Radon Testing FAQs

Whether you’re a home buyer, home seller, or a Virginia resident with plans to stay put, you may be wondering why a radon inspection is important. Unfortunately, far too many people opt out of this specialty home inspection. To help fix that, we at Burgess Inspections want to give you an overview on what radon is and why radon testing is important.

What is radon?

Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that forms through the natural, radioactive breakdown of uranium, thorium, and radium found in rocks, soil, and sometimes water beneath the ground. This gas can then leak into your home or office through cracks or even through a well-water supply that has been exposed to radon. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, which means you can ingest it without even knowing (which is why radon testing is so important!).

Why is radon a concern?

The EPA is very clear that radon is both cancer-causing and radioactive. Behind smoking, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is not limited to a specific part of the country and can affect Virginia homes, schools, offices, and other businesses.

How do I know if I have high levels of radon in my home?

Because radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, the only way to detect this gas is through radon testing. At Burgess Inspections, our radon testing is simple but effective. One of our inspection professionals will arrive at your home and set up a radon detector. We will run the radar detector over the course of a few days, gathering data on the average amount of radon in your home.

What if I have high radon levels?

The EPA recommends that if your home inspection reveals radon levels of 4 pCi/L, you should consult local radon remediation experts. We at Burgess Inspections can recommend local professionals to assist you in this process so you can lower your radon levels and keep you and your family safe.

How do I schedule radon testing?

If you’re scheduling a home inspection, you can add radon testing to your home-inspection package. You can also schedule radon testing on its own, as one of our specialty inspections.

Additional questions?

Don’t wonder—ask! Contact Burgess Inspections of Richmond, VA at (804) 794-1423 for all your radon testing questions and concerns. In addition to radon inspections, we offer a variety of home inspection services, including mold inspection, pool inspection, and more.