Why Test for Radon

According to the US Surgeon General and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), every home should be tested for radon gas. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Although less than 1 in 15 houses have excessive levels of radon, testing of each house is the only way to know if a problem exists. Champia offers state-of-art electronic testing in as little as 48 hours.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, invisible, and toxic radioactive gas. Its sources are earth and rock beneath homes, well water and some building materials. In open air, it dissipates to harmless levels. However, in enclosed structures such as homes, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. The EPA has determined that radon concentrations above 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter of air) is considered hazardous and should be mediated. As a comparison, the average concentration in most indoor environments is 1.3 pCi/L and the average outdoor concentration is 0.4pCi/L.

Are homes in Atlanta affected by radon?

According to the EPA, much of northern Georgia, including metro Atlanta is located in either in Zone 2 (moderate potential) or Zone 1 (highest potential). This does not mean that every home is affected, in fact actual radon levels can vary widely from one house to the next on the same street, in the same neighborhood. The government estimates that 1 out of 15 homes are affected, but the only way to tell is by conducting a radon test in the house.

How does Champia test for radon?

All radon tests require a minimum of 48 hours and it must be located in the lowest inhabitable part of the house. Placement of the device can affect results.

We use the latest state-of-art electronic monitoring radon test equipment that are lab calibrated yearly. Our instruments sample the radon levels each hour, and keeps track of any changes in the environment that might indicate tampering or can skew the results. At the end of the 48 hour minimum test period, we can generate the report immediately.

Other companies typically use charcoal canisters that may not give an accurate reading if the test environment changes and cannot detect any tampering. In addition to the 48 hour minimum test period, charcoal canisters require additional days to return the canisters to a test lab before results can be obtained.

How do I schedule a radon test?

Typically, you can order a test when scheduling a home inspection or request it at time of inspection. It is also possible to order a test separately without a home inspection if you are concerned about radon levels in the home you are currently living in.

What happens if high levels of radon is found?

Mediating radon levels does not have to be expensive. The most common solution is to install a vent pipe system and fan and does not require major changes to your home. The EPA estimates that the cost is comparable to other typical home repairs and can range from $800 to $2500 with an average of $1200 when performed by a certified contractor.

How can I find out more information about radon?

You can call our office to speak to one of our inspectors. In addition, we recommend that you review the following online information from the EPA:

"A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon" published by the EPA

EPA web site section on radon.


Home Our Inspections Radon Testing Our Staff For Agents Useful Links ›› To Commercial Inspections Division Champia proudly adheres to the Standards and Practices of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)	Why Test for Radon According to the US Surgeon General and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), every home should be tested for radon gas. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Although less than 1 in 15 houses have excessive levels of radon, testing of each house is the only way to know if a problem exists. Champia offers state-of-art electronic testing in as little as 48 hours. What is radon? Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, invisible, and toxic radioactive gas. Its sources are earth and rock beneath homes, well water and some building materials. In open air, it dissipates to harmless levels. However, in enclosed structures such as homes, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. The EPA has determined that radon concentrations above 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter of air) is considered hazardous and should be mediated. As a comparison, the average concentration in most indoor environments is 1.3 pCi/L and the average outdoor concentration is 0.4pCi/L. Are homes in Atlanta affected by radon? According to the EPA, much of northern Georgia, including metro Atlanta is located in either in Zone 2 (moderate potential) or Zone 1 (highest potential). This does not mean that every home is affected, in fact actual radon levels can vary widely from one house to the next on the same street, in the same neighborhood. The government estimates that 1 out of 15 homes are affected, but the only way to tell is by conducting a radon test in the house. How does Champia test for radon? All radon tests require a minimum of 48 hours and it must be located in the lowest inhabitable part of the house. Placement of the device can affect results. We use the latest state-of-art electronic monitoring radon test equipment that are lab calibrated yearly. Our instruments sample the radon levels each hour, and keeps track of any changes in the environment that might indicate tampering or can skew the results. At the end of the 48 hour minimum test period, we can generate the report immediately. Other companies typically use charcoal canisters that may not give an accurate reading if the test environment changes and cannot detect any tampering. In addition to the 48 hour minimum test period, charcoal canisters require additional days to return the canisters to a test lab before results can be obtained. How do I schedule a radon test? Typically, you can order a test when scheduling a home inspection or request it at time of inspection. It is also possible to order a test separately without a home inspection if you are concerned about radon levels in the home you are currently living in. What happens if high levels of radon is found? Mediating radon levels does not have to be expensive. The most common solution is to install a vent pipe system and fan and does not require major changes to your home. The EPA estimates that the cost is comparable to other typical home repairs and can range from $800 to $2500 with an average of $1200 when performed by a certified contractor. How can I find out more information about radon? You can call our office to speak to one of our inspectors. In addition, we recommend that you review the following online information from the EPA: "A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon" published by the EPA EPA web site section on radon.
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