Radon Measurement
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is treatable. Air and water testing is necessary for prescribing a plan for radon mitigation. Only certain systems are rated to bring down higher radon levels. The EPA recommends mitigation if your air radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or above and the water is 5,000 pCi/L or 10,000 pCi/L depending on your state.
When you should do air testing:
- Once every 2 years
- If you spend a lot of time in the basement or lowest level of home
- If you’ve recently done major work on the home
- If blasting is being done in your area
- If you’re a smoker
- If you’re selling your home
Water testing should be performed if you have well water. For every 10,000 pCi/L of radon in the water, it translates to 1.0 pCi/L. If you have city water the government has their own standards and treatments for reducing radon in the water. City water generally does not have high levels of radon.
Measurement Process
We offer active and passive testing:
- Active testing means using a continuous radon monitor that records hourly data to give you an average over short or long term testing.
- Passive testing means a small vial or canister is used for short or long term testing and is sent off to a lab. The lab uses different methods to measure the radon levels depending on the type of passive test used. NE Radon Doctors prefers to use liquid scintillation vials because we feel these are the most reliable.
You should get a similar radon level regardless of the method used.
Short vs. long term testing:
- Both short and long term testing can be done with either an active or certain passive tests.
- Short term testing is usually performed between 2-4 days.
- Long term testing is done for a minimum of 90 days.
Water radon testing is performed either from a hose, or sink in your home. Typically, an inspector will remove any filters from the faucet and run the water for several minutes. Samples are taken in vials and brought to a certified laboratory.
We also offer other water testing such as potability, bacteria, lead, and VOC’s.