Wisconsin Radon Map
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in many areas of the country.
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Studies have shown that exposure to radon in significant levels over time can cause lung cancer. It is odorless, tasteless and colorless. The EPA recommends that all residences below the third floor level be tested for radon, and home buyers are advised to test for radon along with a home inspection.
See the EPA Radon Information Page for more information.
How Does Radon Get In
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
Short Term Radon Testing
House Detective provides short term electronic radon testing services, with or without a home inspection. It is typically a 48 hour test in which an electronic radon monitoring device is left in the basement or lowest level of the home. The results are available immediately upon completion of the test. If possible, the radon monitoring device is set up before the inspection so that the results can be given during the home inspection.
Long Term Radon Testing
This is a 3-month to 1-year test in which a charcoal radon testing canister is used to determine the concentration level over a long period of time. The canister is typically left in the basement or lowest level for the testing period. It is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, and a concentration level report is produced.
What if Radon is found?
If testing determines an elevated radon level, a radon reduction system can be installed to remove it. Elevated radon levels are 4 picocuries per liter (150 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3))in air (pCi/L) or higher. Many new homes are built with radon reduction systems already installed.
How a Radon Reduction System Works
A typical radon reduction systems works by ventilating the radon out of home into the atmosphere. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Your costs may vary depending on the size and design of your home and which radon reduction methods are needed. Get an estimate from one or more qualified radon mitigation contractors. Hundreds of thousands of people have reduced the radon levels in their homes this way.