Professional Radon Testing Services for Homes in Salem, OR
Professional radon testing services in Salem, OR use Radalec E-Perm systems to detect radon gas with results available within 46-48 hours and computer-generated reports to identify lung cancer risks.
What Health Risks Does Radon Gas Present?
Radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and increases cancer risk through long-term exposure in homes with elevated concentration levels.
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms naturally from uranium decay in soil and rock. When radon accumulates in enclosed spaces like basements and crawl spaces, you inhale radioactive particles that damage lung tissue over time.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon, making testing the only way to know if your home has dangerous levels.
How Does the Radalec E-Perm Testing System Work?
The Radalec E-Perm testing system uses electret ion chambers placed in your home for a specific period to measure radon concentration and provide accurate readings.
During the test period, radon gas enters the chamber and its decay products reduce the electret's surface voltage. Laboratory analysis measures this voltage change to calculate radon concentration in picocuries per liter.
This testing method provides reliable results without requiring continuous power or complex equipment. The system works effectively in various home types including basements, crawl spaces, and slab-on-grade foundations. If you need additional property assessments, our mold inspection services in Salem, OR can identify other environmental concerns affecting your home.
You receive a computer-generated report documenting radon levels and comparing them to EPA action thresholds. Results within 46-48 hours allow you to make timely decisions about mitigation if levels exceed 4.0 picocuries per liter.
When Should You Test Your Home for Radon?
You should test your home for radon during real estate transactions, after construction or renovation, every two years in existing homes, and if moving into a previously untested property.
Real estate transactions often require radon testing as part of buyer due diligence. Testing protects both buyers and sellers by documenting levels before closing. Some lenders require testing in high-risk areas before approving loans.
New construction, home additions, or foundation repairs can change radon entry pathways. Testing after these projects ensures modifications have not increased concentration levels. Regular testing every two years helps you monitor long-term exposure risks.
Do Salem's Geological Conditions Affect Radon Levels?
Salem's location in the Willamette Valley with alluvial soils and underlying volcanic geology creates variable radon potential requiring home-by-home testing to determine actual exposure.
The valley floor consists of sedimentary deposits from ancient flooding mixed with volcanic ash and bedrock. These materials contain varying amounts of uranium and radium that produce radon gas. Soil permeability affects how easily radon moves through the ground into homes.
Homes built on well-drained soils may experience higher radon infiltration through foundation cracks and crawl space vents. Properties near the foothills face different conditions than those on the valley floor. Only testing can reveal your specific radon levels. For comprehensive home safety evaluation, explore our air quality testing services in Salem, OR to assess additional indoor environmental factors.
Understanding Your Testing Results and Next Steps
Professional radon testing provides the factual data you need to protect your family's health and make informed decisions about mitigation. The detailed report clearly explains your home's radon concentration and whether action is recommended.
Davis Home Inspection LLC offers professional radon testing services throughout Salem, OR using reliable Radalec E-Perm systems. Schedule your test by calling 541-801-4588 for results within 46-48 hours.











