Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is produced by naturally decaying uranium and radium.
Exposure to radon gas can increase your risk at developing lung cancer.
Radon gas decay products can be breathed into the
lungs where they break down and emit alpha particles. Alpha
particles release a small burst of energy, which is absorbed by
lung tissue. This can result in lung cell damage.
The risk of developing lung cancer from radon depends on the
concentration of radon in the air you breathe and the length of time you
are exposed. When radon enters an enclosed
space, such as a home, it may accumulate to high levels. EPA's
recommended action guideline level for radon is Four Picocuries per
liter of air (pCi/L). The average indoor level is estimated to be about
1.3 pCi/L; and 0.4 pCi/L of radon is found in the outside air.
This means that when the result is less than 4pCi/L- no action is required. Though it is
recommended to retest the house or building every two years; Or if renovations or
additions are made to building. A long term test can also be done in
order to better understand the average year-round radon concentration.
When the result is more than 4pCi/L further action is recommended. If the average reading is 4pCi/L or more the home or building needs to be mitigated.
As an Illinois Radon Measurement Licensed Technician I use RADALINK radon monitors to perform an accurate average radon measurement test. Our monitors record radon concentration, temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity once per hour for the duration of the test. Our monitors also have a sensor that detects if the monitor has been moved during a test.
Our radon monitors collect hourly radon concentration and environmental conditions every hour for the duration of a test. This provides a far more accurate reading than a simple cannister collection process. Our reports show how levels may have fluctuated throughout the testing period, and can measure the radon concentration with a far greater accuracy than a charcoal test.
