What is a normal radon test result?

According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0. For perspective, the average outdoor air level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.

What should you not do during a radon test?

You can operate radon mitigation fans. Do not operate fans or other machines that bring in air from outside. Do not operate wall/window AC units which are set to exchange air. Do not operate whole house fans.

When should you test for radon?

If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

What are the symptoms of radon in your home?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.

What time of year is radon highest?

winter
To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be higher during the winter. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels.

Is it OK to live in a house with radon?

The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.

How do you make sure you pass a radon test?

Some of these methods for how to pass a radon test include:

1. Open windows. By opening the windows, you increase fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of radon in the home.
2. Install basement vents.
3. Use fans.
4. Create exits.
5. Mitigation.

Does opening windows help with radon?

Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.

How do you eliminate radon?

There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.

What are the first signs of radon poisoning?

A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.

• Persistent cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain.
• Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Loss of appetite.

Does radon make you tired?

Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.

Does radon get worse at night?

During the day, the sun beats down and heats up the house from the outside in, but at night, there is a rapid cooldown. This results in slightly higher radon levels during the day, rather than at night.

Does your home or building need radon testing?

The EPA recommends that average annual indoor radon levels do not exceed 4.0 pCi/L. If your home is built with a passive radon system, you should test it immediately after moving in to make sure that radon levels are below the EPA guideline.

How do I get a radon test kit?

You can buy test kits at home improvement stores, hardware stores, or online. To order a test kit over the phone, call the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). If your home has a radon level of 4 or higher, it’s time to take action.

How is radon testing performed?

The most common way to test for radon is with an activated charcoal test kit. The charcoal collects radon atoms from the air that can be counted in a laboratory later. This is an inexpensive test and one that is easy to do yourself. About 95 percent of all radon testing is done this way.

What are the signs your home has a Radon problem?

Radon gas is present in the air in varying amounts. High levels of radon gas in homes and buildings are harmful to the body, frequently leading to cancer of the lungs in individuals often exposed to it. Most of radon symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chest pains, presence of blood with coughing,…