What is Radon Testing?

Radon testing is an essential step for a safe and healthy living environment. Radon is a Group 1 carcinogen that can result in more deaths than pancreatic, colorectal, prostate and breast cancer combined, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Twenty-one thousand people per annum die because of radon, estimates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Surgeon General of the United States has imposed a national health advisory on radon since 2005. A radon test is the only way to know whether a building has high radon levels. Most tests can be performed without professional help. There are several different types of radon tests that you might want to consider based on your circumstances and the type of building you own.

Radon testing involves measuring the levels of radon gas in indoor spaces to assess potential health risks. It is a straightforward process that can be conducted by professionals or through do-it-yourself test kits including short term, long term or continuous testing. At Radonova we also offer passive device testing, including: 

• Charcoal liquid scintillation devices and charcoal canister devices, like the QuickScreen, use charcoal to attract radon or its byproducts. The charcoal then begins to emit radioactive particles that can be counted by a sodium iodide counter after the device is taken into the lab. Alternatively, the radioactivity can be turned into light and counted inside of a scintillation detector.

• Alpha track detectors, like the Rapidos and Radtrak, determine the amount of radon through a plastic film that is affected by the alpha particles from radon that hit it. In the lab, these tracks can be made visible and easily counted.

• Electret ion detectors use a statically charged Teflon disc that loses its charge when it comes into contact with an ion that is generated from radon decay. The radon level is calculated from the charge reduction.

In order to conduct a proper radon test, you must first consider how large your structure is and what type of building it is. Residences have different characteristics from schools and commercial buildings. Multifamily buildings have their own type of infrastructure as well. AARST-NRPP protocols are different for each type of building, and they should be followed.

There are two main methods for radon testing: short-term testing and long-term testing. Short-term testing kits are quick and easy to use. They involve placing radon detectors in your home from 2 days to 12 weeks providing timely and accurate radon levels and can give you the indication if longer testing may be needed. These detectors use Alpha track reliability and sensitivity and are perfect for initial testing, mitigation installation initial follow up, or borderline result confirmation. Long-term testing kits, on the other hand, involves placing detectors for more extended periods, starting at a minimum of 90 days to one year, providing a more accurate representation of the average radon levels in your home. Both methods are effective in determining radon levels, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and circumstances. At the end of the monitoring period, the test is returned to a laboratory who analyzes the collected dose and reports to you an average radon concentration.

The lab analyzing the radon devices must be calibrated and clean, and the employees working the lab must be competent. This can be quantified through national and state accreditations like the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program. Additionally, higher accreditations, like ISO 17025, ISO 9001, or ISO 14001 can be achieved through SWEDAC (Swedish European Cooperation for Accreditation) and DNV (Det Norske Veritas). Accreditation ensures that the laboratory that is assessing radon levels has been assessed against an international standard and confirmed independently through a reputable state body. Accreditation is an ongoing process, and means that a company meets the ISO 17025 international quality standard. The process also provides a known framework that reduces the instance of careless errors.

Radon exists naturally in the ground and can come into your home via the following ways:

1) Rocks. Radon can be released from rocks as the Uranium contained in them breaks down below the foundation of your home.

2) Natural stone. Any natural stone used in the home will have trace amounts of Uranium that can break down and decay into radon. The most common culprit is granite.

3) Cracks and gaps. Cracks in a home’s foundation, sump wells and drains, and gaps where walls meet floors are all responsible for radon entry.

4) Well water. If your water is sourced from an aquifer, it has a higher chance of containing radon than other sources of water. Well water has a closer proximity to the soil and rocks that naturally have radon in them.

Radon testing should be done on a regular interval. According to the EPA after performing a test and receiving a low level of radon, testing every 2 years is recommended. If you have tested high and installed a mitigation system, testing every year to ensure your system is properly functioning and reducing your radon level is recommended. If you have made changes to a building, especially changes in the foundation of a building, then testing should take place at a higher frequency.

There are no acceptable levels of radon – all radon is dangerous. At the same time, there is no way to remove 100% of the radon from the air in an indoor space. However, a qualified radon reduction specialist can remove a large majority of it safely.