Questions about Radon

Where does radon gas come from?

Radon gas is a byproduct of the natural decay of uranium and thenradium. These elements can be found naturally in certain types of rock, including granite, igneous, and limestone, as well as in soil and water. Hot springs can also contain high concentrations of radon.Radon poses the most serious threat to humans when it is inhaled. Radon gas can make its way into a home by seeping through cracks in the foundation. Any pathway that air can take is a potential path for radon, even diffusing straight through solid concrete.Radon can also be found in water. Although humans are susceptible to ingesting radon by drinking contaminated water, the risk of ingesting significant traces is fairly small. It is also possible to consume radon by eating agricultural products that are grown in radon-contaminated soils, but the risk of eating foods that contain high concentrations of radon is also low.

How do I know if there is radon gas in my home?

"The only way to find out if your home or business is at risk for radon exposure is to test! Many people are completely unaware that their living spaces could have high levels of this harmful gas.
If you want real-time updates on your radon levels, continuous radon monitors are perfect! They alert you when levels reach dangerous thresholds

Why is radon dangerous?

Radon is a cancerous radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Radon is relieved when uranium decomposes in soil and emits toxins into the home. The toxins found in uranium are made up of particles from the soil, and when breathed, get trapped in the lungs. When these participles build up over time, lung issues can occur. If someone is exposed to this gas and the toxins from radon for a long period of time, the buildup can become cancerous.

What level of radon is safe?

Technically, no level of radon gas is safe. The more correct question is what level of radon gas is acceptable according to government health organizations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), any level of radon gas that is at or below 2.7 pCi/L is safe. Consequently, the EPA suggests that a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher is dangerous and radon should be mitigated. A homeowner decides whether a mitigation system should be installed, however, not installing a radon mitigation system at levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher does put everyone in the home at risk.

What is radon exposure?

Radon exposure when people breathe air contaminated with radon over a long period of time. The exposure can cause lasting health problems such as lung cancer. Radon exposure can be deadly if not properly managed. Many people are unaware they are exposed unless they test for it.

Is radon odorless?

Yes, radon gas is odorless. It is also tasteless and colorless, which makes the gas relatively invisible to the senses. These characteristics are what allows radon gas to go undetected by homeowners. Testing is the only way to determine if unhealthy levels of radon are present. There are short-term and long-term tests, however short-term tests should be used before mitigation occurs.

Radon Testing FAQs

What is radon testing?

Radon testing is the recording of the actual level of radon gas is present inside an occupied dwelling or space and is typically measured in Picocuries per liter also known as pCi/L. There are several types of radon test kits and radon monitors available. Some kits are designed for testing by days or by months. Radon testing is a necessary consideration in real estate transactions and is priority in environmental communities.

How to detect radon gas?

  • "The only way to find out if your home or business is at risk for radon exposure is to test! Many people are completely unaware that their living spaces could have high levels of this harmful gas.
  • If you want real-time updates on your radon levels, continuous radon monitors are perfect! They alert you when levels reach dangerous thresholds
  • The only way to find out if your home or business is at risk for radon exposure is to test! Many people are completely unaware that their living spaces could have high levels of this harmful gas. Testing is simple and can be done using various methods."
  • Short-Term Testing: This method provides quick results, usually within a few days to a week. You can use devices like activated charcoal canisters or electret ion chambers placed in your lowest lived-in area."
  • "Long-Term Testing: For a more comprehensive evaluation, long-term tests are conducted over three months to a year. This gives you a better average of your home's radon levels
  • I would recommend using a home radon detector for long-term monitoring. The main reason is that radon will not be distributed evenly around a room
    Imagine adding a dash of cream to a cup of black coffee but not stirring it. If you then take multiple samples from a small spot of that coffee for the level of cream, you would get very different readings over time as the cream slowly blends in with the coffee
  • Radon sampling works in the same way. This is why we recommend allowing your radon detector to measure for at least 30 days so that the monitor can collect enough air samples to provide a reliable long-term average

How to fix radon?

To address a radon issue, you need to install a radon mitigation system. These systems reduce radon by suctioning the air from under the home’s foundation and releasing it above the roof of the house. When the radon gas is released above the house, it is diluted in the atmosphere. Through the mitigation process cracks in the foundation are sealed to prevent radon gas from creeping into the home and further contaminating the air we breathe.

How to reduce radon?

Certified technicians install a system with fans that pull air contaminated with radon gas from under a building’s foundation. Fans run 24/7 keeping the radon at safe levels. After the fan has been installed, regularly test for radon gas presence in the home. Your system will have indicators so ensure the system is operating without error, but because the gas is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, testing will be the only way to know for sure if the mitigation fan is working.

What is radon mitigation?

Radon mitigation is the act of reducing the levels of radon gas found in the home or building. Mitigation systems utilize fans to pull the dangerous gas from the building’s foundation and disperse it outside the home or workplace making the air safe to breathe. Certified technicians will come to the house and install the fans, piping and tools to proactively measure and monitor radon in the home.

What measures should be taken at different radon concentration levels?

  • Higher than 4 pCi/L:
    If you used a short-term test: Take a second test using either a short-term or long-term test. If you use a second short-term test, calculate the average of the two results.
    Contact a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system if: The average of two short term tests is ≥ 4 pCi/L, or results from any long-term test are also ≥ 4 pCi/L.
    Make sure you retest a few months after your home is fixed to see if radon levels were reduced.
  • Between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L:
    Consider installing a radon reduction system.
    Make sure you retest a few months after your home is fixed to see if radon levels were reduced.
  • Lower than 2 pCi/L:
    No action needed.
    Test your home again if you start living on a lower level (for example, if you turn your basement into a home office or extra bedroom).

Sources

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health
https://www.epa.gov/radon
https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-radon
https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/radon-health-effects
https://www.epa.gov/radon