What is Radon?
According to EPA estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer to non-smokers, and the number two cause of lung cancer to smokers. Exposure to radon can go undetected because it cannot be smelled or seen. The most effective way to know if high radon levels is in your home is to have your home tested by a professional. The air in your home could have harmful levels of radon, getting a test protects you and your family from the risk of cancer.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the decay of uranium-238 and radium-226. Most radon enters a home because of air pressure differentials caused by air being exhausted from the building by ventilation. Radon can pass through holes in the foundation material of a home, it can be dissolved in well water, or released directly into the air by radium-containing materials in the building, such as granite counter tops, slate flooring, slate pool tabletop, stone foundations, and stone fireplace.
How to Test For Radon
Radon measurements in homes need to be based on standardized protocols to ensure accurate and consistent measurements. Radon in the US is measured in “pCi/L (picocuries per liter)” . The EPA says any level that is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, the home needs to be mitigated. If the measurement comes out between 2 and 4 pCi/L, it is recommended to still consider having the home mitigated. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies two general ways to test for radon, which is short-term testing and long-term testing.
Short-term Testing
Short-term testing is the quickest way to test for radon and testing in the home ranges from 2 days to 90 days. Common radon detectors for short-term testing are charcoal canisters, charcoal liquid scintillation, electret ion chamber and continuous radon monitors (CRM). If the initial result of a short-term test is 4 pCi/L or higher, a follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test is needed to ensure the most accurate level of radon in the home.
Long-term Testing
Long-term testing is a test that is done over a period longer than 90 days. Alpha track and electret ion chamber detectors are commonly used for long-term testing. Long-term measurements are preferred for assessing the annual average of radon levels within a house. If the long-term test results is 4 pCi/L or higher, the home needs to be mitigated.
We are certified radon professionals with the NRPP. We provide 48-hour short-term testing using the latest Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM). If you have never had your home tested for radon or haven’t done so in more than two years, reach out to us and let us test your home to help ensure you and your family’s safety.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!