Radon is a serious health hazard that many homeowners, home buyers and home sellers don’t even realize they should be thinking about. Radon gas is a major problem, and because you cannot smell or detect it without testing, you could be at risk and not even know it. Whether you are purchasing a new home or concerned about your health inside of your existing home, radon inspection and testing are the only ways to know your level of risk. At Alban Inspections, Inc., we offer professional radon inspection in Bethesda, MD that allows you to feel confident about your health and safety inside of your home.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a gas that is completely invisible and odorless. It can be present at elevated levels in many homes throughout the United States, and when it is present in high levels it can lead to lung cancer and other serious health impacts. This gas is found naturally in the environment due to the decay of radium, which can be found underground and in the soil in many states. Since radon is a gas, it can creep in through small cracks in the soil and eventually enter your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all homes be tested for radon, and the remediation level is radon present at or higher than 4 picocuries per liter of air. A radon inspection in Bethesda, MD can determine exactly how much is in your home.
How Does Radon Enter the Home?
Most homes have lower air pressure than the outside air due to fans and circulation through the vents. The air pressure can become even lower underneath the ground in the basement. Because radon gas is constantly forming and flowing through the soil and ground, pressure will build and look for a way to release. Small cracks and slivers in your foundation allow that opportunity, so the high-pressure radon gases might move into your home and settle there. Over the years, radon can accumulate and lead to lung cancer and other health impacts.
What Happens During a Radon Inspection in Bethesda, MD?
First, one of our professionals will use an ion chamber radon testing device for short-term testing, typically used for real estate. This test takes 48 hours and it will determine the level of radon over that period. Once we finish your radon inspection in Bethesda, MD, we will complete a personalized written report and send it to you and your real estate agent. For a home that you live in, long-term testing is a better indicator of levels over the course of a year. Our radon inspection in Bethesda, MD will take about 90 days in this case, and it will be more thorough thanks to the wealth of data on radon levels.
If you have elevated levels present, we can also assist with the remediation process. These systems lower the amount of radon in your home by reducing the pressure under the lower slab and using a special fan to circulate the air in your home more effectively. This lowers the radon levels in your home and lets you rest assured your family is safe.
How Can I Schedule a Radon Inspection in Bethesda, MD?
Call Alban Inspections today at 301-760-2909 to schedule an appointment for a radon inspection in Bethesda, MD. We have flexible scheduling and always show up on time to your appointment. We serve homeowners throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and can also complete radon testing, mold testing, water and septic system testing, lead-based paint inspections, commercial inspections and consultations. We are ready to help you feel confident purchasing your new home or property.