Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that is present in soil, water and air. The gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless which makes it particularly difficult to identify – even in high concentrations. It can be harmful due to its radioactive nature. If it is inhaled into the lungs, it can damage cells. Because of this, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
While having a small amount of radon inside your home or business is normal, it can pose health risks – including lung cancer – if large amounts of radon enter the building and become trapped. Our experts will gather data on the levels of radon inside your home or business and analyze and return the results to inform you about your level of risk. If elevated levels of radon are found, we also have the equipment and expertise needed to perform radon mitigation.
Prolonged exposure to radon can cause serious health problems. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. for non-smokers, which is why it’s important to test for radon and install a radon mitigation system to reduce the amount of radon in your home or business.
Portland, in particular, has some of the highest levels of risk in the state.
An interactive map of radon risk can be found here and a PDF of risk by zip code can be found here.
Simply because your Oregon zip code has a high level of risk does not mean your home or commercial building has radon, so it is highly recommended that you get radon testing done to see if you need mitigation services.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed during the radioactive decay process of radium, and has been linked to causing lung cancer.
A radon test is a device that will measure the levels of radon in a building. Tests range from a minimum of 48hrs to 90 days for a short-term and 91-365 days for a long-term test. EPA recommends long-term testing to get a better idea of overall exposure because radon tends to fluctuate seasonally as the weather influences change, as well as being influenced by the occupant activity.
Testing a home is the only way to truly know what your radon levels are inside your home/building.
Test range from $15-$200 per test, the cost is reflective of which type of test is performed.
Levels that are above the EPAs action level are recommended to have a mitigation system in place in order to reduce the levels of radon and lower the overall health risk.
Radon mitigation is a system that is placed on the home, or building, that utilizes venting techniques to lower the amounts of radon that enters a home.
Most homes can be retrofitted to have a system. Large homes with more elaborate foundational structures may require different techniques to solve the high radon issue.
Alpha handles the permitting and requirements needed to comply with local regulatory agencies.
Most mitigation system installs will be completed within 5-7 days. The 5-7 days include system installation and retesting the home to ensure that the system has successfully lowered the levels to an acceptable level and that no further actions/work is needed.
Once a mitigation system has been installed, most reputable installers will perform a post mitigation test to determine that the system has effectively lowered the levels and that no further work is needed to achieve lower radon levels.
Alpha provides a 5-year warranty on all systems, provided that a long-term test (91-365 days) is conducted within a year after installation with results presented to Alpha. The homeowner is also recommended to conduct a short term test every two years to ensure the system performance and maintenance are maintained as needed.
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Our goal is to get the job done right while protecting our client. We are committed to ensuring you are safe in your residence, no matter what. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and here to help with all of your environmental needs.
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For over two decades we've been doing the dirty work, serving residential and commercial customers in the greater Portland area
Our entire team is committed to ensuring your home or place of business is safe and every job gets done the right way
11080 SW Allen Blvd., #100 Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 292-5346 ● info@alphaenvironmental.net
Alpha Environmental Offers Asbestos Testing, Asbestos Abatement, Mold Removal & More To Portland, OR & All Surrounding Portland, OR Areas. Contact Alpha Environmental Today!
Oregon Construction Contractors Board License No. 152125
A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule