You’ve moved into new digs, either an apartment or rental home, or you’ve recently purchased your own home. In all the excitement, you probably did not consider the possibility that your new dwelling could contain an odorless, colorless threat. Perhaps you’re a long-time resident and have either never considered this, or it’s been a while since you tested your home. Time for action!
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Radon Facts
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced from the radioactive decay of Uranium in rock, soil, and water. Low levels of uranium exist naturally in the earth’s crust, and each step in the decay process produces radon.
- According to the EPA, studies have found direct evidence linking Radon in homes to lung cancer for both smokers and non-smokers. In fact, it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. This study in the National Library of Medicine is a collaborative analysis from 13 case-control studies of residential radon and lung cancer.
- Radon is found in all 50 states.
- Radon moves through the ground to the air.
- Some remains below the surface and dissolves into underground water sources.
- Short-lived decay products, called progeny, are also radioactive and attach to dust and other particles, which are transported by air.
- Radon levels in homes cannot be predicted—Testing for it is the only way of detecting it and measuring the level in the home.
- The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing in all homes below the third level.
- The EPA indicates that a level of 4pCi/L is considered elevated, and mitigation should be done.
For more radon facts and what devices can test for radon, check out this article.
Consider the Odds
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the US has an elevated radon level of 4pCi/L or greater. Since air pressure inside is less than in the soil underneath the structure, trapped radon is forced through floors and walls to the interior. Most moves through cracks, gaps, or openings in construction or crawl spaces; however, radon that has dissolved in water, particularly well water, enters through a faucet and is released into the air.
Apartment buildings can also have radon present, although the higher up you are in the building, the less likely you are to have a radon problem. New or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement, no home is exempt from Radon intrusion. For a look at specific locations, the EPA interactive map shows predicted average indoor radon levels at the county level.
Devices for Testing
There are basically two types of devices used for testing—passive and active.
- Passive devices don’t require electricity and are available in stores and on the internet. Some can be acquired from laboratories, but all passive devices must be returned to a lab for analysis.
- Active devices need a power source to operate. Some of the short-term testing devices must be operated by trained testers and returned to a lab for analysis. However, there are several devices that provide real-time readings on a continuous basis, as well as radon levels averaged over time.
There are also two general ways to test for radon—short-term and long-term testing.
- Depending on the device, short-term testing can last from a minimum of 2 days to as long as 90 days. If you need results quickly, as in a real estate transaction, this is a good choice. Since radon levels fluctuate from day to day, long-term tests are more often recommended as a better measurement of accurate radon levels.
- Long-term tests last longer than 90 days and provide readings that reflect the average radon level over time.
What About Accuracy?
Most passive detection devices use activated charcoal in some way to collect radon gas. Unfortunately, things like temperature and humidity can greatly affect this type of sample collection process. Alpha tracker accuracy depends on the composition and construction of the tracking sheet inside the housing, as well as the analysis equipment used to interpret the sample. Electrochemically etched systems are considered superior to chemically etched systems.
Active devices like electronic radon detectors were initially created for contractors and professionals in radon mitigation, and required calibration to provide accurate readings. Now, however, there are several available to consumers that are already calibrated and can provide both short and long-term readings with accuracy. There are even detectors that can be controlled from a smart device and provide reports and graphs for tracking over time.
I Need Mitigation
If you discover your home has radon levels above EPA guidelines, don’t panic. All homes can be treated and fixed--resources for state and local programs are available.
There are several techniques available that are straightforward and can usually be completed in one day by a qualified contractor for the average single-family home. Depending on your foundation design, this can include sealing cracks and other openings, along with one or more strategies to prevent radon from entering your home. Radon mitigation fans are effective in removing affected air from your home on an ongoing basis.
Apartment buildings can also be mitigated. You can test your apartment for radon, and if high levels are detected, you should inform the building owner. In most states, owners are required to keep properties safe for people to live in. See this Tenants Guide on the EPA website.
How About Real Estate Transactions?
Most homes have to be inspected prior to the closing of a real estate transaction. You can request radon testing using a short-term device to discover problems. If there is a radon mitigation system in place, be sure it is working properly. The EPA has a handy Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon, which outlines this process.
More Questions?
If this has raised concerns or you would like more information on radon testing products, visit our Knowledge Center. Or feel free to contact one of our air treatment specialists at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help make your indoor environment safe and healthy.
