Indies Only: Karen Claus Helping Keep Homeowners Safe

Karen Claus started RKC Inspections Radon Testing Service 11 years ago and has tested thousands of homes in the Chicago area, measuring radon levels and determining whether the family living there is at risk.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Testing is the only way to know if there is a risk, states Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s Division of Nuclear Safety (IEMA).

IEMA provides radon testing results for each zip code. Of the 676 homes tested in Kendall County through 2010, 35 percent tested over the level where action is necessary (4.0 pCi/L). Claus explained that this percentage has decreased from the 2006 results which showed 58 percent of tested homes in Kendall County were over the action level. The 2010 report includes homes which installed radon mitigation systems and were tested to ensure the system is working properly.

“Kendall County remains in IEMA’s Zone 1, which is among those counties that have the highest potential for indoor radon concentrations above 4….There are no obvious risk factors. All houses should be tested – even brand new homes,” stressed Claus.

Claus offers flexible hours and is available seven days per week. She describes the testing process as simple.

“It takes 20-30 minutes to set up the test. I return two to three days later to gather the equipment. I produce a report of the results on that same day and provide a copy of the report to the client with full explanation,” said Claus.

If the test reveals radon at an unsafe level, Claus provides referrals to set up a radon mitigation system.

Claus decided to pursue a career in radon testing after years commuting downtown and working in the business world. The connection between radon and lung cancer hit home for Claus whose mother died from lung cancer and she seized the opportunity to run her own business.  

She earned a full professional license which involved submitting a business plan for state approval. Within a year of making the decision to switch careers, RKC Inspections was up and running, said Claus.

Radon inspections rely heavily on the real estate market, said Claus who estimates she currently conducts about 350 inspections per year.

Only about five calls each month are from homeowners who are concerned for the health of their families, said Claus, who hopes these numbers increase as more people realize the potential danger of radon in their homes.

Claus recommends conducting a radon test every two years and to run the test at a different time of year. She especially recommends testing if air-tight windows, a higher efficiency furnace or an addition are being added to a home.

Claus acknowledged that radon tests are available in some home improvement stores and online. She warns that consumers don’t know how long the test has been on the store shelves and whether it was stored properly as the units are sensitive to humidity and temperature variances.

Peter Simmons hired RKC Inspections to provide a second opinion when he was selling his home. Simmons watched as the buyer’s inspector conducted a radon test and he felt it was invalid as the test wasn’t placed at the correct height.

Claus was “extremely thorough. She explained everything and provided an hourly readout whereas the prior inspector only provided one number. She was very personable and all business,” said Simmons.

“I immensely enjoy what I do. I run my own business and meet great people every single day. I’m helping people understand the dangers of radon and feel good about helping to eliminate one thing that could trigger cancer,” said Claus.

Contact RKC Inspections at 630-373-4229