Most home buyers are preoccupied with typical home problems such as plumbing breakdowns, roof leaks, and dysfunctional HVAC systems when purchasing property. Radon, a real hazard, quietly sneaks into homes without the occupants being aware. This colorless and odorless gas is the second largest cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, killing about 21,000 people.
The good news is, measuring radon levels is easy, and once you have the results you can take remedial measures to protect yourself and your family. This blog discusses how radon levels are measured, how to interpret the results and take remedial measures.
What Is Radon, And Why Should You Be Concerned?
Before we discuss how radon levels are measured, let’s first understand what radon is and why it’s important to know your home’s radon levels.
A radioactive gas, radon, emerges when uranium, thorium, and radium degrade in rocks, soil, and underground water. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation, leaking pipes, and drinking water supply sources. It’s present in outdoor areas, but the gas reaches dangerous levels inside buildings.
People who spend multiple years exposed to radon suffer an elevated risk of developing lung cancer.
How Are Radon Levels Measured?
Now that you understand why it’s important, let’s dive into the core of the topic: how are radon levels measured? Standard radon level testing is easy to perform, whether you choose to use a DIY method or engage certified professionals.
Short-Term Radon Testing
Homeowners mostly perform short-term radon tests to check immediate exposure levels in the house. The duration of such radon tests extends from 2 to 7 days. The two fundamental approaches to short-term radon testing include the following:
- Activated Charcoal Detectors: These are small containers containing activated charcoal that absorb radon gas. After the testing period, you submit the container to the laboratory, which analyzes it to identify radon levels.
- Continuous Radon Monitors: They are sophisticated devices and can gather radon readings across multiple days. They deliver extensive data that enables accurate detection of radon levels and their fluctuation.
Long-Term Radon Testing
The testing period for long-term radon tests lasts a minimum of 90 days and may span several months. These tests prove more trustworthy because they consider seasonal variations influencing radon concentration levels.
The primary type of devices used for long-term radon detection consists of two main instruments:
- Alpha Track Detectors: They need to be installed in homes for a time ranging between three months to one year. The devices gather radon particles and record the quantity of alpha radiation.
- Electret Ion Chambers: They share traits with alpha track detectors yet record expanded radon exposure details because of their enhanced measuring capability. The devices serve professional requirements for precise assessments and deliver to the general public as well.
Professional Testing
People concerned about DIY radon testing accuracy can obtain professional results by contracting a radon testing service. Professional testers with advanced radon-level measurement technology and techniques will evaluate the radon concentration within your house. The expert will analyze test results to provide guidance about the most effective radon reduction strategies in case high radon concentrations are detected.
What Do Radon Level Results Mean?
After conducting your home testing, you will receive data showing radon levels in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), a standard measuring unit. Let’s understand what the results mean.
- 0–2 pCi/L: The radon levels from 0 to 2 pCi/L are classified as low risk according to typically accepted measures of radon safety. Low exposure to radon carries minimal risks for health-related problems.
- 2–4 pCi/L: Moderate levels. To ensure maximum safety in your home, you should consider radon reduction plans, although your current radon levels are safe.
- Above 4 pCi/L: High levels. The EPA states homes should be remediated if their radon measurements exceed 4 pCi/L since elevated levels result in increased potential for radon-related lung cancer.
Your risk of developing radon-related problems increases with sustained exposure, even with low concentrations.
What Can You Do If Your Radon Levels Are High?
High radon levels do not mean you get into panic mode. There are multiple ways to decrease radon exposure and reduce radon levels.
Radon Mitigation Systems
Radon mitigation systems are the standard solution to reduce radon contamination in homes. The installation of a vent pipe with a fan to divert radon from underneath your home to outdoors, prevents its entry into your home space.
Sealing Cracks And Gaps
Radon enters through foundation cracks, pipe gaps, and other house openings. Closing off these openings in the foundation will lower the amount of radon that penetrates indoor living areas. However, it is not a standalone solution but rather a complementary measure.
Increase Ventilation
Better home ventilation functions to diffuse radon particles and make their concentrations less intense. An effective ventilation system and ensuring all existing vents operate properly will help.
Conclusion: Test Your Home Today
Radon is a serious health threat, but the good news is that it is fairly manageable. Measuring radon levels enables homeowners to detect radon-related before hazardous conditions develop.
Elite Inspections provides precise radon testing services that deliver complete comfort to our clients. Our team is ready to assist you with radon tests for your home; therefore, reach out to us right now. Our team of experts is here to help families create safe and clean home environments for comfortable living.
