Radon Gas
Beacon Home Inspections staff is professionally trained in radon
measurement protocols that are established by the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA). We are certified by the National
Enviromental Health Association (NEHA) and members of the
American Association of Radon
Technologists and Scientists (AARST). We use only state-of-the-art
femto-Tech model
CRM-510LP continuous radon monitors (CRMs) for the accurate
and reliable testing that people have come to expect. We are
capable of performing short term testing for real estate transactions
or short or long term testing if a homeowner wishes to determine
their homes present condition. We ARE qualified to help you whether
in Minnesota or west central Wisconsin!
The Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH) and the Wisconsin
Department of Health & Family Services has joined the
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in a major effort to inform Americans
about the dangers of radon exposure and the need to identify
and fix radon problems in their homes.
EPA Radon Map of Minnesota
EPA Radon Map of Wisconsin
What is radon?
Radon's danger
Test for radon
Radon problems can be fixed
Link to the portion
of the AARST web site that offers many, many links related to
radon gas including documents and brochures in foreign languages
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, can be harmful at elevated levels. It is present in elevated levels in about 35 percent of Minnesota homes, which compares with only 7 percent of homes nationally. Major studies have indicated that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.
"The science on radon has been formidable over the years, but never before have we had such overwhelming scientific consensus and robust data to support earlier findings about the harmful effects of radon exposure," said Dale Dorschner, MDH indoor air unit supervisor.
A National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report in February 1998 confirmed that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., causing between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year. "However," Dorschner said, "because you can't see or smell radon, people tend to minimize the health effects and ignore the possibility that it might exist in elevated levels in their homes."
Using a state-of-the-art Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) testing device your Beacon Home Inspections technician can readily test for the presence of this gas and its dangerous by-products that may be present in your home. We have taken the rigorous training of the Radon Measurement Proficiency Course and successfully passed the test given by the Midwest Universities Radon Consortium (MURC) in U. S. Government EPA Radon Measurement Protocols to be better able to serve your needs in this area of high concern.
Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors, at a cost similar to that of many common home repairs such as painting or having a new water heater installed (anywhere from $500 to about $2,500).
"Radon is a serious public health hazard," Dorschner said, "but it has a straightforward solution: Test your home and take action, if necessary, to keep radon out."
For more information on radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation, in Minnesota call the Department of Health (MDH) at 651-215-0909 or 800-798-9050 or visit the MDH radon Web site.
In Wisconsin, call 888-LOW-RADON (888-569-7236) or visit their state web site for more information.
The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have evaluated the radon potential in the U.S. and have developed this map is to assist National, State, and local organizations to target their resources and to assist building code officials in deciding whether radon-resistant features are applicable in new construction. This map is not intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location. The map assigns each of the 3,141 counties in the U.S. to one of three zones based on radon potential. Each zone designation reflects the average short-term radon measurement that can be expected to be measured in a building without the implementation of radon control methods. The radon zone designation of the highest priority is Zone 1.
|
Zone 1 |
Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L) Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L) Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L) |
 |
|
Zone 1 |
Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L) Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L) Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L) |
 |
(612) 382-5381