Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, a by-product of the decay of uranium and radium. Studies of humans exposed to both high and low levels of radon have shown increased occurrences of lung cancer. Radon gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, so the only way to know the level of radon in your home is to test for it. AmeriSpec® radon inspection service includes the placement of testing devices to measure ongoing levels of radon in habitable areas of homes. These measurements evaluate the level of radon to determine whether any form of improvement is required. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you should take steps to resolve the issue if your radon level is 4pCi/l or higher and consider it between 2 & 4pCi/l. All homes have a potential of having elevated levels of Radon in them. The type of foundations (basement, crawlspace, and slab) does not change that. The EPA, provides basic information everyone should know about radon. For more information on Radon and how to reduce risks to your health posed by radon, please refer to the following links:

• EPA – Radon Information
• Michigan Radon Levels By County
• Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon
• Radon: A Physician’s Guide
• Citizens Guide to Radon

For more on indoor air quality, visit EPA Newsletters and Publications.

Preforming Your Test

At AmeriSpec we use Sun Nuclear continuous Radon monitors for all of our testing. Continuous Radon monitors are the most reliable  and informative method of testing. While other methods of testing are considered valid, they are more susceptible to tampering, possible exposure issues during shipping, documentation errors, and results are may not be available for 48 or more hours. With our devices the results are available immediately at the ending of the testing period. They also provide reading for each hour during the test, monitor temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and motion sensor (so we can tell if the device has been moved).

Test Results in Metro Detroit

Below is a map of several years of testing we have done through the Metro Detroit area. Even though this is a very small sample considering the size of the area you can see that no areas are exempt from testing positive for radon. We suggest all home be tested. There are many documented cases where two adjacent properties have very different levels of radon. The EPA suggest remediation when levels are above 4 pCi/L and additional testing between 2 & 4.

The results of 730 test:
24% with levels above 4.0
32% with levels between 2 and 3.9
44% with levels below 2
Note: Pin locations are in the general area of the test and does not reflect the actual test location.

You may also want to view the Radon test results map posted by the State of Michigan. Click here for map

If we discovered any defective items when we inspected your prospective home, you should consider scheduling a Re-Inspection once repairs or improvements have been made. By ensuring that the previously defective component is now in good condition, you can have peace of mind moving forward with a real estate transaction.

A newly constructed home can sometimes develop issues within the first year that may be covered by the builder’s warranty. Before your 1-year warranty on the home expires, we recommend scheduling this comprehensive inspection of the property. If issues are discovered, you’ll have a chance to consult your warranty to see if the builder is liable for assisting with the cost of repairs.