Living in Manhattan Beach offers a beautiful lifestyle, with ocean breezes, outdoor living, and a strong sense of community. But like any area, it’s important for homeowners to stay aware of hidden health risks inside their homes. One concern that many people overlook is radon gas. While invisible and odorless, radon is a serious health hazard that can seep into homes without detection. This is where home radon testing in Manhattan Beach becomes essential.
In this blog, we’ll explore what radon is, why it matters, how testing works, and why every homeowner in Manhattan Beach should consider professional help to ensure their family’s safety.
What Is Radon and Why Should You Care?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas created when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It can seep into buildings through cracks in foundations, walls, or gaps around pipes. Because it has no smell, taste, or color, radon is impossible to detect without proper testing.
The main concern with radon exposure is its connection to lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Even at low levels, long-term exposure can increase risks significantly, especially for families living in homes where radon concentrations go unchecked.
Why Manhattan Beach Residents Should Pay Attention
Although Manhattan Beach is known for its sandy soil and ocean air, radon doesn’t discriminate based on location. Radon levels can vary widely—even between homes on the same street. Factors such as foundation design, ventilation, and local geology can affect how much radon seeps into a house.
That’s why residential radon testing in Manhattan Beach is such a valuable step for homeowners. You can’t assume your home is safe just because your neighbor’s test results came back low. Every property is unique, and the only way to know your family’s level of exposure is through testing.
How Does Home Radon Testing Work?
The process of radon testing is simple and straightforward. Here are the common methods:
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Short-Term Testing
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Lasts between 2 and 7 days.
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Provides a quick snapshot of radon levels.
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Often used as a first step, especially before buying or selling a home.
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Long-Term Testing
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Monitors radon for 90 days or more.
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Offers a more accurate average reading since radon levels can fluctuate with weather, seasons, and household ventilation.
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Professional services for home radon testing in Manhattan Beach typically use advanced devices to ensure accuracy. They not only measure the levels but also interpret the data and provide guidance on what steps to take next.
What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?
If testing shows that your home has radon levels above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), mitigation is recommended. Mitigation systems often include:
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Soil Suction Systems: Pipes and fans that draw radon from beneath the home and vent it outdoors.
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Sealing Cracks and Gaps: Prevents radon from leaking inside.
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Improved Ventilation: Helps dilute radon levels indoors.
These solutions are effective and can drastically reduce exposure risks. A professional specializing in residential radon testing in Manhattan Beach can also connect you with trusted mitigation contractors if needed.
Why Professional Testing Is Better Than DIY Kits
While there are DIY radon test kits available at hardware stores, they don’t always offer the same reliability as professional testing. Some kits may be affected by user error, poor placement, or environmental changes. Professionals, on the other hand, use calibrated equipment, follow strict testing protocols, and provide detailed reports.
When you choose professional residential radon testing in Manhattan Beach, you gain peace of mind knowing the results are accurate and actionable.
Radon Testing and Real Estate in Manhattan Beach
If you’re buying or selling a home in Manhattan Beach, radon testing should be part of the process. Buyers want assurance that the home is safe, and sellers can strengthen their property’s value by showing proof of a low radon environment. In fact, many real estate transactions now include radon testing as a standard step, especially in areas where awareness of the issue is growing.
How Often Should You Test?
Experts recommend testing every two years, even if your home has tested low in the past. Renovations, foundation changes, or shifts in soil can all impact radon levels over time. Additionally, if you’ve recently added a basement or improved insulation, your radon risk may have changed.
Final Thoughts
Manhattan Beach is an incredible place to call home, but health and safety should always be top priorities. Radon is a silent threat that’s easy to overlook but simple to manage with proper testing. Whether you’re moving into a new property or have been in your home for years, scheduling home radon testing in Manhattan Beach is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your loved ones.
By working with professionals who specialize in residential radon testing in Manhattan Beach, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe from this invisible hazard. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in your family’s long-term health.