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What is radon testing?
Focus Home Inspection - Same peace of mind, one inspection at a time
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep up from the ground and enter a home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. As it accumulates in a home, it becomes a health hazard. The primary concern for buyers is that long-term exposure to high concentrations of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because it is undetectable without specialized testing, a potential buyer has no way of knowing if a home has elevated levels without having a test performed.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The EPA has created a map that categorizes the country into three zones based on the potential for elevated indoor radon levels. San Diego, California, is located in Zone 3, which signifies that the area has a low potential for elevated indoor radon levels. This classification means that the average indoor radon screening level is expected to be less than the EPA's action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). As a result, radon is generally not considered a significant concern for most homebuyers in the San Diego area.​
A home inspector typically tests for radon using a continuous radon monitor (CRM). This electronic device is placed in the lowest livable area of the home, such as a basement, for a minimum of 48 hours. The monitor takes hourly readings of the radon levels in the air, and at the end of the test period, the inspector retrieves the device and downloads the data. The results provide a detailed hourly log of the radon levels, which is then used to calculate an average reading for the test period. The inspector will then compare this average to the EPA's action level to determine if any further action is recommended.
Modern, Mobile Friendly Reporting
Immediate report publication gets you off to the races faster
We commit to immediate reporting. All observations are documented in real time ensuring that your report is complete and ready for review at the end of the inspection.
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Web based HTML reports with the option to download to PDF
You and your client have the option to view the report online in full resolution and detail, or to download the report to PDF for an old fashioned kinetic approach to study and ease of sharing.
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High resolution images and video reporting
Photos and video ensure all parties involved have a firm grasp on the reality of the situation. Be sure to tell us if your client is out of town so that your inspector can make video observation on important and often confusing items.
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Informative observations illustrate and educate
Our formula for reporting is simple: the observation, the implication, and our recommendation. While other companies look for shortcuts in their reporting by employing "such as but not limited to" comments, we use specific comments for each defect observed. This means that you and your client learn about the reality of the defect observed and what your next steps are.