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Limited Mold Sampling and Mold Screen Inspections do not provide:

(a) a guarantee that mold does or does not exist in the subject property

(b) Remediation specifications of identified mold affected areas. The advice of an Indoor-Air-Quality (IAQ) specialist or other appropriate professional should be sought for further directions on how to address any mold problems discovered.

Radon (chemical symbol Rn) has numerous different isotopes, but radon-220 and radon-222 are the most common. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) decay/breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, schools, etc. - and build up to high levels. Consequently, radon is the largest source of exposure to naturally occurring radiation. Radon causes lung cancer and is a threat to health because it tends to collect in homes, sometimes to very high concentrations. You and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, since that is where you spend most of your time.

EPA recommends that all homeowners test their home for radon. It is easy and inexpensive. If the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, a simple radon remediation system can be installed for simply venting the foundation of the home and providing an escape for radon gas so it does not collect in the structure.

We highly recommend radon tests on homes in Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties, either by the seller by contingency on the contract of sale, or by the buyer after settlement. The cost is minimal compared to the risk. The cost of radon testing is about $100 to to $300 depending on the size and configuration of the house. Remediation is approximately $800 to $1,500, the results are instantaneous, and you and your family can sleep at night.

• Short-term radon gas tests.  According to EPA, short-term radon gas testing is the quickest way to determine if a potential radon problem exists. For short-term radon gas measurements with exposure times between 48 and 96 hours, we utilize the liquid scintillation (LS) type of patented pharmaceutical-grade charcoal-silica adsorption material. Short-term testing should be conducted in the lowest living area of your home, with the doors and windows shut, during the cooler months of the year.

• Long-term radon gas tests.  According to EPA, long-term testing is the most accurate way to test for radon gas. For long-term radon gas measurements with exposure between 3 and 12 months, we utilize long-term radon gas detectors with improved diffusion-based track detector, designed for minimizing electrical charge effects from the positively charged radon progeny generated inside the detector and for maximizing sensitivity and creating a more uniform track distribution for better counting statistics. Closed house conditions are not necessary during a long-term radon gas test.

The effects of lead poisoning can be devastating. Lead based paints in houses, built before 1970, still lurk in windows, mini-blinds, walls, railings, etc. and recent studies show that lead is dangerous at much lower levels than previously believed.

This test is a quick and easy method, which will alert you to the fact that corrective measures may be required and that further, more definitive testing is necessary. Results can be obtained in a few seconds. This lead in paint sampling test is fast, certified to be accurate and well worth the investment to protect your family.

If lead in paint test results are positive, we recommend that you contact a qualified lead reduction contractor about lowering the lead level in your home.