RADON TESTING SYSTEMS
Radon, Termite, Water, Mold, and Lead Paint Services
1. WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is produced by decaying uranium. It is present in nearly all soils, and very low levels of radon are found in the air we breathe every day. If a house or building has been built above soil containing uranium, radon may collect in the structure.
2. IS RADON DANGEROUS?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. A problem may occur when radon gas escapes from the soil under your home and collects inside.
3. WHAT IS THE ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF RADON?
There is no "good" level of radon, so testing is always advised. The Federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends you install a mitigation system in your home if the radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
4. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE TEST IS PLACED AND DURING THE TEST?
It is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the placement of the test and during the entire test period. Closed-house conditions entail keeping all windows closed, keeping exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines which bring in air from outside. In addition to maintaining closed-house conditions, the radon technician must be supplied a means of entry to place and retrieve the radon test. If you need to make arrangements for pets, please do, but note that the test is completely safe for occupants and animals.
5. WHAT IF MY HOUSE HAS 4 PCI/L OR HIGHER?
If results show a reading of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, a mitigation system is recommended. To assure honest results, RTS is a TEST ONLY firm, and does not install mitigation systems. We can recommend mitigation companies, but we prefer to remain test only to avoid any conflict of interest.
Here are a few companies that can help with your mitigation needs:
1. Accurate Radon Control Inc.
215-541-1557
Green Lane, PA
800-667-2366
215-238-0593 - Philadelphia, PA
855-462-6845
Southeastern PA
4. Safe Shelter
610-594-0350
Exton, PA
610-239-4212
King of Prussia, PA
After the mitigation system has been installed, it is important to have a most mitigation clearance test conducted. This is to confirm that the new system has effectively reduced the amount of radon and to activate the warranty program. Radon Testing Systems will inspect the mitigation system to confirm that it complies with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations. This "post mitigation clearance test" should ALWAYS be conducted by an independent third-party company.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 215-968-1933. You may also click here for the Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.
6. HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL RADON TEST?
Our tests are typically placed and picked up after 2-5 days with closed-house conditions. Results are always delivered shortly after pickup, as long as payment has been successfully processed.
7. WHAT ARE CLOSED HOUSE CONDITIONS?
Closed-house conditions entail keeping all windows closed, keeping exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines which bring in air from outside.
8. HOW LONG WILL THE RADON TECHNICIAN BE IN MY HOME TO PLACE AND PICKUP THE RADON TEST?
Three minutes! No seriously, the radon technician will only need a few minutes to enter, open and place the radon test canisters, answer any questions you may have, and then exit your home.
9. HOW MUCH WILL MY TEST COST?
We charge a competitive price and provide accurate results with timely service. For a standard residential radon test, the price is $150.00. Termite inspections are $50.00 with a two year warranty included!. If you are a home inspector or real estate agent, please contact us for pricing options. Also, feel free to contact us for commercial/non-residential radon test prices. Phone: (215) 968-1933 Email: info.radonts@gmail.com
10. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY HOME TESTED?
The Federal EPA and the Pennsylvania DEP advises to have radon tests done every 2 years and whenever there is a home renovation project, especially renovation in the basement. Just like your medical and dental checkups, regular radon test "checkups" should be conducted to ensure radon levels are low and your home is safe.
11. HOW MUCH NOTICE DOES RTS NEED TO PLACE A RADON TEST?
Radon Testing Systems strives to provide high quality service and meet the needs of all customers. If we can, we will come out the same day! Contact us right away and we will place your test within 24 hours as long as we are provided access information (lockbox, key, ekey, etc), or we can schedule a later date of your choosing.
12. DO I NEED TO BE HOME TO LET THE TECHNICIAN PLACE THE TEST?
No! The technician just simply needs access to your basement (or lowest level) to place the radon test canisters. We are often provided with lockbox codes or other means of entering. You won't even know we were there!
13. HOW IS THE TEST CONDUCTED? IS IT SAFE?
A state certified technician will place two electret ion chamber canisters in a specific location to collect data for the duration of the test. These radon test canisters are completely harmless, but must not be obstructed or tampered with. The test is absolutely safe to occupants and pets... as long as your dog doesn't eat the canisters! Two canisters are placed instead of one to ensure that both give similar readings, which confirms an accurate result.
14. WHERE WILL THE TEST DEVICE CANISTERS BE PLACED?
Citizens of Pennsylvania are required to test the lowest LIVABLE area of the building. Canisters must be placed at least 20 inches from the floor, not within 3 feet of any doors, windows, or other potential openings to the outside, at least 1 foot from the ceiling, not within 1 foot of an exterior wall, and at least 4 inches from other objects.
15. WHAT AREAS DOES RTS SERVICE?
Radon Testing Systems has radon technicians in the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding areas. We are more than willing to travel so please contact us to see if we service your area. We most likely do!
16. SHOULD MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL OR DAY CARE CENTER BE TESTED?
Yes. Just like in your home, high radon levels may be present in schools, day care centers, churches, etc. Contact Radon Testing Systems and we'll be there to help right away! We test all sites from homes to schools and even commercial spaces. To view more information on radon in schools, click here.
17. WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE A BASEMENT? DO I STILL NEED TO TEST FOR RADON?
Yes. Because radon comes from the ground, the highest levels of radon are typically in the lowest area of the home. As a matter of fact, homes built on a slab do not have the "buffer" of a basement or crawl space to absorb and dissipate some of the radon gas before it enters the living area of a home.
18. WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us ANY TIME:
Call 215-968-1933
Email Us info.radonts@gmail.com