Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas you can't see, smell, or taste. The EPA estimates radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually - second only to smoking. Minnesota has elevated radon potential. Our certified 48-hour testing reveals your home's radon levels and could save your family's lives.
Professional radon testing with certified analysis and recommendations
The invisible threat causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually
Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking, causing 21,000 deaths annually per EPA. Long-term exposure increases cancer risk significantly - even for non-smokers. Children are especially vulnerable. You can't see, smell, or taste radon. Only testing reveals danger.
EPA identifies much of Minnesota as Zone 1 (highest radon potential). Geological conditions in our service area create elevated radon risk. 2 in 5 Minnesota homes have radon levels above EPA action level. Your home could be one - testing is only way to know for certain.
New or old, well-sealed or drafty, basement or slab - any home can have dangerous radon levels. Neighbor's test results don't predict yours. Radon comes from uranium decay in soil beneath foundation, entering through cracks, gaps, drains, and pores. Every home should be tested.
If elevated radon found, mitigation systems cost $800-$2,500 installed. These systems reduce radon 90%+ and last 20+ years. Simple sub-slab depressurization prevents radon entry. Testing before closing lets you negotiate - seller pays for mitigation or reduces price. This affordable test is worth the investment.
Many lenders require radon testing for loan approval in high-risk areas. FHA, VA, and conventional loans may mandate testing. Even if not required, testing protects your investment and family. Certified test documentation satisfies lender requirements and provides peace of mind.
We place EPA-approved monitor in lowest level for 48+ hours during your inspection period. No disruption, no damage, completely passive. Device tracks radon continuously, providing accurate average concentration. Results available quickly - no waiting weeks. Simple process, critical information.
EPA-approved protocol for accurate radon measurement
We place EPA-approved continuous radon monitor in lowest livable level (basement or main floor if no basement). Device positioned away from windows, doors, and HVAC vents per EPA protocol. Closed-house conditions required: windows/doors closed 12 hours before and during test (normal entry/exit okay).
Device monitors radon continuously for minimum 48 hours (EPA requirement). Monitor measures radon levels hour-by-hour, tracking fluctuations and calculating average concentration. Tamper-proof device ensures data integrity. We verify closed-house conditions maintained throughout testing period.
After 48+ hours, we retrieve monitor and download data. Device shows complete radon history including average level, peak concentration, and hourly trends. Data uploaded to certified laboratory for official analysis and report generation. Testing conditions documented for report.
Certified lab report delivered within 24-48 hours showing average radon concentration in pCi/L. We interpret results against EPA action level (4.0 pCi/L). If elevated, we provide mitigation recommendations, contractor referrals, estimated costs, and negotiation guidance. Report documentation for lenders and sellers.
Requires 48+ hours minimum for accurate testing per EPA protocol. We place monitor during or before home inspection, retrieve 2+ days later. Results delivered within 24-48 hours of retrieval. Plan ahead - start test early in inspection period to receive results before closing deadline.
Common questions about radon testing
Service includes EPA-approved continuous monitor, 48-hour minimum testing, certified laboratory analysis, detailed report, and mitigation recommendations if needed. This professional testing far exceeds DIY test kits and provides documentation acceptable to lenders, sellers, and insurance companies. Contact us today to add radon testing to your home inspection.
EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). At this level, EPA recommends mitigation. For comparison: outdoor air averages 0.4 pCi/L, 4.0 pCi/L equals 200 chest X-rays per year, 20 pCi/L equals smoking 2 packs daily. World Health Organization recommends action at 2.7 pCi/L. No safe level exists - lower is always better.
EPA requires minimum 48 hours for short-term testing. We typically test 48-72 hours during your inspection period. Longer tests provide more accurate averages. Long-term testing (90+ days) shows seasonal variations but takes too long for real estate transactions. Our 48+ hour test balances accuracy with timeline requirements.
DIY charcoal canisters cost $15-30 but have limitations: easily compromised, no tampering protection, long lab turnaround (1-2 weeks), less accurate than continuous monitors, and sometimes rejected by lenders. Our professional continuous monitor provides tamper-proof, hour-by-hour data with fast results - worth the extra investment for accuracy and credibility.
Don't panic - it's fixable. Mitigation systems (typically sub-slab depressurization) reduce radon 90%+ and cost $800-$2,500 installed. System installs in 1 day with minimal disruption. Use test results to negotiate: request seller installs mitigation before closing or provides credit for post-closing installation. Re-test after mitigation to verify success.
Yes. Radon levels fluctuate hourly, daily, and seasonally. Generally higher in winter (closed house, pressure differences) and lower in summer (open windows, ventilation). Weather patterns, barometric pressure, and HVAC use affect levels. Our continuous monitor captures these variations. If borderline results, consider long-term test after purchase.
Absolutely yes. Radon levels vary dramatically house-to-house, even identical homes side-by-side. Differences in soil, foundation cracks, ventilation, and construction create unique radon entry for each home. Neighbor's results (high or low) don't predict yours. EPA recommends every home be tested - no exceptions.
Windows and exterior doors kept closed 12 hours before and during test (except normal entry/exit). HVAC operates normally. Interior doors stay open. No fans in windows. These conditions ensure accurate measurement of radon entering home naturally. We provide detailed closed-house instructions when placing monitor.
Lowest livable level - usually basement, or main floor if no basement. Monitor placed 3+ feet from exterior walls, 20+ inches off floor, away from windows, doors, HVAC vents, and high moisture areas. This location per EPA protocol provides worst-case measurement (radon highest in lowest levels). Testing where people spend time ensures health protection.
Yes, we coordinate timing. Ideally, we place monitor during or before home inspection, retrieve 48+ hours later. This maximizes inspection period efficiency. If home inspection scheduled late in your due diligence period, we can place radon monitor earlier (even before inspection) to ensure results before closing deadline.
Detect the invisible cancer-causing gas in your home and protect your family
