Radon Inspection Services for Upper Peninsula Homes
Radon is a radioactive gas that can be present in any type of shelter, home, or structure, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
In general, the Upper Peninsula is at medium to low risk for radon. But some areas of the U.P. are at a higher risk than others—up to 1 in 4 homes in certain counties.
We offer a la carte radon inspection services within a 70 mile radius of Marquette, MI. Radon testing may also be added to any home inspection we do. Click here to schedule!
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Why Test for Radon in Your U.P. Property?
We suggest adding a radon test to any inspection you schedule with us. It’s also an excellent idea to schedule periodic radon tests whether you need an entire home inspection or not.
Dangerous levels of radon are frequently found in every state across the U.S., no matter the type of home or building—whether it has a basement or not. Radon levels can also vary over time and change due to seasons shifting, new construction, significant groundwork in your area, or even seismic activity.
What is Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. When you breathe air containing radon, you raise your risk of developing lung cancer.
In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has cautioned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you’re a smoker and your home has high radon levels, your lung cancer risk is especially high. The EPA estimates that radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
Is Radon Testing Necessary in Upper Michigan?
According to the state of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, this is where all the counties in the U.P. stand when it comes to radon exposure:
25% or more homes tested exceeded safe radon levels in Dickinson and Iron County.
10-24% of homes tested exceeded safe radon levels in Gogebic, Houghton, Marquette, Menominee, Alger, Delta, Mackinac, and Chippewa County.
1-9% of homes tested exceeded safe radon levels in Ontonagon, Baraga, Keweenaw, Schoolcraft, and Luce County.
What to Expect From a Radon Test
When you schedule a radon test, your U.P. Home Inspector will use a test kit to collect radon gas or radioactive particles so they can be measured.
Our radon tests are completed in five simple steps:
- The first step is to schedule a test drop-off with U.P. Home Inspection LLC.
- Next, your U.P. home inspector will come by your property and place the radon testing unit in the lowest livable area—typically, this is a basement.
- Your U.P. home inspector will then digitally initiate the testing process—setting it to run from 48hours.
- Once the test is complete, a digital report will be automatically emailed to you and your home inspector to examine the results.
- Your inspector will come to collect the radon testing unit.
Scheduling periodic radon tests for your home or testing a home you are looking to buy or sell is an essential step in ensuring you and your family stay safe from radon exposure.
Radon Safety Tips
When it comes to staying safe from radon exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following tips:
- If you are buying or selling your home, be sure to have it tested for radon.
- If you’re buying a newer home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
- Take remediation steps if the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
- Radon levels less than four pCi/L still pose a risk and may be reduced in many cases.
- Take steps to prevent interference when conducting a radon test, i.e., don’t open windows or move the testing unit.
Schedule your Home INspection Today
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Questions? Give us a call at (906) 360-3879.
