Radon Testing in Virginia

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer if exposed for an extended period of time. The EPA estimates that radon gas exposure results in 21,000 deaths each year. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. A radon test in Virginia can prevent exposure to this harmful gas.

Radon gas exists naturally in all soils and radon enters a home through cracks in the foundation walls or slab, through gaps around pipes as they enter the home, and through the water supply. A Virginia radon test will identify any radon that is present regardless of how the gas was able to get into the home. The Virginia radon test will also identify the concentration of radon, allowing a system of radon mitigation to be designed.

Homes built throughout Virginia have had radon levels that exceed the safe threshold. Radon gas is colorless. Radon gas is odorless. Only a certified radon test in Virginia will detect radon gas. These Virginia radon tests have become standard practice in this are during real estate transactions. The potential buyer typically schedules the radon test during the home inspection contingency period. After the radon test in Virginia is completed the results can be shared with the seller. If the radon test results were elevated, the seller typically incurs the cost of mitigating the radon gas. After the mitigation is completed, another radon test in Virginia is typically performed to ensure that radon gas levels have been reduced to an acceptable level.

Home Inspections of Northern Virginia offers radon gas testing by a certified Ph.D. of Chemistry and Geology to ensure the highest level of accuracy and professionalism. If you have any questions about the nature of radon gas or radon testing in Virginia, our certified radon professional can help you!

A Virginia radon test consists of a sampling device that is left in the home for 48-72 hours. While the radon test is in the home, the home should be kept in a closed condition with doors and windows closed. This provides for the most accurate radon test results. At the end of the sampling period, the radon test sample is sent to a lab to be tested for the presence and concentration of radon gas. The radon test in Virginia process takes 3-5 days to obtain results.

In the event that an elevated level of radon gas is detected during the radon test, a radon mitigation contractor will use the results of the radon test to design a system to meet the needs of the home. The contractor will need the results of the radon test to determine the specifics of the radon mitigation system that is necessary to reduce the radon gas to an acceptable level.

Radon mitigation systems are relatively inexpensive and effective at reducing radon gas such that exposure does not present significantly elevated risks. These systems can be installed in a home after it has been built with ease. Only radon testing in Virginia will allow you to determine if the home needs a radon mitigation system.

A radon test is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your family safe. Back to Home Inspections Virginia