Radon FAQs
What is Radon?
Radon is a gas that occurs naturally throughout the earth's crust. It is a by-product of the decay of uranium.
How does Radon enter a home?
The air pressure inside a home is usually lower than the pressure in the soil. Because of this difference in air pressure, radon gas can be drawn into a home.
Is lowering Radon levels expensive?
Sometimes all it takes is sealing up cracks and openings in basement floors, foundation walls, etc. For a crawl space, placing a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the bare soil will usually cure the problem. In some cases, it may be necessary to install a mitigation system that draws Radon from under the basement floor and exhausts it to the outside.
Are Pristine test results accurate?
Pristine only utilizes radon test kits manufactured and analyzed by Laboratories certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program which serves as the credentialing and certification division of The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST). Adhering to professional radon testing protocols ensures the highest accuracy possible.
How is Radon dangerous?
Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer amongst those who do not smoke. The radioactive gas is responsible for approximately 21,000 cancer-related deaths each year.
Is my home in danger?
Pristine's service area is in Zone 1 (red zone), which has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) or more.
Mold FAQs
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions and spreads and reproduces by making spores.
What are Mold symptoms?
People have varying degrees of sensitivity to molds. For some, exposure to mold or mildew can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some may have severe reactions like fever and shortness of breath.
How do I reduce my exposure to Mold?
Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.
How do I know if I have Mold?
Musty odors are often the first sign of a mold problem. Mold growth can also be detected with the naked eye, but can easily be mistaken for dirt. If you find mold in your home or business, you can perform tests that can be purchased at the hardware store, however, these may not be very reliable. Pristine offers professional air sampling that can precisely identify the size and scope of the problem.
Are Pristine mold tests reliable?
Pristine has invested in professional grade mold testing equipment to ensure the most accurate results. We offer air testing as well as surface testing.
Is mold dangerous to a home?
Mold eats away at the surfaces it lives on, so the damage it causes can be extensive. In the worst-case scenarios, it can cause structural damage and make a home uninhabitable due to health risks. On a lesser scale, it can ruin ventilation systems, drywall, carpeting, furniture and possessions such as books and clothing.