Daycare Radon Testing | Reliable Home Inspection Service

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and very dangerous gas. Radon gas is created from the radioactive decay of uranium and radium in our soil. Radon is present in all homes and buildings. Radon levels above 4.0 pCi/l are considered elevated by the EPA. However, radon poses a health risk at all levels. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. According to the EPA, around 20,000 deaths can be attributed to radon every year.

Is Radon dangerous?

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. In the U.S, around 20,000 deaths can be attributed to radon every year. Children are at increased risk due to their developing lungs.

Who must test for Radon?

All Delaware licensed child care providers must test for radon at least every 5 years. Testing must be done between the months of October and March.
Testing must also be done within 6 months of any remodeling, renovations, or construction.
Radon results must be submitted to the Office of Child Care Licensing within 5 days of the results.

Pennsylvania and Maryland do not require radon testing in early child care facilities, but the EPA strongly recommends testing all daycares for radon.

How does Radon testing work?

Radon monitors must be placed in every room used for childcare, excluding bathrooms. A NRPP certified tester will place monitors throughout the building. These must be left in place for at least 48 hours. After 48 hours, the monitors will be picked up and brought to our in house lab where they will be analyzed. Results will be available same day as pick up.

How to prepare for Radon test?

Testing must be done under closed building conditions

Windows must remain closed 12 hours before and throughout the duration of testing
External doors must be closed with exceptions for normal exit and entry
Fans that vent to the outside must be turned off. Heating and cooling may run as normal

How do I read my Radon Results?

Your radon results will give you a number for every test done in the building. These numbers are the radon level of that location at the time of testing. The meaning of these numbers is explained below.

Radon results from high to low. 4 pCi/L is the EPA action level,
Between 2 and 4 pCi/L the EPA recommends considering mitigation, 1.3 pCi/L is the US average indoor radon concentration, and .4 pCi/L is the US average outdoor radon concentration.

Levels at and above 4.0 pCi/l should be mitigated to safer levels

Reliable Radon Testing

We have 5 NRPP certified radon testers on staff. NRPP certification ensures your tester has a thorough knowledge of radon and proper radon testing procedures.

We have an in-house lab that can provide test results on the day of pickup.