Radon Inspections

INSPECTION SERVICES IN NORTHERN COLORADO

Residential and commercial properties are two of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime. At Winding River Inspections, we know the buying process can be overwhelming and exhausting. With 30 years of experience in commercial and residential inspection services, Winding River Inspections provides thorough property inspections and reports. We are dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first-time homebuyers and seasoned property investors can appreciate.

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Frequently-Asked Radon Questions:

Environmental Protection Agency

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  • How does radon get into your home? Any home may have a radon problem. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up over time. Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water (see "Radon in Water" below). In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, as well, but this scenario is incredibly rare.
  • What is the average level of radon found in homes in the U.S.? Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
  • What are the health effects from exposure to radon? There are no immediate symptoms from exposures to radon. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes (see www.epa.gov/radon/risk_assessment.html), radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Symptoms are not immediate, and lung cancer typically develops  years after exposure. There is little evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk of radon-induced lung cancer than adults.
  • Where does radon come from? Radon-222 is the decay product of radium-226. Radon-222 and its parent, radium-226, are part of the long decay chain for uranium-238. Since uranium is essentially ubiquitous (being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time) in the earth's crust, radium-226 and radon-222 are present in almost all rock, soil, and water. The amount of radon in the soil depends on soil chemistry, which varies from one location to the next. Radon levels in the soil range from a few hundred to several thousands of pCi/L (pico Curries per Liter). The amount of radon that escapes from the soil to enter the house depends on the weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, and the suction within the house.
  • Are we sure that radon is a health risk? The EPA already has a wealth of scientific data on the relationship between radon exposure and the development of lung cancer. The scientific experts agree that the occupational miner data is a very solid base from which to estimate risk of lung cancer deaths annually. While residential radon epidemiology studies will improve what we know about radon, they will not supersede the occupational data. Health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Surgeon General , the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, and others agree that we know enough now to recommend radon testing and to encourage public action when levels are above 4 pCi/L. The most comprehensive of these efforts has been the National Academy of Science's Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VI) Report (see www.epa.gov/radon/beirvi.html). This report reinforces that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and is a serious public health problem. As in the case of cigarette smoking, it would probably take many years and rigorous scientific research to produce the composite data needed to make an even more definitive conclusion.
  • Should I be concerned about the accuracy of radon test kits? While it is true that any given radon testing device or instrument will have an associated variability in precision and accuracy, the EPA's measurement recommendations raise the probability that high-contamination homes will be identified and fixed. For example, the EPA recommends using multiple short-term tests to reduce errors and increase the likelihood that the correct mitigation decision is made. In addition, the EPA recommends testing every two years or following a significant renovation. Consumers are also advised to seek the advice of state public health officials and qualified measurement professionals if they require further guidance. Accuracy and reliability reside in the overall measurement approach, designed to maximize the amount of public risk reduction as well as the need for test devices that are easy to obtain, cheap to buy, and simple to administer.
  • How do I get a radon test kit? Are they free? Radon test kits are available from several sources. Free test kits are sometimes available from local or county health departments, or from state radon programs. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University has test kits available to purchase online at www.sosradon.org or call 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). Test kits are also available from some local or state American Lung Associations (www.lungusa.org) and some home improvement stores.  To learn more about the availability of test kits in your area, or to find a qualified testing or mitigation contractor, contact your state radon office (go to www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html and click on your state for a list of contacts) or contact either of the national private radon programs (see www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html for contact information).
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  • What about radon and radioactivity in granite countertops? Does the EPA believe there is a danger of radon gas or associated radiation being emitted from granite countertops?  It is possible for any granite sample to contain varying concentrations of uranium and other naturally occurring radioactive elements. These elements can emit radiation and produce radon gas, a source of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels. Some types of granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels. However, at this time the EPA believes that the existing data is insufficient to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels. While radiation levels are not typically high, measurement of specific samples may reveal higher than expected levels on a case-by-case basis. Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock, meaning that it was formed by the cooling of molten rock. It is quarried and processed to produce commercial products such as countertops.
  • What advice does the EPA have about radon for consumers who have granite countertops? The EPA believes the principal source of radon in homes is from the soil in contact with basement floors and walls. To reduce the radon risk, you should first test the air in your home to determine the radon level. There are many do-it-yourself radon test kits available through retail outlets and online, starting at about $25. While natural rocks such as granite may emit radiation and radon gas, the levels attributable to such sources are not typically high.  If your home has a radon level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more, you should take steps to fix your home and reduce the radon level. Contact your state radon office (www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html) for assistance. Hire a qualified radon professional (www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html) to fix or mitigate your home. The key to reducing your risk of lung cancer from radon is to test your home and mitigate when necessary. A specially-trained and qualified radiation professional may be equipped to test for other radon sources (such as granite or diffusion from drinking water) when diagnosing the nature and source of your home's radon problem.  Learn more about radon, visit www.epa.gov/radon or read A Citizen's Guide to Radon at www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html.
  • Are the levels of radon gas and radiation emissions from granite countertops dangerous to humans or animals? While radon gas and radiation emission levels attributable to granite are not typically high, there are simply too many variables to generalize about the potential health risks inside a particular home that has granite countertops. It is prudent to limit your family's exposure to radon whenever possible. Commonly employed mitigation techniques can reduce the radon level coming from soil beneath your home to 2 pCi/L or less in most homes. At EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L, a smoker's risk of lung cancer is about five times the risk of dying in an auto accident, and if you've never smoked equal to the risk of dying in an auto accident. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA strongly recommend that all homes be tested for radon.
  • Has the EPA done studies on radon gas and radiation emissions from granite countertops? We are aware of a few studies that have conducted limited research on radon in granite countertops. The EPA will continue to review this research. However, there are many studies proving the link between radon in indoor air and lung cancer, including the EPA's 2003 risk assessment - www.epa.gov/radon/risk_assessment.html.
  • Does the EPA have plans to conduct a study of granite countertops? The EPA will continue to monitor and analyze the evolving research on radiation and granite countertops and will update its recommendations as appropriate. There are currently no regulations concerning granite countertops radon gas or radiation emissions.

Other Inspection Services We Offer

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Resdiential Inspections

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Commercial Inspections

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Roof Inspections

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Radon Testing

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Maintenance Inspection

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Industrial Inspections

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Water-Quality Testing

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And More

What Can a Qualified Radon-Reduction Contractor Do for You?

A qualified radon reduction (mitigation) contractor should be able to:

  • Review testing guidelines and measurement results, and determine if additional measurements are needed
  • Evaluate the radon problem and provide you with a detailed, written proposal on how radon levels will be lowered
  • Design a radon-reduction system
  • Install the system according to EPA standards, or state or local codes
  • Make sure the finished system effectively reduces radon levels to acceptable levels

Hire Northern Colorado’s Best Radon Inspection Company

Choose a radon mitigation contractor to fix your radon problem just as you would for any other home repair. You may want to get more than one estimate, ask for and check their references. Make sure the person you hire is qualified to install a mitigation system. Some states regulate or certify radon mitigation services providers. Be aware that a potential conflict of interest exists if the same person or firm performs the testing and installs the mitigation system. Some states may require the homeowner to sign a waiver in such cases. Contact your state radon office for more information. Want radon testing services in Northern Colorado? Hire Winding River Inspection Services, LLC today for affordable, reliable service.

We provide a comprehensive narrative-style written report, which includes a separate summary report highlighting areas of particular or immediate concern. Reports can be downloaded from our website and, at the discretion of our client, can easily be distributed to all involved parties to ensure transactions proceed in a timely manner. If you wish to see a sample report, please contact us.





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