Radon Testing

U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.  It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. 

Radon:  The Health Hazard With a Simple Solution

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water.  Radon can be trapped inside your home.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.  In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home as this is where you spend most of your time.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). 

You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood radon measurements.  Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home.  Homes that are next to each other can have different radon levels.  Testing is the only way to determine the level of radon in your home.

 

EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related.  Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.  Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.  Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and is a proven carcinogen.  Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air.

EPA recommends mitigation if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) or more; and since there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider mitigation for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

For most Americans, their greatest exposure to radon is in their homes.

Home buyers and those individuals who have not had their homes tested within 2 years are encouraged to have a radon test performed. The cost of the test is minimal in comparison to the the cost of mitigation and the health risks involved.

I use a professional continuous radon monitor testing device. This device is superior to using charcoal canisters as it has disturbance and power sensors, as well as a battery back up.  It records the radon levels each hour the monitor is in the home. This allows you to see how the levels fluctuate throughout the day and over the course of the testing period. 

 
 
 
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