Radon is a carcinogenic radioactive gas that is a byproduct of uranium. Today, we know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that radon-induced lung cancer has caused as many as 21,000 deaths per year. Some studies have shown that children may be more sensitive to radon due to a higher respiration rate and rapidly dividing cells. This may make them far more vulnerable to any radiation damage.
Professional Services
At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we offer certified and professional radon testing and consulting for owners, buyers, tenants, Realtors®, assisted living centers, retirement homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior citizen centers, memory care, retirement community, daycares, and private schools throughout South Florida. We offer the most professional level of environmental inspections and radon testing services available so you can have peace of mind that your indoor environment and air quality meet today’s standards.
Radon: A National Health Problem
Today, radon is a national health problem. Radon gas contains small radioactive particles that get trapped in the lungs with each breath. As these particles break down, they release bursts of radiation that damage or destroy lung tissue. Radon inspections
Elevated levels of radon have been found in every state with estimation that as many as 8 million homes throughout the country may have elevated levels. The Florida Department of Health collects test reports from testing companies. These have found that 1 in 5 tests conducted in South Florida today shows elevated levels from all regions of the state.
Odorless and Colorless
There are no symptoms that may alert a homeowner to the presence of radon. As a colorless, odorless gas, the only way to detect radon levels in a home is through professional testing. The EPA, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and National Safety Council have all recommended radon testing for homes due to its hazardous impact on indoor environments and health safety. Consequently, it is important for any homeowner or home buyer to know whether a property contains a high concentration of radon.
Where Radon Comes From
Radon is a product of the radioactive breakdown of radium found in most soil. It enters homes and buildings through any small openings present in the foundation. But because a building traps radon similar to that of smoke trapped under glass, an indoor concentration increases levels to many times the level of radon in outdoor air.
How it Enters Your Home
In a Florida home, radon can enter a home from any holes, cracks, or breaches in the lower walls or foundation. These can be in the way of:
- Cement block construction, bricks or rock walls
- Exposed soil in sub-areas or foundations
- Open floor drains or sump pumps
- Spaces between walls and floors
- Exposed or loose fitting pipes
The EPA and Florida Health suggest that the difference in air pressure between the interior of a building and outside soil may also play a part in radon entry. The pressure inside a home is usually lower than the soil beneath it. This can act as a vacuum, essentially sucking radon gas inside.
Radon Gas Testing in Your School
If you’re a private school or participating in state scholarship programs must complete a Sworn Compliance Form. This form is to confirm that all private schools that receive state funds have met all applicable regulations; mandatory radon testing is one of those requirements. The compliance refers to “Mandatory Measurements Nonresidential Radon Measurement Report (Form DH1777) in accordance with s.404.056, Florida Statutes, and 64E-5, Florida Administrative Code. Testing depends on how old the school is or how recently any structural changes were made to school buildings. Radon can be a serious threat to your school. You can’t see, taste, or smell radon. In fact, the only way to discover if high levels of radon are present is through testing. Our company is licensed and certified to test and assess your schools for radon gas. Radon can be a serious threat in your school.
How We Test
The State of Florida Department of Health recommends the use of a trained and qualified radon measurement technician’s and may perform indoor radon measurements to test your homes or businesses and/or properties. At Florida Inspections Unlimited, our certified professionals provide radon gas detection using state-of-the-art radon monitors.
Two detectors are placed on your lowest livable area. These remain in place for a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 90 days. We then retrieve these detectors and the results are analyzed. The client is then sent a detailed report with results and any suggested recommendations. We also offer post-remediation testing in order to ensure that any mitigation has been successful.
At Florida Inspections Unlimited, our expert team of radon gas inspectors has been trusted by homeowners, business owners, and Realtors® for providing expert inspection services in Miami and throughout the South Florida area. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties since 2008 with professional environmental and radon gas inspections, we take pride in our knowledge, our professionalism, and our dedication to our customers.
We provide expert inspection services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our service areas cover Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County. Miami, Weston , Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, Homestead, South Miami, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Dania Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura.
For fast, thorough, and professional radon testing and consultation services in Miami and throughout South Florida, call Florida Inspections Unlimited in Miami Dade County: 305-910-1171 or Broward County: 954-861-0666.