Rogerson Handyman Services

I am excited to launch Radon Testing for CT & MA. We are offering short term and long term testing and residential real estate testing at this time. Not only will you get a professional radon test but a full radon inspection as well. Rogerson Handyman Services is in the processing of growing so stay tuned. WHAT IS RADON? Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, which can seep into buildings through foundation cracks and accumulate indoors, posing a significant risk for lung cancer, as it's the second leading cause after smoking. Because it's undetectable by our senses, testing is the only way to know if levels in homes, schools, or workplaces are dangerously high, with the EPA recommending mitigation if levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). How it forms and enters homes Natural decay: Uranium in the ground decays, releasing radon gas as a byproduct. Seeps in: The gas moves up through soil and enters buildings through cracks in floors, foundations, and gaps around pipes. Accumulates indoors: While diluted outdoors, radon can build up to hazardous levels in enclosed spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces. Health risks Lung cancer: Breathing in high levels of radon over time damages lung cells and is a major cause of lung cancer, especially for non-smokers. No safe level: There's no known safe level of radon, but the EPA action level for mitigation is 4 pCi/L. What to do Test: Testing your home is the only way to detect radon, with kits available from health departments or hardware stores. Mitigate: If levels are high, mitigation systems can effectively lower the radon concentration in your home. When Should You Test for Radon? Before Purchasing a Home: Radon testing should be done before signing the purchase agreement. This will allow you to negotiate the price or even terminate the contract if radon levels are unacceptable. When Renovating or Remodeling: Changes to your home, such as digging a basement or installing a new furnace, can affect radon levels. Periodically: This is best! It's recommended to test for radon every two years, especially if you live in a radon-prone area. Radon testing typically involves placing passive radon detectors in various areas of your home for a period of 48 hours. These detectors measure the amount of radon gas present in the air. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the national average level of radioactivity found indoors is around 1.3 pCi/L, whereas the level found outside is approximately 0.4 pCi/L. It is suggested if the initial test finds levels above the accepted threshold, conduct a second long-term test to confirm the results. According to the EPA, long-term test results provide a more accurate picture of radon levels because they account for the effects of fluctuating temperatures and barometric pressure in and out of your home’s environment. How Do I Know if My Area Has High Radon Levels? Check the radon zone map from The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides radon zone maps for the United States. These maps divide the country into different zones based on the estimated average indoor radon levels.