Did you know that radon exposure ranks as the second leading cause of lung cancer and lung cancer-related deaths in the United States, right after smoking?
What is Radon Testing?
Radon testing is a process of measuring the levels of radon gas in a home or building. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is naturally present in the environment. It is produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon is a health hazard when it accumulates indoors, particularly in confined spaces like basements. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers or individuals with a family history of lung cancer.
Radon testing is conducted to determine if radon gas levels in a building are within safe limits. There are two main methods for radon testing:
Radon testing is conducted to determine if radon gas levels in a building are within safe limits. There are two main methods for radon testing:
- Short-Term Testing: Short-term radon testing involves placing a radon testing device or kit in the lowest livable area of a building, typically the basement or crawl space. The testing device is left in place for a specific period, usually between 2 to 7 days, to measure radon gas levels. After the testing period, the device is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are provided to the homeowner.
- Long-Term Testing: Long-term radon testing involves using a continuous radon monitor that remains in place for a minimum of 90 days to provide a more accurate and reliable measurement of average radon levels over an extended period. These monitors record radon levels continuously and provide detailed data on radon fluctuations throughout different seasons and conditions.
What is Our Process?
Radstar MonitorOur company is licensed by the state of Michigan and Ohio and utilize Radstar Continuous Monitors. They are far more accurate than any over the counter test kits.
|
Placement In The HomeThe Radstar monitor is placed in the lowest livable location of the home such as a basement and collects a reading every hour for a minimum of 48 hours.
|
Radstar UploadAfter the monitor has been sitting in the home for 48 hours, the readings are sent electronically to Radstar for analyisis.
|
Detailed ReportWe then provide a detailed report within 24 hours of receiving the data. The report explains in depth the measurements and readings the continuous monitor took while in the home.
|
Follow UpAs always with our company, we are here to assist our clients with any questions they may have.
|
Understanding Radon Levels
Radon Measurements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a recommended action level of 4 pCi/L for radon in residential buildings. This means that if the radon levels in a home or building exceed 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends taking measures to reduce the radon concentration to minimize health risks.
It's important to note that even lower levels of radon can still pose some risk, as there is no safe threshold for radon exposure. The higher the radon levels and the longer the exposure, the greater the potential risk of developing lung cancer, particularly for smokers or individuals with a history of lung cancer in their families.
It's important to note that even lower levels of radon can still pose some risk, as there is no safe threshold for radon exposure. The higher the radon levels and the longer the exposure, the greater the potential risk of developing lung cancer, particularly for smokers or individuals with a history of lung cancer in their families.
Radon Maps
Radon level maps are typically created using data collected from radon testing conducted in various homes or buildings within a specific region. The data is compiled and analyzed to determine the average radon levels for different areas. The results are then presented on a map, often color-coded to indicate varying radon concentration levels.
On a radon level map, areas with higher radon levels are usually represented by darker or warmer colors, while areas with lower radon levels are depicted by lighter or cooler colors. This visual representation helps individuals identify areas where radon concentrations may be higher and areas where radon levels are generally lower.
On a radon level map, areas with higher radon levels are usually represented by darker or warmer colors, while areas with lower radon levels are depicted by lighter or cooler colors. This visual representation helps individuals identify areas where radon concentrations may be higher and areas where radon levels are generally lower.
Southeast Michigan Level Map
|
Northwest Ohio Level Map
|
Northern Michigan Level Map
|
For more information regarding how to test/mitigate the gas please visit https://www.epa.gov/radon
Common Myths About Radon
Myth: Radon is not a significant health risk.
- Fact: Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, and long-term exposure to high levels of radon can pose serious health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classify radon as a known carcinogen.
- Myth: Radon is only a problem in certain geographic areas.
Myth: Radon is only a problem in certain geographic areas.
Fact: Radon can be found in any location, regardless of geographic region. While radon levels can vary, every home has the potential for elevated radon levels. It is important to test for radon regardless of your location.
Myth: Newer homes are not at risk of radon.
Fact: The age or construction type of a home does not determine radon levels. Both new and old homes can have elevated radon levels. Factors such as soil composition and ventilation can affect radon levels.
Myth: Radon testing is expensive and complicated.
Fact: Radon testing can be simple and affordable. DIY radon test kits are available, and professional radon testing services are also accessible. Testing methods include short-term tests that take a few days and long-term tests that cover months.
Myth: Opening windows or ventilating the house is sufficient to reduce radon.
Fact: While ventilation can help in certain cases, it is not a reliable method for reducing radon levels. Radon mitigation techniques, such as sealing cracks, installing mitigation systems, or improving ventilation in specific ways, are more effective in reducing radon concentrations.
Myth: Radon in water is not a concern.
Fact: Radon can be present in water sources such as wells and can contribute to indoor radon levels. Waterborne radon can be released into the air when water is used for activities like showering or washing dishes. Proper testing and, if necessary, mitigation of radon in water may be required.
Myth: Radon tests conducted by neighbors can determine radon levels in your home.
Fact: Radon levels can vary significantly between neighboring properties. It is important to conduct radon testing in your own home to accurately assess the radon concentration specific to your living environment.