Radon Testing Services in Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA
Continuous electronic radon monitoring to measure radon gas levels in your home and protect your family from this invisible health hazard.
Radon is a radioactive, silent, odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in air, soil, and water. It is produced by a natural process of decay that starts with uranium and takes billions of years to run its course. When present at higher levels in homes or commercial structures, radon poses a serious threat to your health and your family’s well-being.
According to the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer death behind smoking, and it is estimated that more than 20,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer each year. The EPA recommends radon testing for every real estate transaction. The good news: testing is easy, testing is very inexpensive, and mitigation is relatively inexpensive, straightforward, and highly effective.
Why Choose Our Radon Testing Service?
We test with state-of-the-art, industry-leading continuous radon monitors, which makes it possible to have your results within two days. All radon tests should run a minimum of 48 hours to give a snapshot of the radon concentration in the structure — that is also the minimum time allowable for real estate transactions.
Longer-term testing is better, but real estate transactions move quickly, so a 48-hour snapshot is the most that most transactions have time for. We do offer longer-term testing, which is usually more applicable when a customer is already living in the home.
Your radon test report is delivered as an electronic PDF and includes hourly readings of radon concentration, temperature, and humidity. It even shows motion events that would indicate potential tampering. Other clues, such as a rapid change in temperature, can also indicate tampering — for example, opening windows and leaving them open.
Radon testing is not just for real estate transactions. If you live in a home that has never been tested, we can test it for you. Every homeowner is recommended to have at least one test performed to get an idea of the radon levels in the home.
Radon Testing FAQs
What is a safe level of radon in a home?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that radon levels in homes should not exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your test results show levels at or above this threshold, you should consider taking action to reduce radon exposure.
How often should I test for radon in my home?
The EPA recommends testing at least every two years, especially if you live in an area with a known radon problem or have made structural changes to your home.
Can I conduct radon testing myself?
DIY radon test kits are available, but hiring a certified professional is recommended for accurate and reliable results. We have the expertise to ensure the test is conducted correctly.
What if my test reveals high radon levels?
If the test reveals elevated levels, we guide you through the mitigation process — explaining the available methods, their costs, and the expected outcomes — so you can make an informed decision.
What types of homes are generally higher in radon?
Basement and slab-on-grade homes are generally highest. They have a great deal of concrete in contact with soil, and radon concentration is higher in soil because it cannot freely dissipate. Radon seeps in at concrete cracks, joints, and penetrations around piping, and accumulates once inside.
What types of homes are generally low in radon concentration?
Ventilated crawlspace homes are almost never high in radon, because radon is free to dissipate into the atmosphere through the ventilation under the home. We recommend against using styrofoam blocks to plug crawlspace vent screens, since that reduces airflow and can allow radon levels to increase. The one exception is a cold snap — put them in, then remove them once it warms back up.
Is there anything I can do to help reduce radon levels in my home?
If you live in a crawlspace home, do not plug the crawlspace vent screens with styrofoam blocks all winter. Assuming the home has insulation under the floor and insulated water piping, you do not need to plug the vents; doing so reduces airflow and can let radon concentrate. A home ventilation system that brings in fresh air also helps discharge older stale air containing radon, and you can open windows and air out basements during good weather. We still recommend testing under closed-house conditions and mitigation if levels are elevated.
Other Services
Home Inspections
Our comprehensive home inspections cover all major systems and components of your home, giving you the information you need to make confident decisions.
Sewer Scopes
Video camera inspection of your sewer line to identify blockages, root intrusion, bellies, offsets, and other pipe defects.
Home Health Checkup
Annual maintenance inspections for homeowners to catch small problems early, maintain your home's value, and plan for future repairs.
Pre-Listing Inspections
Get ahead of the sale by identifying issues before listing. Address problems on your terms and give buyers confidence in your home.
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
Our certified inspectors are ready to help protect your investment.