Radon Testing
Certified Radon Measurement for Properties in Alabama
Radon is invisible, odorless, and the #2 cause of lung cancer in the US. Test before you buy.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from soil and rock into homes through foundation cracks, gaps, and openings. Alabama has significant areas of elevated radon risk — and the only way to know if a property has a problem is to test. Centsable Inspections provides certified radon measurement services that meet EPA and state guidelines.
What We Inspect
Short-Term Radon Test (48–96 Hours)
Charcoal canister or electret test deployed in the lowest livable area of the home per EPA protocol.
Lowest Livable Space Testing
Testing is conducted in the basement, crawlspace, or first floor depending on property configuration.
Closed-House Conditions
We instruct on proper closed-house protocol to ensure test accuracy and validity.
EPA-Approved Testing Methods
All devices and methods comply with EPA measurement protocols.
Lab Analysis
Test devices are submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Mitigation Referral
If levels exceed EPA action level (4 pCi/L), we provide guidance on qualified mitigation contractors.
Retest After Mitigation
We offer retesting services to confirm mitigation system effectiveness after installation.
Documentation for Closing
Results are provided in written format suitable for lenders and real estate transactions.
Alabama Has Significant Radon Risk — Most Homeowners Don't Know It
The EPA estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States — more than drunk driving. Alabama has significant geological formations that produce elevated radon, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state including the Birmingham area. The good news: radon mitigation is effective and relatively affordable ($800–$2,500 for a mitigation system). But you need to test first. The EPA recommends testing every home, and the only way to know your levels is to measure them.
What to Expect
Schedule Radon Testing
Radon testing can be added to any inspection or scheduled as a standalone service.
Device Deployment
We place a certified testing device in the lowest livable area of the home and set closed-house conditions.
48–96 Hour Test Period
The device remains in place for the required testing period. Closed-house conditions must be maintained.
Device Retrieval & Lab Submission
We retrieve the device and submit it to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Results & Next Steps
Lab results are provided in writing. If levels are above 4 pCi/L, we recommend a qualified mitigation contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPA action level for radon?
The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Levels between 2–4 pCi/L should also be considered for mitigation.
Does Alabama have elevated radon?
Yes. Portions of Alabama — including areas around Birmingham — have geological conditions that can produce elevated radon. Testing is the only way to know the levels in a specific home.
How long does radon testing take?
Short-term tests require 48–96 hours of closed-house conditions. Results from the certified lab are typically returned within a few days of submission.
Can radon be fixed?
Yes. Radon mitigation systems (sub-slab depressurization) are effective and typically cost $800–$2,500. They reduce radon levels by up to 99% in most cases.
Is radon testing required for real estate transactions?
Not required by law in Alabama, but strongly recommended and increasingly requested by buyers, agents, and lenders.
Ready to Schedule?
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