The ABCs of Radon Testing: A Beginner's Guide
Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed naturally by the decay of uranium and other radioactive materials in the soil. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can easily enter buildings, and when inhaled, can cause damage to the lungs, leading to lung cancer.
The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure depends on several factors, including the concentration of radon in the air, the duration of exposure, and the individual's smoking history. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it is estimated that it causes thousands of deaths each year in the United States alone.
It is important to note that radon exposure is a preventable health risk. Testing for radon levels in buildings and taking steps to mitigate high levels of radon can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer associated with radon exposure. Therefore, it is important for individuals to take action to protect themselves and their loved ones from this potentially deadly gas.
In this article, we will look at the major different types of radon tests, their pros and cons, and how to understand test results.
Contents:
The Two Types of Radon Tests
There are two main types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests. Both short-term and long-term radon tests can be conducted by professionals. However, the type of test conducted will depend on the preference of the professional and the circumstances of the home being tested.
Short Term
Short-term tests are conducted for a period of two to seven days. Short-term tests are considered to be useful for obtaining a quick snapshot of the radon levels in a home. These tests are less expensive than long-term tests, but they only provide a short-term measurement of radon levels.
Short-term tests are often conducted by professionals using passive devices such as charcoal canisters or alpha track detectors. These tests are relatively simple to conduct and provide a quick snapshot of the radon levels in a home.
There are both pros and cons to short-term radon tests:
Pros:
Provide a quick snapshot of radon levels in a home.
Usually costs less than long-term tests.
Can be used to determine if further testing or mitigation is necessary.
Cons:
May not provide an accurate representation of the average radon level over time.
Results can be affected by weather conditions and other factors.
Must be conducted for at least 48 hours to be accurate.
Long Term
Long-term tests are conducted for a period of more than 90 days, up to one year. Long-term tests provide a more accurate measurement of radon levels in a home over an extended period of time. These tests are more expensive than short-term tests, but they provide a more reliable and accurate reading of radon levels in a home.
Long-term tests may also be conducted by professionals, but these tests are typically more complex and require the use of electronic monitors. Continuous radon monitors are commonly used for long-term testing. These monitors provide continuous measurement of radon levels and are typically placed in the lowest level of a home where people spend a significant amount of time.
These types of tests also have their own pros and cons.
Pros:
Provide a more accurate representation of the average radon level over time.
Results are less likely to be affected by weather conditions and other factors.
Can be used to determine if mitigation is necessary.
Cons:
Usually cost more than short-term tests.
Take longer to complete (at least 90 days).
Can be affected by power outages and other equipment malfunctions.
If you are unsure which test is right for your situation, ask your radon testing professional. They can give you a balanced look at which will be more effective for your needs.
Passive vs Active Testing
Both types of tests can be conducted using either passive or active methods:
Passive tests: Passive tests are simple and easy to use. These tests do not require any power source or external equipment to operate. Passive tests include charcoal canisters, alpha track detectors, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors.
Active tests: Active tests require power to operate and use electronic monitors to measure radon levels. Active tests include continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors. These tests provide a more accurate measurement of radon levels than passive tests, but they are more expensive.
Which Test Should I Use?
The choice of test depends on a number of factors, such as the purpose of the test, the duration of the test, and the resources available. Radon testing for real estate transactions tend to utilize a short term, passive test.
Passive radon tests are generally less expensive and easier to use than active tests. They do not require power or electricity to operate, and they are typically left in place for a specified period of time, such as several days or months, to collect data on radon levels. Passive tests are often used for initial screening or for long-term monitoring of radon levels in a building.
Active radon tests, on the other hand, require power or electricity to operate and usually measure radon levels continuously over a short period of time, such as a few days. They provide more detailed and precise data on radon levels and can be used to identify short-term variations in radon levels, which can be useful in identifying sources of radon entry into a building. Active tests are often used in more specialized or complex situations, such as in buildings with high ventilation rates or in areas with unusual geologic conditions.
In general, both passive and active radon tests are effective methods for measuring radon levels in a building, and the choice of test will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the situation. It is important to follow proper testing procedures and guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Understanding Radon Test Results
Interpreting radon test results depends on the type of test used and the measurement units reported.
For short-term tests, the results are typically reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If the test result is 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends that homeowners take action to reduce radon levels in their homes. If the result is between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends that homeowners consider taking action to reduce radon levels. If the result is below 2 pCi/L, the EPA considers the radon level to be acceptable.
For long-term tests, the results are typically reported as an annual average in pCi/L. The EPA recommends that homeowners take action to reduce radon levels if the annual average is 4 pCi/L or higher.
Deep Dive: What is a Picocurie?
A picocurie (pCi) is a unit of measurement used to express the amount of radiation emitted by radioactive materials such as radon. One picocurie is equal to 0.037 becquerels (Bq), which is the international system of units (SI) for measuring radioactivity.
The picocurie is commonly used in the United States to measure radon levels in homes. The EPA has set an action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as the recommended limit for radon in indoor air. This means that if the radon level in a home is found to be 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends that the homeowner take steps to reduce the level of radon in the home.
Next Steps: Booking Your Radon Test
It is important to note that no level of radon is considered safe, and even low levels of radon exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer over time. If a radon test indicates high levels of radon in a home, homeowners should take immediate action to reduce radon levels.
It is also important to ensure that the radon test was conducted properly, as inaccurate testing methods or improper placement of testing devices can affect the accuracy of the results. Homeowners should consider hiring a qualified professional to conduct radon testing in their homes.
At Last Minute Radon, we provide radon gas testing in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. We’re native to the region and understand that radon is a common problem. We’re not a radon mitigation company - so we have no vested interest in the outcome of your (or your client’s) test.
Got questions? Feel free to email us directly at info@lastminradon.com
Ready to book your test? Contact us or give us a call at 703 431 4339.