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Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). A picoCurie is equal to 10 -12
curies, or one trillionth of a Curie. This measurement determines the potential threat
of long-term exposure to radon.
EPA Recommendations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following guidelines for
determining what type of action you should take after receiving your test results:
Analysis Reading Recommendation
Less than 4 pCi/L If this is an initial short-term test: A follow-up
test is not necessary now. Consider testing
again in the future. If a lower level (basement)
becomes more frequently used, test there also.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you consider reducing the radon
level if the average of your first and second
tests is 4 pCi/L or higher.
Even radon levels below 4 pCi/L pose some
health risk, and you can reduce your risk of
lung cancer by lowering your radon level. Most
homes can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or less.
Equal to or greater than 4
pCi/L but less than 10 pCi/L
If this is an initial short-term test: The EPA
recommends you conduct a follow-up test
using either a long-term test (90 days to one
year duration), or a short-term test. A longterm
test will provide a better understanding of your
year-round average radon level; however, if
you need results quickly, conduct a second
short-term test. A long-term test may only be
purchased through Alpha Energy Labs directly
at (800) 324-5928.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you fix your home if the average
of your first and second tests is 4 pCi/L or
higher.
Equal to or greater than 10 pCi/L If this is an initial short-term test: The EPA
recommends you follow up with an immediate
short-term test.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you fix your home if the average
of your first and second tests is 4 pCi/L or
higher.
General Information About Radon
What Is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that is found in the
earth’s soil and rocks that contain uranium. Although almost all of the soil in the
United States contains uranium, it is usually only found in small amounts. When soil
with high concentrations of uranium is located, there is also a noticeable increase in
radon levels.
From the natural breakdown of uranium comes radium. A radioactive gas (called
“radon”) is emitted from radium, which is passed up through the soil. This gas, in its
original form, is inert
—it can be breathed in and out again with no harmful effects.
However, within thirty minutes of the formation of this gas, its natural decay process
begi
ns forming radioactive particles, commonly called “the daughters of radon.” The
“daughters” are tiny particles that attach themselves to dust and smoke in the air.
Once these “daughters” are breathed into the lungs, they lodge themselves in the
walls of the lungs and, because of their natural radioactivity, begin to emit bursts of
radiation that can destroy cells in the lungs.
If Radon Comes From Soil, Isn’t The Outside Air
Contaminated With Radon?
When radon escapes into the outside air, it is quickly diluted by many other particles
in the air. In essence, the amount of radon that is being emitted from the soil is only a
very minute portion of the atmosphere. The outdoor radon level is generally between
0.2-1.0 pCi/L, with the average level being around 0.5 pCi/L.
When radon becomes “trapped” within a home, there is no means to dilute or distribute the
gas. The gas enters the home through cracks in the foundation, loosefitting pipes, drains,
and even cement floors, but has no means of escape. This can result in indoor radon
concentrations many times higher than outdoor levels.
Are There Any Other Ways For Radon To Enter My Home?
Potential Radon Entry Points
1 Cinder block basement walls 4 Floor drain
2 Cracks in cement floor 5 Edge between wall and cement floor
3 Sump pump 6 Sink
Radon can also enter a home through its water supply. If you drink water that is
contaminated with radon, the EPA believes there is no real health threat. However,
radon gas can escape from the water and either create or add to a potential radon
problem. Radon escapes from water when the temperature of the water is hot and its
surface area is large (i.e. dishwashers, washing machines, showers, etc.). In some
cases, e
specially when water is obtained from a private well, this “radon entry point”
can be a major contributor to radon in the home.
What Risks Do I Face If Radon Is In My Home?
The risk of long-term exposure to radon is lung cancer. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), an agency of the U.S. government, has estimated that there are
between 5,000 and 30,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year, and that
radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Since there are no “symptoms” of lung cancer in the early stages, and there may be a
“lag time” of between 10 and 40 years between initial exposure to radon and onset of
the disease, there are no clues as to whether or not the “daughters” are destroying
cells in your lungs at this very moment. Because radon is invisible, odorless and
tasteless, the only way to evaluate whether or not you face the risk of radon exposure
is to test your home for radon.
When Is The Best Time To Test My Home For Radon?
Since radon levels can vary according to the weather and the season, it is important
that you test your home for radon when all windows and doors can be kept closed,
except for normal entry and exit, prior to and for the duration of the test. For northern
climates, the winter months are the optimum time to test. For southern climates, the
test should be performed at a time when windows and doors will not be opened for
ventilation. Also, it is acceptable to continue operation of central air conditioning
systems that recycle interior air during the test period.
It is also important that you conduct the test when the weather is calm. Testing during
high winds (30+ mph) or during thunderstorms can seriously alter radon levels. If you
begin testing when weather is calm and severe weather conditions arise during the
test, BRK Brands, Inc. the maker of First Alert
® brand products recommends
completing the test, but conducting another test as soon as possible during calm
weather conditions. If the test results indicate different radon levels, the level of the
test conducted during severe weather should be discarded.
The Risk Of Living With Radon...
Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of
radon health risks. However, more is known about radon risks than risks from most
other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based
on studies of cancer in humans (underground coal miners). Additional studies are
being conducted on more typical populations.
Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stop smoking and
lower your radon levels to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
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