8 Things Every Homeowner Needs To Know About Radon Testing

Radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas, poses a potential threat to homeowners, yet its presence often goes unnoticed. Understanding the nuances of radon testing is crucial for safeguarding your home and your well-being. From varying radon levels to recommended testing procedures, this article sheds light on essential aspects every homeowner should know about radon detection and mitigation. 

1. Radon Levels Vary Widely

Levels of radon gas can vary widely. Even if the neighbors on both sides of your home do not have higher than recommended levels, does not mean that your home will not test differently. Every home should be tested to determine the presence of radon.

2. Testing Is Easy

A simple test can determine the presence of radon in your home and whether mitigation is required to help lower the gas levels. While there are DIY test kits, we recommend using a radon company that is experienced with testing, monitoring, and mitigation for accuracy.

3. Radon Testing is Recommended By The EPA and the US Surgeon General

If you are buying or selling a home, you should test it. If your home has never had a radon test, you should test. Since radon gas is dangerous, every home should be tested for the presence of radon.

 

You should also test for radon gas if you recently remodeled your home. Remodeling can change air flow within a home, which can spread radon gas.

 

Experts recommend testing your home for radon every two to three years. Homes can settle, foundations can shift or crack, or rock formations under your home can move, which can increase the potential for radon accumulation within your home.

Radon exposure has a cumulative effect. So, the longer you are exposed, the more your health is compromised.

4. Radon Tests Vary in Length From 2 – 365 Days Depending on Your Needs

Short-term tests can take between 48 hours and 120 hours to complete and provide snapshots of radon activity. There are also tests available to monitor conditions over a longer period of time from three months to a year. These are used to identify fluctuations that may occur from temperature changes or barometric pressure.

5. How Are Tests Conducted?

With short-term screening, the most common way to test for radon is to close the home for 12 hours and use a charcoal test kit. After the required time, the test is sent to a certified lab for evaluation. Electronic testing with a certified technician and a professional device is also an option. This type of quick turnaround is perfect for real estate transactions especially as the results are given immediately upon conclusion of the testing period.

 

Short term detection can also range from 48 – 96 hours for more accurate results following charcoal screenings.

 

For longer-term detection, contractors will use electronic monitoring detection instruments or alpha-track detectors to monitor conditions.

6. There are Recommended Levels Indoor Radon Levels 

According to the EPA, there is no safe level of radon gas.Radon is measured in units of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the air. If the radon levels are at 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends you take steps to mitigate the radon in your home.

If the level is 4 pCI/L or higher:

• The EPA recommends taking a second test to verify the accuracy. 
• Contact a certified and licensed professional to install a radon reduction system.
• Retest after the system is installed to verify levels have dropped to acceptable levels.

If the level is between 2pCI/L and 4 pCI/L:

• The EPA suggests you consider installing a radon reduction system.
• Test in a few months to make sure levels haven’t risen above 4 pCi/L.

If the level is lower than 2 pCI/L:

• According to the EPA, no action is needed at this time.
• Test again at intervals, especially if you start living on the lowest level of your home, such as using a basement for an office, bedroom or rec room, or if a remodel is performed on the home.

7. Mitigation Might be Necessary

If radon is detected, there are steps you can take to mitigate it. A licensed radon professional can evaluate your situation and recommend a solution.

 

Radon mitigation is accomplished by ventilating the radon out of your home. While your home may require a different solution, radon gas is typically collected beneath concrete slabs or membranes and vented out to the exterior of the home or through the roof.  A fan is typically installed in the attic to draw the radon out of the ground and disperse it in the air above your home or on the exterior of the home. Most systems have alarms that indicate whether the system is functioning properly, so you know if it has stopped working.

 

Mitigation systems can typically be installed within a day, although that can vary depending on the home, the foundation, and the layout.

Radon reduction systems can significantly reduce the levels of this dangerous gas in your home.

8. Not All Testing & Mitigation Companies Are the Same

Not every contractor that advertises they do radon testing or mitigation is certified and qualified to do the work. You need to be careful when choosing a provider, especially if radon mitigation is required. For example, look for a contractor certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and licensed by their state.

 

Awareness and proactive measures play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe living environment. Radon, with its unpredictable presence, demands attention and testing to mitigate potential health risks. Recognizing the recommended radon levels and understanding the mitigation options available empowers homeowners to take informed actions in securing their living spaces. By staying vigilant and choosing certified professionals for testing and mitigation, you can mitigate the risks associated with radon exposure, fostering a healthier and safer home environment for you and your loved ones.