Radon is one of the top causes of lung cancer in the U.S., following closely behind cigarette smoking. Overexposure to radon can go undetected because it cannot be smelled or seen. To reduce the risk of cancer and protect you and your family, getting your home tested for radon is the most effective way to know if radon is lurking above or below. Indoor air can have harmful levels of radon and the only way to confirm definitively its existence is by doing a radon test.
What is Radon?
According to the American Cancer Society, radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that forms naturally from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in soil and rock. This gas can be found in minimal, harmless levels in outdoor air and drinking water sourced from lakes and rivers, but may be found in indoor air in buildings like houses. Radon radioactive elements can attach to dust particles and it’s possible to breathe it into the lungs, exposing it to radiation that can damage and increase the risk of lung cancer. One of the most common places to find radon in significantly high levels is in the basement or crawl space.
How to Test For Radon
Testing for radon is easy and low-cost and can be done by a qualified, professional tester, or you can do the testing yourself with a radon test kit. Radon is measured in “picocuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies two general ways to test for radon, which short-term testing and long-term testing.
Short-term Radon Testing
Short-term testing provides the quickest way to test for radon and involves testing in the home for a period of two days to 90 days, according to the selected device. Among the common radon detectors for short-term testing are charcoal canisters, charcoal liquid scintillation, electret ion chamber, continuous monitors alpha track and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Radon levels can climb or decrease on a daily or yearly basis, and a short-term test is ideal for a quick result. If the result is 4pCi/L or higher, perform a follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test to be sure.
Long-term Radon Testing
Long-term radon testing run for more than 90 days in a home and “alpha track” and “electret” detectors the most commonly used testing tools. For a year-round average radon level measurement, a long-term test is best. If the long-term test result is 4pCi/L or higher, you should fix your home.
It’s crucial to adhere to the instructions for setting up an in-house for the specified number of days. If the results show high levels of radon in your home, you should take steps to reduce radon levels to where it is safe. MGA Home Inspections in Boston, MA provides exceptional and professional radon testing services that rely on proven scientific methods. If you need to schedule radon testing for your home, you can contact us online or call/text us at 1 (978) 973 – 9783.