The radon gas moves from the soil into your home through breaks and pores in concrete and gaps in walls and floors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, any house can have an elevated radon level regardless of age, structure, and location. The level of radon is related to the soil from where the house foundation is built. Regions across the United States have varying radon levels because of the soil composition difference. In any case, it is important to perform regular radon testing to avoid the negative health effect of radon on you and your family.
Radon testing can be grouped into three groups based on their testing duration. These radon tests are not better than the others but serve their purposes.
Short-term Tests
This type of radon testing runs for two to seven days. It is used to quickly screen a house for radon to warrant any extended radon testing. This is the initial radon testing conducted by radon inspectors using activated charcoal-based or electret ion methodology. Equipment used for short-term radon testing can be purchased at home centers, hardware stores, and online retailers.
Long-term radon tests
This type of radon testing runs for 90 days to a year. This radon test is used to estimate the annual average radon level at home. When a radon inspector conducts a long-term radon test, both warm and cold seasons are covered. Radon level varies for each season with higher level during the cold seasons when airflow at home is limited due to closed ventilations including windows. Other factors affecting radon level includes air pressure, gusty winds, variable soil moisture, and snow cover. This type of radon testing is conducted by professional radon inspectors.
Continuous radon tests
This type of radon testing runs for years. This radon test is used when the homeowner would like to have visibility of his running average radon level. Devices used for this radon test includes electric monitors like the Safety Siren Pro Series digital meter.
Regular radon testing and radon mitigation by professional radon inspectors are needed especially in areas with a high concentration of uranium, thorium, and radium. At Atlantic Radon, we provide quality radon testing and radon mitigation services. Keep your family safe from Radon. You can schedule a radon testing in Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, Crofton, and Gaithersburg with us. It is important to make sure your home is safe from radon. To learn more about radon testing in Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, Crofton, and Gaithersburg, fill out our contact form.
