Radon Testing in Jackson County, MO

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that can enter a home from the soil beneath and around the foundation. Because radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, testing is the only way to determine the home’s radon concentration during the measurement period.

HomeTeam Inspection Service provides professional radon testing for homebuyers, sellers and homeowners throughout Jackson County, Missouri. Our testing process delivers clear results that can help you determine whether additional testing or radon mitigation should be considered.

Call 816-693-2694 or schedule your radon test online.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and groundwater. It can move through the ground and enter buildings through openings in and around the foundation.

Potential radon entry points include:

• Foundation cracks
• Construction joints
• Gaps around utility penetrations
• Openings around plumbing
• Sump pits
• Crawlspaces
• Floor drains
• Gaps between floors and walls

Any home can have elevated radon, regardless of its age, architectural style, foundation type or apparent condition. Two neighboring homes can also produce different test results.

Why Is Radon Testing Important?

Radon does not produce an obvious warning sign inside a home. A property can look well-maintained and still have an elevated radon concentration.

The EPA recommends taking steps to reduce radon when a home’s result is 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L, or higher. Because no radon exposure is considered completely risk-free, the EPA also recommends considering mitigation for results between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Review the EPA’s radon action-level guidance.

How Does Professional Radon Testing Work?

Radon testing equipment is placed in an appropriate area of the home, typically in the lowest level that is or could be regularly occupied. The device remains in place for the required measurement period while collecting data about the home’s radon concentration.

For accurate results:

• The device should remain in its designated location
• Doors and windows should be operated according to test instructions
• Heating and cooling systems should operate normally
• Whole-house ventilation equipment may need to be limited
• The device should not be moved, covered or disturbed
• Closed-building conditions may be required before and during the test

Your inspector will provide instructions based on the testing protocol and equipment used.

Where Is a Radon Test Placed?

The testing device is generally placed in the lowest suitable level of the home that could be used as living space. This may be a finished or unfinished basement, a first-floor room in a slab-on-grade home or another qualifying location.

The device should be placed away from drafts, excessive humidity, direct sunlight, exterior walls and other conditions that could interfere with the measurement.

Radon Testing During a Real Estate Transaction

Radon testing is commonly performed as part of the home inspection process. The equipment can be placed and retrieved according to the real estate transaction’s timeline, and results are provided after the required measurement period is complete.

Testing before closing gives buyers time to understand the results and, if necessary, discuss the next steps with their real estate professional.

What Happens If the Radon Result Is Elevated?

An elevated radon result does not mean the home cannot be purchased or occupied. Radon levels can often be reduced through a properly designed mitigation system.

Depending on the result and circumstances, the next step may include:

• Confirmatory or follow-up testing
• Evaluation by a qualified radon-mitigation professional
• Installation of a mitigation system
• Testing after mitigation to verify performance
• Periodic retesting

Radon mitigation is a separate service and should be performed by a properly qualified professional.

When Should a Home Be Tested for Radon?

Consider radon testing:

• When buying or selling a home
• If the property has never been tested
• After finishing or beginning to occupy a lower level
• Following major foundation or structural changes
• After installing a radon-mitigation system
• When a previous test is no longer representative of current conditions
• Periodically as part of home maintenance

Even if a neighboring property has a low result, your home should still be tested because radon concentrations can vary from one building to another.

Schedule Radon Testing in Jackson County, MO

Radon testing provides information you cannot obtain through sight, smell or a standard home inspection. HomeTeam offers professional radon testing throughout Jackson County, including Independence, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Raytown and the Jackson County portions of Kansas City.

Call 816-693-2694 or book your Jackson County radon test online.

Radon Testing FAQs

Can you tell whether a home has radon without testing?

No. Radon is invisible and odorless, and it does not produce visible property defects. Measurement is the only way to determine the home’s radon concentration during the testing period.

What radon level is considered elevated?

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering action for results between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Do only homes with basements need radon testing?

No. Radon can enter homes with basements, crawlspaces or slab-on-grade foundations. Foundation type alone cannot determine whether a home has an elevated level.

Can a new home have elevated radon?

Yes. Radon can affect homes of any age, including newly constructed properties.

Does a home inspection include radon testing?

Radon testing is generally an ancillary service that must be requested separately. It can often be coordinated with the home inspection.

How long does a radon test take?

The required measurement period depends on the device and testing protocol. Short-term testing used in real estate transactions commonly requires the equipment to remain in the property for at least 48 hours.

Does opening a window affect a radon test?

Opening windows or making unusual changes to ventilation can affect indoor radon concentrations and compromise short-term results. Follow all closed-building and device instructions during the testing period.

Does a low radon result guarantee levels will always remain low?

No. Results represent conditions during the testing period. Radon concentrations can vary with weather, seasonal conditions, ventilation and changes to the home, which is why periodic retesting may be beneficial.