure consistently accurate results. The test is placed in the lowest livable area of the home—often the basement when applicable. Close proximity to the source of radon allows the radon monitor to obtain a more accurate reading. The radon monitor will be left on for 48 hours minimum under closed-home conditions to collect the necessary data. A blank screen will often be displayed on the monitor, but we assure you that the test is working!
When should radon testing occur?
Radon testing can be scheduled at any time. Many people schedule a radon test when they are interested in buying a home. Since radon levels can fluctuate over time, we also strongly recommend that established homeowners schedule a radon testing service if they haven’t done so within the past 2 years. Follow-up testing should be arranged after a radon mitigation system has been installed to ensure that the system is working and effectively reducing radon levels.
Is radon testing affected by inclement weather?
Severe weather can cause rapid and extreme changes in air pressure that can affect the rate at which radon enters a home. If ongoing severe weather is forecast, we recommend waiting to schedule your radon test.
What is included in my radon testing report?
The first page of your report will provide statistical information about the radon monitor, the home, and the location inside the home where the monitor was placed. A test summary will follow that provides a chart indicating radon levels throughout the test. This information will also be provided in a timestamped list that indicates the radon level as measured in hourly intervals.
Additional Facts about radon
Radon gas has a half-life of only 3.8 days—the radioactive decay products that form from radon gas during its brief existence are the biggest contributors to health problems related to radon.
The reason for closed-home conditions before and during a radon test relates directly to the short half-life of radon gas—a home must be closed for 12 hours before the test begins so that equilibrium can occur between the radon actively entering the home and actively decaying, allowing for accurate measurements to be taken.
If elevated concentrations of radon are discovered, a specialist will need to be contacted to install a radon mitigation system—reducing radon levels requires professional treatment! We are more than happy to recommend independent and unaffiliated radon mitigation specialists in your area.
More information about Radon and Radon Testing can be found at: the EPA’s section on radon and AARST.
SCHEDULE YOUR RADON TEST TODAY!
North Georgia Radon Testing is an independent radon testing company that provides timely, accurate, and confidential results. Contact us today to request an appointment.
Take a look at our Radon Information page for more details.
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