Radon Testing

SMR Inspection Services provides professional radon testing for residential and rural properties throughout Western Colorado. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside buildings and pose a serious health risk if present at elevated levels.

Because radon is colorless, odorless, and invisible, testing is the only reliable way to determine whether elevated levels are present inside a home.

What Is Radon?

Radon gas forms naturally as uranium and radium break down in soil and rock beneath buildings. Outdoors, radon disperses quickly and does not typically present a concern. Indoors, however, radon can become trapped and accumulate—particularly in tightly sealed or energy-efficient homes.

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is a known health risk. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Why Radon Testing Is Important

Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to another—even between neighboring properties. Factors such as soil conditions, foundation design, ventilation, and building pressure all influence indoor radon concentrations.

Because radon cannot be detected by sight or smell, testing is the only way to know whether action is needed. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization recommend radon testing for homes, regardless of geographic risk classification.

What Is a Radon Test?

A radon test measures the concentration of radon gas in indoor air and reports results in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

SMR Inspection Services uses professional-grade continuous radon monitors, including Corentium Pro devices, to perform accurate, short-term radon testing. These active monitors collect data continuously throughout the test period and provide reliable, documented results suitable for real estate transactions.

How Radon Testing Is Performed

Radon testing is typically conducted over a minimum 48-hour period under closed-house conditions, meaning windows and exterior doors remain closed except for normal entry and exit.

Testing devices are placed on the lowest level of the home that is suitable for occupancy, which is often:

• A finished basement, or

• The main living level if no finished lower level exists

Proper placement and testing protocols are critical to obtaining accurate results.

Professional Testing vs. Store-Bought Kits

While consumer radon test kits are widely available, they often lack:

• Proper placement guidance

• Continuous data collection

• Documentation suitable for real estate or lending purposes

Professional radon testing helps ensure:

• Correct test setup

• Compliance with accepted testing protocols

• Clear, defensible results

Understanding Radon Test Results

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

• The Environmental Protection Agency recommends mitigation for homes with radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L.

• The World Health Organization recommends taking action at 2.7 pCi/L.

If elevated radon levels are identified, mitigation options can be discussed to reduce indoor concentrations.

Clear, Documented Results

Upon completion of testing, clients receive a clear, easy-to-understand radon test report documenting:

• Test duration

• Device type

• Placement location

• Recorded radon levels

Reports are suitable for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders.

Schedule Radon Testing

If you are buying, selling, or occupying a home in Western Colorado, contact SMR Inspection Services to schedule professional radon testing or discuss testing options.