Radon Gas - the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

Radon gas is created when uranium in the soil decays. The gas then seeps through any access point into a home such as cracks in the foundation, poorly sealed pipes, drainage or any other loose point. The gas can collect in basements and other low-lying, closed areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 4 pico curies per liter as an action level.  Homes at or over this level should be professionally corrected to lower the radon level.  Radon has been found in homes throughout Minnesota. Certain areas are more susceptible than others, but no location is immune. The ONLY way to tell for sure is to have a home tested.  SMOKERS see info below. Nearly all the Twin Cities area counties are in the EPA Zone 1 category (highest risk potential)   We offer radon tests. 

   Active (continuous radon monitor for 48 hours)  $175 (when done with a home inspection)

If elevated levels of radon are found in your home, you have several options.

   Sub-slab suction - to remove radon from below the basement floor, via a sump pump and foundation drain tile system, if present.

   Air to Air Heat Exchangers - to continuously ventilate the house

Both options are relatively easily to install, with costs from around $1200 to $2500. (we do not provide these services, but can refer you to firms we trust)

If you're buying or selling a home, radon can be a significant issue. The EPA recommends every house be tested. If test results already exist, make sure they are recent or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the test was performed. If in doubt, get a new test done. 

If you are a tobacco smoker, your lung cancer risk factor from smoking multiplies with the cancer risk factor from radon.  Therefore, smokers should ALWAYS get radon tests when purchasing a home. For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon.