Radon Test in Chicago, IL

Radon testing is what you can do to confirm if your property has high levels of radon. It is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from decaying uranium. It can be found in all soils. As a matter of fact, radon is found in the air around you every day, but with the levels being very low.

Radon becomes a problem when radon gas goes inside your property and it gets trapped. Exposure to high levels of radon is one of the primary causes of lung cancer. Radon, which comes from the soil, moves into a property through pores and gaps in walls and floors. All properties are susceptible to radon. Therefore, it is important to test your property so you can confirm if there is radon and mitigate it as early as possible.

How to Test for Radon in Chicago

To test for radon, you need to identify the most occupied space in the property. There are two ways to perform a radon test:

•       Short-term test

This can be a preliminary test to determine if you may need further testing. You can buy short-term test kits at hardware stores, property centers, and even online.

You can complete this type of test in a span of two to seven days.

•       Long-term tests

This type of radon test can measure radon levels for up to 90 days. Most of the methods used in this test use alpha particle tracking. It is a very accurate way to indicate average radon levels. Several factors can affect radon levels. Some of which are gusty winds, air pressure, soil moisture, and many others.

Chicago Radon Mitigation

If the short-term test shows 4 pCi/L or higher, you can proceed to a second radon test. A long-term test will give you the most accurate radon levels. If this test registers a result above 4 pCi/L, you can proceed with radon mitigation.

You can start by fixing the foundation cracks and construction joints. You can also install an airtight cover on your sump pump. Access your crawl spaces and cover it will soil. After you’ve done all these, do another test. If the results still show high levels of radon, you should get in touch with a professional about installing a radon mitigation system.

This usually costs between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. It depends on your property’s size and radon levels. A good range would be between $800 to $1,500. You will find a list of qualified professionals in your local state office.

There are a lot of risks from radon. It may not be evident right away, but serious consequences may come as a result of consistent exposure to high radon levels. But you don’t necessarily need to move out of your property. You need to act quickly, but don’t overreact. Professionals are experts in fixing issues without causing too much inconvenience.