It may surprise you that most licensed home inspectors in Florida have completed a radon inspection course. 

They are not all, nevertheless, qualified to test for radon. 

It is crucial to understand that you are free to choose whether or not to get a radon test before purchasing a home. The first question that should come to your mind is, “is radon a problem in Florida?” After all, Florida has a 2.1 pCi/L level of radon.

Your family’s safety against radon hazards depends on your being proactive. Saving money by forgoing radon testing can be dangerous. 

Complete radon testing is the only way to be sure a house is safe. 

The long-term expenses might be far higher, even if you save some money upfront by skipping this inspection. 

Considering the various radon levels in Florida soil, it is sensible to get a radon test done before moving into a new house. 

So, if you are still wondering if radon testing is really necessary, we are here to tell you yes and prove why it is so important. 

Before we highlight the necessity of radon testing, let’s understand what radon really is and how it’s tested. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It forms when materials like uranium break down in the soil or groundwater. 

Because radon comes from the earth, it exists everywhere in trace amounts, and as long as it can disperse freely, it’s not a problem. 

However, if radon gets trapped inside a building, its levels can become unsafe. This is why, when you lease an apartment in Florida, you sign a waiver acknowledging the potential presence of radon—even if you don’t realize you signed it.

But is radon dangerous?

The Dangers of Radon Exposure

It’s probably no surprise that taking in a lot of toxic gas is bad for you. Lung cancer is the greatest danger associated with radon exposure. As it happens, the EPA lists radon as the second most common cause of lung cancer in the US.

A hoarse voice or breathing problems are not immediate indicators of radon exposure, but if you have these and you know you have been exposed to radon, you should consult a doctor.

Though it can enter a house in a number of ways, radon gas often builds up when there is a radon source underneath the building, foundational fissures, and no means of escape for the radon.

The Importance of Radon Testing

The serious health risks associated with radon exposure make radon testing essential. The second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA, is radon, a radioactive gas that seeps into houses from the ground. 

Radon cannot be detected without testing; it is tasteless, odorless, and invisible. Lung cancer can arise from long-term radon exposure, even in non-smokers. 

Gas accumulates to dangerous quantities within houses through foundation fissures, pipe gaps, and other holes if it is not evacuated. Finding and reducing levels of radon requires testing. 

You may have piece of mind and protect your family from the unidentified risks of this deadly gas with professional radon assessments.

Testing is the sole method to determine the radon levels in your house because it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Here is how a radon test is performed:

How is a Radon Test Performed?

Working with a radon inspection company will definitely ensure there is no radon present in the house you are planning to buy that would compromise your health or your family’s health. Here is how a professional radon testing is conducted:

• Appointment: Find a licensed radon inspection business to schedule a test. They’ll have the skills and equipment to perform the test accurately. At your initial meeting, the inspector will explain the testing process and what to expect and answer any questions. They will even suggest radon testing locations in your home.
• Testing: On test day, the specialist will install radon detectors in the basement or ground level of your home. They’ll examine the sensor’s placement away from heat, humidity, and drafts.
• Testing Period: Radon detectors are placed in place for two to seven days to accurately measure levels. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to avoid distorting findings.
• Gathering and Analysis: After testing, the inspector will bring the detectors to a lab for analysis.
• Findings and Suggestions: The inspection business will present the lab’s findings in detail. They will review the results and offer measures to decrease radon levels in your home if they are high.

The EPA says that you should take steps to lower the amount of radon in your home if the readings show values of 4 pCi/L or more. The process is pretty simple. All you have to do is find an inspector you can trust and let them take on from there. 

Hiring a Reliable Radon Testing Company

Radon exposure is a serious matter. You don’t have to keep wondering if radon testing is necessary. It is.

The person who performs the tests needs to be an expert in the field. You can’t just have anyone doing a radon test and compromising everyone’s health.

No DIYs, either! 

Picking a reliable radon testing company is important for the safety of your home. When it comes to radon testing in Florida, Pro-Spect is a name you can trust. You can find and fix any radon problems with their accurate and skilled testing services. 

You can be sure that Pro-Spect has carefully checked out your home and that you will get clear advice on how to fix any problems they find. If you want to protect your family’s health, get radon tests from Pro-Spect.

Contact us now to book a radon test.