General Information
Radon is a radiological gas that emanates from the soil. Radon is produced by the radiological decay of uranium. Having elevated radon gas in a building is fairly common and a health concern. The United States EPA and the World Health Organization indicate that exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking and causes more lung cancer than second-hand smoke exposure.
The concentrations of radon indoors changes based on the season, weather patterns, and occupant activities. Thus, the test result collected on one day may be different on another day and may be appreciably different during a different time of the year.
Typically, companies who test for radon or install systems to remove radon follow guidelines by the US EPA. The EPA recommends long-term testing (six months to one year) to provide a understanding of the average exposure that accounts for different seasons. The EPA also discusses a minimum of a two day short-term test to get a more immediate understanding of the potential radon exposure. If the short-term test is appreciably elevated in any season, reduction is almost always suggested without the need for long-term testing.
The US EPA states that no level of radon gas is safe. Actions to reduce radon concentrations are strongly recommended when the radon concentration is at or over a concentration of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air.
Our Services
Short-Term Testing
Our company can complete both short-term and long-term testing. Short-term testing is typically completed for as little as two days and as long as seven days. We typically collect samples from the lowest potentially occupied space (such as a basement) and from a location on the next floor level.
Long-Term Testing
Radon concentrations in buildings are generally more elevated in winter months than in summer months for several reasons. If short-term testing in summer months reveals levels near 4.0 picocuries per liter of air, then long-term testing is recommended. Radon test chambers can then be used over 6 months to conduct a long term test. If these 6 months do not include at least two months of winter, then testing may continue up to one year.
School and Commercial Testing
The radon testing system employed by Environmental Initiatives allows us to economically and simultaneously test dozens of locations in a building. We provide radon screenings of schools, universities, and buildings of all types. A report of our findings is then presented along with recommendations for additional testing or radon reduction, if warranted.