RADON
What is Radon
Radon is a tasteless, odourless and invisible radioactive gas that results from decaying uranium, and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon filters up from the ground and into the air. It can enter buildings through openings where the building contacts the ground, In the outdoors, radon is duluted to low levels. Inside buildings, however radon can build up to harmful, concentrated levels. Breathing ncreased levels of radon increases a person’s chance of developing lung cancer.. In fact, Radon is linked to 16% of lung cancer deaths. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
What is at Risk?
Everyone is at risk for radon inhalation, and any building that has contact with the ground has the potential to have high radon levels, including houses, apartments, schools, daycares, warehouses and commerical spaces.
Reduce your radon -reduce your risk
What you can do
No building is radon free. By hiring a C-NRPP cerified Radon Measurement Professional (http://c-nrpp.ca/find-a-professional/) to measure radon lelvels in the air, or doing the tests yourself, you are taking the first steps of preventing lung cancer in your family or occupants of a building.
If the test reveals elevated levels of radon, a C-NRPP certified Mitigation Professional (http://c-nrpp.ca/find-a-professional/) can help you identify the best radon mitigation system for your space. They will design an effective system, install it according to proper protocols and follw up with a test to ensure the system’s effectiveness in reducing radon levels immediately after installation.
Can I test my own house
Yes you can test your own house. However the test results are only good for general information. For example if the levels are found to be high should you mitigate or have a certified C-NRPP professional retest before you spend the money on a mitigation system. Second a Mitigation Professional will required a certified C-NRPP test anyways. If the test levels are low does that mean you are safe? Home purchased test kits may or may not be reliable depending on the experience of the person testing. Landlords and commercial building would require a certified C-NRPP Professional conduct all testing. So it’s really up to you.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an important part of the purchasing process. It provides detailed information on ovreall major deficiencies and is a technical review of the home on the day of inspection. Today’s home inspectors should also be certified in both thermal imaging (infrared) and mold. As a home continues to change with age and maintenance requirements, this new technology helps in detecting deficiencies that cannot be visually detected. Theraml imaging is included with every home inspection. A copy of our Standards of Practice is included with each binder, outlining which major systems and components are included. The buyer should read and understand the inspection report and findings before making their purchasing decision.
How long does it take?
A typical inspection takes approx. two hours and we believe our clients should be present during the inspection to address any questions that may arise.
How much does an inspection cost?
The average inspection starts at $475.00 for Semi & Detached houses up to 2400 sq ft in the Durham region. Apartments and Condominiums start at $325.00. Call for additional information and rates. See moreWhat if I’m buying a new hom
What if I’m buying a new home?
Today new home build/purchases are protected under the Tarion Warranty Corporation, (formerly, Ontario New Home Warranty Program). Even with this protection many new homes are built without defects. The builder does not always inspect sub contractor’s work and/or the local municipal inspector cannot always be available during the entire home construction. See more
LINKS:
RADON
Harardcheck- 22 page booklet on environmental hazards
Information sheet -Radon: Another Reason to Quit
Information for Health Professionals
RADON – Reduction guide for Canadians
Canadian Real Estate Directory
Natural Resources Canada – Office of Energy Efficiency
MOLD (Mould) LINKS
Moisture & Air Problems and Remedies
Should you Test your Air in your Home for Mould
Measuring Humidity in your Home
INFRARED LINKS
