Testing for Radon Recommended in all Properties

Cinnaminson, NJ, April 9, 2013

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 1 in 15 homes in the United States are believed to have elevated radon levels. The only way to know for sure is to have the home tested.

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that is believed to claim the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year.  According to the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The gas can move up through the ground and into buildings through cracks, sumps and other holes in a building’s foundation or slab.

There are two general ways to test for radon in a home. The most common method is known as short-term testing. This is the quickest way to test and involves having a radon sampling device located in the property for several days in most circumstances. The other method is known as long-term testing which involves having a radon sampling device for 90 days or longer.

“Long-term testing is more likely to provide a property’s year-round radon level,” reported Garrett Ray, EMSL’s Radiological Laboratory Manager. “Short-term testing is the most common testing method because it offers quick results for concerned home owners and is very affordable. Either method is far superior to simply not knowing if radon is a concern in a particular building and potentially putting people’s health at risk,” he continued.

Most radon experts recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon and EMSL can help.  EMSL offers radon analyses and provides radon test kits to industry and consumers. The company has a website dedicated to providing radon information which can be seen at www.RadonTestingLab.com.  EMSL has also sponsored an online educational video about radon that can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOMtXafNwM

To learn more about testing for radon, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com