Serving Cleveland, Lakewood and Northeast Ohio
871 Richmond Road, Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
(216) 544-9322 (866) 875-5566
Radon FAQ's
Do Radon Testers need to be licensed in Ohio?
Yes! Regardless of the system they use, even charcoal absorbtion, they must be licensed. You, as a home owner, can test your own home without a license. To view our license enter "APS" in Company Name field at ODH License Search .
What is radon and why is it important in Ohio?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the surrounding soil. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in every county in Ohio. Increased radon levels increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. Radon is the primary cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Radon is second only to tobacco smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer. Ohio’s soils contain concentrations of uranium and radium that supply a constant source of radon. Many of our houses are built and operated in ways that increase the likelihood of radon entry in homes. Ohio Department of Health estimates that almost one-half of Ohio homes have radon levels that may pose a risk to health.
How can I find if a home has a radon problem?
Test your home. Test results from nearby homes cannot be relied upon to predict the radon level in your home. A properly performed radon test within the house is the only way to find out if elevated radon levels exist. Testing can be conducted by a licensed radon tester prior to a purchase or after move in by the purchaser.
What is the role of the real estate professional?
Real estate professionals address many aspects of buying and selling homes. However, their licensing and the Ohio Radon Law prohibit them from offering technical advice regarding radon and health risks unless they are licensed as radon specialists. Instead, they should advise their clients to consult with a licensed radon professional.
What can be done to fix a radon problem?
If elevated levels of radon are found, homeowners can act to lower the amount of radon in their home and reduce the risks to their family. The classic mitigation is the installation of sub-slab depressurization. Again, only a licensed radon mitigation contractor or the home owner may install mitigation systems in Ohio.
Should I test my home for radon?
Yes. Testing is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. ODH estimates that one-half Ohio homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 4 picoCuries/liter (4 pCi/l) of air.
How much radon in a home is safe?
Any amount of radon carries some risk, even at or below the recommended action level. The risk of lung cancer increases with higher long-term average radon levels. Because it is not possible to reduce radon to zero, the best approach is to lower levels as much as possible. In Ohio, there are no regulation requiring that radon be reduced, so people must decide for themselves how much radon they feel is acceptable in their home.
