Expert Radon Testing in Asheville, NC
Protect Your Home and Health from Invisible Radon Gas
At A-1 Pest Control in Asheville, we take pride in offering expert radon testing services to Asheville homeowners who care deeply about their indoor air quality and family’s safety.
Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that naturally seeps from the soil and can accumulate in homes to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of lung cancer. Our professional radon testing can help detect and measure radon concentrations in your home, giving you peace of mind or the knowledge to take action with effective radon mitigation systems.
What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in the earth’s crust. It’s formed by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water and escapes into the air — including your home’s indoor air.
When radon enters a building, it can build up to elevated radon levels that pose serious health risks. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and is considered a significant public health risk by the EPA and other national radon programs.
Why Is Radon Testing Necessary in Asheville?
Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina area have been identified as regions with moderate to high radon potential. The geology and soil types in this region can allow airborne radon to easily enter homes, especially those with certain structural features.
Testing is the only way to know the radon level in your home since it’s completely invisible and has no immediate symptoms.
What Homes Are Most at Risk for Radon?
Certain homes in Asheville are more vulnerable to radon exposure, including:
- Homes with crawl spaces or earth floors: Radon can easily enter through cracks or openings in these areas.
- Basements and lower-level rooms: Radon gas tends to accumulate in the lowest parts of a building like crawl spaces.
- Homes with poor ventilation or high humidity: These conditions can trap radon gas indoors.
- Older homes with foundation cracks or vent pipe gaps: Sealing cracks can help reduce radon concentrations.
- Homes built on soil rich in uranium: Local geology influences radon levels significantly.
If your home determines higher radon concentrations, professional radon mitigation may be necessary to reduce radon levels effectively.
How Does Radon Testing Work?
Short Term and Long Term Tests
Radon testing can be done through short term tests (lasting 2 to 7 days) or long term tests (lasting 90 days to one year). Short term radon test kits provide quick insight into radon levels but may be affected by variables like barometric pressure and weather. Long term kits give a more accurate average radon level by measuring radon concentrations over several months.
Our qualified testers use national radon proficiency program certified radon test devices to ensure accuracy. These devices detect radon concentrations measured in picocuries per liter (pci/l) of air, the standard unit to express radon level.
Using Radon Test Kits
We offer discounted radon test kits to Asheville residents so you can test your home affordably. These radon test kits are easy to use—simply place the test kit in the lowest lived-in area of your home and follow instructions carefully. After the testing period, you send the kit back to the lab for analysis.
For best results, a second short term test is often recommended if initial results show elevated radon levels (above EPA recommended action level of 4 pci/l). Testing for radon should be done at least every two years or when buying or selling a home as part of real estate transactions.
What Do Radon Test Results Mean?
Radon levels are measured in pci/l:
- 4 pci/l or higher: EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon.
- 2-4 pci/l: Consider radon reduction steps to minimize risk.
- Below 2 pci/l: Low risk, but regular testing is still advised.
Indoor radon levels can fluctuate due to barometric pressure, weather, and ventilation. If your test results show high radon levels, our radon professionals can recommend and install proven radon mitigation systems to reduce radon concentrations and improve indoor air quality.
How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home
At A-1 Pest Control, we specialize in EPA-approved mitigation strategies designed to deliver long-lasting protection for your home and family.
Symptoms of Radon in Your Home — Can You Tell?
Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms or warning signs. It does not cause any smell, taste, or visible effects in your home’s air. Because radon is odorless and invisible, testing is essential. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon increases your risk of lung cancer, which is why early detection through radon testing is vital.
Although you can’t physically sense radon in your home, long-term exposure may eventually result in symptoms related to lung damage, including:
- Persistent cough that doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Chest pain or tightness
- Wheezing or hoarseness
- Coughing up blood (in severe cases)
- Recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
These symptoms are most often associated with radon-induced lung cancer, which typically develops over years of exposure. If you or someone in your household is experiencing these symptoms—especially if there’s no history of smoking—radon may be a contributing factor.
Radon and Lung Cancer Risk
The EPA estimates that radon causes thousands of lung cancer deaths annually, making it a serious public health concern. Smokers and non-smokers alike are at risk if exposed to elevated radon levels over time. Children and those with compromised lungs are especially vulnerable.
By testing your home for radon and installing mitigation systems if needed, you can drastically reduce your family’s risk.
Why Choose A-1 Pest Control for Radon Testing in Asheville?
We are proud to be the go-to resource for radon testing in Asheville, NC, for good reason:
See Our Other Services Available in Asheville, NC
Pest Control Plans
Our pest control plans can be tailored to meet your needs. Only pay for the services your home or business needs and skip the rest.
Termite Control
Protect your biggest asset - your home. Our termite extermination services are designed to eliminate existing termites and prevent new ones.
Bed Bug Control
Our professional bed bug control uses treatments that are safe for your whole family yet effective at eliminating pesky bed bugs.
Mosquito Control
Our effective mosquito control services are tailored to keep mosquitos away from your home so you can enjoy the outdoors.
FAQs About Radon Testing in Asheville, NC
Is radon testing really necessary?
Yes. Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, and the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing. North Carolina’s geology makes radon testing especially important.
What causes high radon levels in homes?
How often should I test my home for radon?
The EPA recommends testing every two years, or when you move into a new home, after home improvements, or if you install a new heating system.
Can I test for radon myself?
Yes, with radon test kits. However, using a qualified tester or a certified radon professional ensures more reliable results.
Protect Your Home with Our Radon Testing and Mitigation
Radon testing is an essential step toward a safer, healthier home in Asheville, NC. Trust A-1 Pest Control to provide expert testing, reliable results, and effective radon reduction solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today at 828-481-9140 or fill out the form below to schedule professional radon testing services in Asheville today.
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