What Is a Radon Test, and Why Is It Important_ - Clearvuehomeinspection.com

1. What is a Radon Test, and Why is It Important? Are you buying a home? Consider having a radon inspection in Charlotte NC done on the property to get insight into its air quality and to identify any potential issues. Your realtor may be able to help negotiate the price to cover mitigation expenses if radon problems are found. If you own a home, you can also hire a qualified home inspector in Charlotte for radon testing as a health and safety precaution. It’s true that you can buy test kits from hardware stores and check for radon yourself, but it is better to hire a certified professional to perform this type of inspection and testing. What is radon? Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless gas in the earth. When elements like radium and uranium break down in the soil and rock under a house, they release radon. Like radium and uranium, radon is also a radioactive element. Prolonged exposure to it may cause cancer. Outdoors, radon can dissipate into the atmosphere and leave small amounts in the air. But it can quickly become a hazard in a tightly sealed house, as it ends up trapped inside to accumulate to unsafe levels. Due to its invisible and odorless nature, it can be hard to tell if you have an issue unless you do a radon inspection in Charlotte NC. The EPA and CDC recommend checking radon levels for safety, even in areas of non-elevated risk. What is a radon test? A specially designed test kit collects radon gas and radioactive particles to measure them. The qualified home inspector in Charlotte will examine the sample to estimate the amount of radon in the air. The gas tends to rise from the ground, so inspectors typically place the device on the frequently occupied lowest level, such as the first floor. An inspector may also install the test kit in a finished basement that serves as a living space. Types of radon tests Radon testing can be active or passive. The charcoal canister is the most widely used passive test. It uses activated charcoal to absorb radon gas and is sent to a laboratory for measurement. In a passive test, the canister remains indoors for around 48 hours to collect radon. Keep all windows closed to get accurate results. Long-term radon inspection in Charlotte NC usually involves an active testing device plugged inside the home for continuous monitoring. The test can go beyond 90 days, making it helpful in providing a year-round average reading of radon levels. An active radon monitor is an essential tool in a complete mitigation system, helping ensure that your home stays protected. It requires

2. professional installation and can show how radon levels change, informing the home inspector in Charlotte if seasonal changes can cause variations. The importance of radon testing Radon testing is the only way to tell and measure the levels of harmful gas inside your house. Even if you’re a non-smoker, constant exposure to radioactive gas puts you at risk of developing lung cancer. Conclusion A radon inspection in Charlotte NC can provide accurate exposure information. If you are interested in this type of test, work with a reputable company like ClearVue instead of using a store-bought testing kit. This way, you can get precise results and make informed decisions.