Radon is invisible, odorless, and a leading cause of lung cancer. Arkansas homes are at high risk. This test could save your life.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is completely invisible, odorless, and tasteless โ and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths annually according to the EPA.
Radon seeps into homes through foundation cracks, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, and other openings. Once inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels โ especially in lower floors and basements. The EPA's action level is 4 pCi/L. Levels above this require mitigation.
Arkansas is a high-risk state. The state's geology โ including limestone, dolomite, and sandstone โ contributes to elevated radon levels. The Arkansas Department of Health reports that nearly 1 in 5 Arkansas homes have radon levels above the EPA's action level. This is not a rare problem. It is a common one.
There is no smell, no color, no taste โ no sensory signal that radon is present. The only way to know is to test. And in Arkansas, with nearly 1 in 5 homes testing above the action level, the odds are not in your favor without verification.
One of Brandon's customers recently had a spouse who passed away from lung cancer. The radon test on their home came back severely elevated. Don't wait until it's too late. Test every home before you buy.
Radon mitigation systems โ typically a sub-slab depressurization system โ can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. These systems typically cost $800โ$2,500 installed. This is a negotiable repair item before closing.
Yes. Radon levels can fluctuate seasonally and with changes to the home's structure or HVAC system. A test at the time of inspection gives you a snapshot โ and the EPA recommends re-testing every two years.
Radon testing is not legally required in Arkansas, but it is strongly recommended by the EPA, the Arkansas Department of Health, and virtually every real estate professional familiar with the state's radon risk profile.
Our radon screening uses a test device placed in the home for the required testing period. Results are typically available within a few business days โ well within most inspection contingency timelines.
Call or text Tara to schedule โ Certified Master Inspector Brandon Tidwell serves all of Central Arkansas.