Radon Levels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that measurements of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher are considered dangerous levels. This radon level is largely unsafe and is 10 times higher than the average outdoor air levels. Radon exposure raises a person's likelihood of developing cancer, but levels above 4 pCi/L are particularly likely to lead to lung cancer. The WHO, World Health Organization, actually recommends that anyone with a measurement of 2 pCi/L should take action to lower the radon levels in the home, even if they're not an immediate threat to health. Because of this high risk, it is best to attempt to reach the lowest levels possible. Lowest levels are achieved through mitigation systems, either active or passive, that work to move fresh air in and remove radon by pushing it out.

There is technically no safe radon level for constant exposure. Radon is potentially dangerous in even the smallest amounts. It is best to aim for as close to zero radon gas in the home as possible. For this reason, the EPA has created recommendations based on this level of exposure over the years. The EPA officially states that homes with measurements of 4 pCi/L or above should be immediately mitigated to remedy the issue. However, this doesn't mean that a home that has 3 pCi/L of radon is automatically safe to live in. The WHO specifically states that "there is no known threshold below which radon exposure carries no risk." All radon exposure increases your risk for cancer, so truly the only safe radon level is zero. Regular testing to accurately capture how the radon levels change in your home on a seasonal basis is the best way to understand your own risk.

Much like carbon monoxide, radon gas poses a hazard without any signs like odor or color. Only regular testing will keep you informed on your home’s air quality and the risks facing your family. Radon gas is surprisingly common and daily exposure to high levels can result in a higher risk for lung cancer according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that naturally results from the radioactive decay of uranium in rocks, soil and sometimes water. As the gas rises, it can easily become trapped inside a structure like a home or an office building. Routine testing is the only way to know if you are at risk for radon exposure at home. The EPA reports that radon exposure is the second most common cause of lung cancer,¹ following only smoking as a greater risk. If you smoke cigarettes and live in a home with high radon levels, you face a combined threat that may further increase your risk of cancer.

Radon is particularly dangerous because it comes from a natural source and can vary in levels over the course of a year as the seasons and weather conditions change. Your home might test at a 1 pCi/liter measurement one month and then return a much higher reading during a different part of the year. Performing both short term and long term radon tests is the best way to get the full picture of your exposure levels. Living in a home with just 4 pCi/liter of radon increases your risk of cancer by the average risk of dying in a car crash, according to the EPA. Affordable mitigation equipment and regular testing are all you need to stay safe in a home known to contain radon.

The EPA estimates that 1 in every 15 homes in the US contains elevated radon levels. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be required to complete a radon test during a real estate transaction.

There is no question about it, everyone wants the safest possible air in their own home and workplace. One accurate method to be sure your levels are low and staying low over a long period of time is to follow up with a long term test to check radon levels for fluctuations.

You likely don’t need a professional or a mitigation team just to test your home for radon. This is a simple process any homeowner can handle on their own. Radon levels are easily measured with at-home tests you set up in certain areas and send away for lab analysis. The tests fall into two main categories of short-term and long-term products.

Short-term screenings or short-term tests are usually all that’s required for real estate transactions and construction permit requirements. The test will need to measure the gases for at least 48 hours to generate accurate test results for these purposes. For ongoing occupancy of the home, try a sequential combination of both short-term and long-term tests. Set up short term screenings or tests a few weeks apart while running a long-term test in the background for a few months. This way, you’ll get a complete survey of the home’s radon levels over the various seasons.

Make sure you choose an accurate home radon test. Look for NRPP approval and the use of materials like charcoal and alpha track measurement devices. Choose tests with clear instructions on where to place the kit and how to prevent false readings from drafts or open windows. The test kits should include everything you need to complete the test and generate accurate results. Radonova radon tests meet all of these requirements and more.