A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc.

Radon Analysis Services

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that high levels of radon cause nearly 14,000 deaths annually -- largely due to lung cancer. The risk of developing radon induced lung cancer is especially high if you smoke cigarettes.

Radon concentrations can change dramatically from day-to-day, month-to-month, and season-to-season. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels, with an even greater incidence in Minnesota. The EPA recommends actions to control radon anytime levels exceed 4.0 pico-Curies/Liter (pCi/L). In Minnesota the average concentration is 3.5 pCi/L, and in the Brainerd/Baxter area concentrations have been measured as high as 120 pCi/L.

Testing is inexpensive and easy. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon. A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc. offers two types of radon detection products; an "alpha track" device which is best used for long-term analysis (over six months), and a 48-hour E-perm electrets device which is adequate for rapid assessment. Both devices cost $40 per sample, and can be self-activated or installed by our professional staff for a basic fee. We are finding an increasing number of home buyers, as well as lending institutions which require a radon analysis prior to investing in a home.

If your home or office is found to exceed the action level then radon reduction techniques are recommended. According to the EPA, radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99 percent, and range in cost from $500 to $2,500.

Please call our laboratories if you have questions about radon. For additional information on radon testing you may wish to contact the Minnesota Department of Health (which operates a radon hotline at 1-800-798-9050) or logging on to the EPA's indoor air quality web-site, www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs.

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radon analysis services