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Radon Testing

Radon has been around long before any of us, but the concern about the effects on health has increased in recent years. The appropriate test to determine if a significant level of radon exists in your home is easy and reasonably inexpensive. In this issue we will answer some of the most asked questions.

What is Radon?
 

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas. Radon is produced by decaying uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It is found in every state in the U.S. and all over the world. Radon levels can change considerably from home to home in the same neighborhood. It can also vary over time and climate conditions.

How does radon get into a house?
 

Radon gets into the indoor air through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement floors and concrete slabs and openings in floor drains and sump pumps. Radon can also contaminate well water. When radon becomes trapped in buildings, the concentrated levels become a health risk.

How does radon affect me?
 

According to research from major health organizations, radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year. Research also suggests that drinking well water with high levels of radon may pose similar health risks.

How can I tell that I have radon?
 

According to the US Surgeon General and other leading health organizations, all homes should be tested. The test consists of placing a testing device in the home for a minimum of forty-eight hours. Some types of devices are then sent to a laboratory for analysis, other types of devices can be read for immediate results. Climate conditions can vary the radon levels.

What do the results mean?
 

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Major health organizations recommend taking action if the levels in your home are four pCi/L or greater. However, no level of radon is considered absolutely safe.

What can I do if I have radon?
 

If high levels of radon are confirmed, those high levels may be reduced with simple, inexpensive techniques, like sealing cracks and venting.