Benchmark Environmental Engineering offers radon testing to the San Jose and San Francisco areas. According to the United States Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths. This silent killer often exists undetected in homes and schools and should be considered a harmful threat. Radon testing is not only necessary; it could save lives.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that is created when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, or groundwater. Pressure and movement in the earth can cause it to come to the surface and expel into the atmosphere. It can seep into buildings through a groundwater supply, crawlspaces, wall cavities, building cracks, gaps in suspended floors, construction joints, and openings around sump pumps, drains, pipes and wires.
What are the Health Risks of Radon?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), extended exposure to radon has been linked to lung cancer, and it is estimated that tens of thousands of people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Studies show that children are more sensitive to radon than adults. While it can exist in any structure, the presence of radon is of particular concern in homes and schools, because these are the two places where most people spend the majority of their time. The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes have elevated levels of radon.
Is Radon A Serious Problem?
Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless; the only way to detect it is through radon testing. There are two types of radon testing: short-term air sampling and long-term air sampling. Short-term testing involves the use of devices that are placed in the lowest habitable areas of the building. These devices take radon readings for 48-88 hours. Long-term air sampling uses a device that collects radon readings for 90 days. Benchmark Environmental recommends using long-term sampling because it is a more reliable testing method. Radon levels can fluctuate daily, and by using long-term testing devices, we can get a more accurate average reading.
Once we complete our radon inspection and testing, we will prepare a report outlining our findings. We will recommend a plan for mitigation that involves a radon reduction system. After a radon reduction system has been employed for the recommended period of time, we will retest the building. When the tests show the presence of radon has returned to a safe level, we will issue an air quality clearance.
Radon Testing in New Homes and Homes for Sale
New homes are constructed with features that are designed to prevent the entrance of radon into the house. However, the EPA recommends that new homes should still be tested because sometimes those features fail. Similarly, as radon has become more of a public health concern, home buyers are requesting radon testing by certified radon professionals before completing the sale. Benchmark Environmental Engineering can provide you with the tests and air quality reports you need to certify the safety of your home.
Why Choose Benchmark Environmental Engineering for Radon Testing?
Benchmark Environmental Engineering has provided environmental inspections, consulting, and training to homeowners, property managers, and school districts in Northern and Southern California for over twenty years. We conduct full-service investigations, including radon testing, in accordance with state and federal regulations, guidelines, and standards. We provide affordable solutions for projects and clients of all sizes, from homeowners to the property managers of California’s largest multi-family housing units. No matter the size or scope of your radon testing project, we have the knowledge, experience, and capability to provide you with the service you need quickly, thoroughly, and at an affordable cost.
Contact Us Today
Call the certified professionals at Benchmark Environmental Engineering for radon testing in San Jose if you suspect your home, apartment building, or school may be affected by the presence of radon. Your safety and the safety of your family, tenants, and students are our primary concerns. Our testing, reporting, and remediation solutions will give you the peace of mind you deserve.