Radon

And now for the topic of Radon.

Radon is a gas that is odorless, tasteless and invisible. It is present in the soil and enters our homes through cracks, joints, gaps and other entry points. Some soils contain more or less of the radioactive metals that break down, creating the gas which is known to cause lung cancer and other respiratory issues. Testing is the only effective way to determine whether the air in your home poses a health risk to those living there.

In Middle Tennessee it is not uncommon to find radon levels exceeding 4 pCi/L (zero is best), warranting radon mitigation to reduce the likelihood of developing health issues. Because Habitec Environmental does not sell mitigation systems, we can professionally test your home, and then present you with unbiased information and resources, thereby allowing you to make informed decisions without pressure.

A. I’m glad you’re doing OK. Just know that if you ever want to sell your home, the buyer will likely ask you to test for radon and require you to reduce the radon levels to under 4 pCi/L, per the recommendations by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

A. Science Daily reported findings in December 2019, that radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99% of the time because radon levels fluctuate widely. As always, it’s your choice. Habitec Environmental employs a Sun-Nuclear electronic device that pulls radioactivity samples for superior accuracy.

A. According to the Natural Stone Institute, there is no scientific evidence that suggests granite countertops in the home contribute to higher radon concentrations.