Radon Testing
A radon testing apparatus. The concept is to monitor levels of radon in the air for a period of time to determine the overall concentration. Longer term tests yield better 'average' levels of radon. The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) or more.
There are two ways to test for radon:
Short-Term Testing
This method is the quickest way to test. Short-term tests remain in your home for as little as two (2) days to 90 days depending on the device. “Charcoal canister”, “alpha track”, “electret ion chamber”, “continuous monitors”, and “charcoal liquid scintillation” detectors are most commonly used for short-term testing. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is less likely than a long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you need results quickly, however, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used to decide whether to fix your home.
Long-Term Testing
Long-Term tests remain in your property for more than 90 days. “Alpha track” and “electret” detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home’s year-round average radon level than a short-term test.
The EPA recommends the following testing steps
Take a short-term test. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher*, take a follow-up test to be sure. The higher your initial short-term test result, the more certain you can be that you should take a short-term rather than a long-term follow-up test. If your first short-term test result is several times the action level (e.g.: about 10pCi/Lor higher) you should take a second short-term test immediately. Consider fixing you home if the average of your first and second test is 4 pCi/L or higher.
What can a Qualified Radon-Reduction Contractor do for You?
A qualified radon-reduction (mitigation) contractor should be able to:
- Review testing guidelines and measurement results, and determine if additional measurements are needed
- Evaluate the radon problem and provide you with a detailed, written proposal on how radon levels will be lowered
- Design a radon-reduction system
- Install the system according to DEP Mitigation Standards, or state and local codes
- Make sure the finished system effectively reduces radon levels to acceptable levels
Radon
It's in your home if you live in Pennsylvania See Radon Levels for your County
Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium found in trace amounts in soil, rock, and water. Radon is the main source of our exposure to all radiation. The US Surgeon General and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined that radon is second only to smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for Radon is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.
Because high levels of radon have been found in every state of the United States, testing for radon and installing radon mitigation systems has become a specialized industry in the last two decades. Many states have implemented programs that affect home buying and awareness in the real estate community, however radon testing and mitigation systems are not generally mandatory unless specified by the local jurisdiction.
Radon-Rid, LLC - A Full Service Radon Testing, Mitigation, & Remediation Company providing peace of mind from Radon in homes and businesses throughout Southeastern PA and the Tri-State Area.
Radon Testing, Mitigation, and Remediation. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County.
