Description of Services

Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of Uranium-238. It can be found everywhere in the air. Indoor radon concentrations can vary greatly and it is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. Because radon is typically drawn from the soil into homes because of pressure differentials, the EPA strongly recommends that "all homes be tested for radon and if a problem exists, corrective action be taken as soon as possible". The EPA has established a concentration of 4.0 picoCuries of radon per liter of air (pCi/l) as a technically and economically feasible action level.
*Short-term (2-7 days) tests using the E-Perm Electret Ion Chamber System or Honeywell Continuous Radon Monitors are available. Long-term E-Perm (10-90 days) and Alpha-track (3-12 months) tests are also available. Results are available on-the-spot for all but the alpha track tests. For continuous monitor tests, a hard-copy printout of the test results accompanies the test report. We will answer any questions regarding your test and, if necessary, recommend a qualified mitigation contractor. Do-it-yourself testing, home test kits and home radon monitors are also available.

Lead: Prior to 1978, lead was commonly added to paint in varying amounts, depending on its intended use. It is estimated that half of all homes contain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint dust is a primary cause of childhood lead poisoning. Peeling and chalking from exterior paint and automobile emissions from the leaded-gas era contaminate soil. Water can be contaminated by lead pipes, solder and lead service connections in household plumbing. Low levels of lead exposure in children can cause IQ deficiency, reduced growth, behavioral disorders and hearing loss.

High exposures can result in kidney damage, blindness, convulsions and death. The EPA and HUD have established a lead-in-paint level of 1.0 milligram per square centimeter (mg/cm2) as unsafe.
*EnviroCheck, LLC can provide visual assessments to identify areas of potential lead-based paint hazards and evaluate the magnitude of the hazard. This information can then be used to determine where samples should be collected, the extent of control efforts needed and to determine housing conditions that may cause paint deterioration. A whole-house inspection according to HUD/EPA specifications involves sampling each painted surface in the home. Presently we use a chemical wipe procedure that involves abrading the surface to expose underlying paint.

Asbestos: Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can only be positively identified with a special microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past asbestos was used to strengthen a variety of products (e.g., floor tiles, shingles, joint compounds) or to provide heat insulation and fire resistance (e.g., ducts and door gaskets for furnaces, wood and coal stoves). Asbestos is not dangerous if the material is in good condition. However, if the material is deteriorating, fibers can be released and inhaled into the lungs. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to increased risk of lung cancer.
*EnviroCheck, LLC can collect samples of suspected asbestos-bearing materials for analysis by an independent laboratory.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments: If a commercial property has an uncertain environmental history, we can perform environmental site assessments or a reconnaissance to assess the potential for environmental problems. Such an assessment is required to provide the purchaser with the innocent land owner defense. Site Assessments are performed according to the American

Society for Testing and Materials Standards E1527 and E1528. Cost depends on the size of the project but a reconnaissance is typically $250 to $450 while an assessment is typically $500 to $900. Please call for an estimate.