Radon exposure can lead to lung cancer, so your house should be tested for this deadly gas. However, the question is when to carry out the testing. According to Health Canada, "If the radon level is below 200 Bq/m³, it is advisable to test again in 2 years."
But this information is not enough. Continue reading to learn about radon and the best way to get it tested in your home. This blog provides information about the risks of radon exposure and how to prevent them in your house.
Let's start!
What is Radon?
Radon is harmful to the health of people who inhale it for an extended time. It is a tasteless, odourless, colourless gas that is a type 1 carcinogen. Testing is the only method that can reveal whether homes have high radon levels, and if they do, actions can be taken to reduce radon and enhance indoor air quality.
Durations of Radon Tests
There are two primary types of radon tests: short-term and long-term tests. Each test is appropriate in specific contexts and provides various benefits. Below, you will find detailed information about each of them, which might help you make the right choice.
Short-Term Tests:
Usually, short-term tests are used for screening and may take at least 96 hours or more. They use a annually calibrated CRM and are conducted by a CNRPP professional. CRM’s capture radon and its decay products and analyze in real time. On the other hand, alpha-track detectors employ a unique material to record the activity of radon particles within a given gap. This type of test is helpful if you need a primary evaluation or if the result is required urgently, such as in a real estate transaction.
Long-Term Tests:
Combined tests, like the alpha-track or digital monitoring device, measure radon over relatively long periods, such as several months. Because they are done periodically throughout the year, these tests are said to give a true picture of the average radon concentration in your home. They take into account the variations that Radon gas goes through in our homes due to temperature, weather and various home function conditions.
How Radon Testing Works
The process involves measuring the radon in the surrounding air within a set time. Here's an analysis of how radon testing works:
Conducting the Test
Radon can enter a home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, so the test should be set up on the lowest livable premises of the house, that is, in the basement or on the ground floor. It should also be set somewhere not exposed to dust, has high humidity, or receives a lot of traffic.
For short-term tests, stick precisely to the expert's instructions. Often, the test is kept in place for 4 to 7 days. Long-term tests, therefore, should remain in place for at least 90 days to ensure they indicate the average radon level.
After the Test
After the testing period, you can send your long term alpha track device to a laboratory for analysis. The results will show whether the radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³. If levels are elevated, you may need to implement some measures to lower the radon levels at your home.
Ideally, testing should be done every two years or earlier if you have moved to a new home or the levels in your area fluctuate.
What To Do if the Radon Level is High?
Protecting your and your family's health is crucial if the radon test results point toward high levels. Radon can also pose a significant threat, especially if its levels are high because it is a radioactive gas. Continuous exposure has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer. Below is a detailed procedure for what needs to be done.
Understand Your Needs
When you've discovered high radon levels, the next step is determining your options for fixing the issue. Radon mitigation involves several systems that can help reduce radon levels. The most straightforward and effective technique is the sub-slab depressurization method, which uses a pipe system installed beneath the slab or floor of the house to draw the radon gas from below and safely exhaust radon outdoors. Other methods include retrofitting existing sump pumps or using HRVs to ventilate radon from the home's air. Other methods can be helpful in reducing Radon levels in the home, but radon mitigation is the most effective.
Hire a Professional
Due to increasing awareness about radon and its mitigation specifics, hiring a C-NRPP professional for the task is advisable. Experts' services are crucial as they guarantee a proper setup of the radon mitigation system. This, in turn, optimizes the system's performance and helps to meet the existing building code requirements for construction.
Great West Radon offers professional, high-quality radon mitigation services. We promise that our installation work will be efficient and exemplary, ensuring you have a well-protected home.
Maintain and Monitor the System
Radon mitigation systems rarely require home inspection after installation. Monitoring your system for odd sounds or continuing to measure post mitigation guarantees that the system is running efficiently and controls the amount of radon gas. A properly functioning radon mitigation system prevents radon entry and infiltration. It's also important to periodically test for radon levels to ensure the system works as required to keep the levels below. Health Canada recommends every 5 years after the installation of a Radon mitigation system. If your system does end up making a strange sound it could be indicative of a rarity of the fan failing. But not to worry we have a warranty that protects you and we can replace your fan free of charge.
Take Preventive Measures
You should try some measures to eliminate radon in your home even more if you are not ready to take the whole step of Radon mitigation services (these steps will be done during the service if you decide to wait for the whole process to take place). Crack sealing, ventilation, and filling voids under the furnace area are some ways of reducing the radon levels. However, these measures should not be used as a complete replacement for a professional radon mitigation system, nor will they be as effective.
How to Choose the Right Radon Testing Kit?
Picking an accurate radon test kit is critical to determining the right radon level in your home and achieving the right living environment. Here is a guide to help you choose the most appropriate kit.
Look for Certification
When selecting a radon testing kit, ensure it’s approved by different standard bodies, including Health Canada or the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). Certification states that the device has undergone strict testing procedures for accuracy and reliability. The certified Radon Test kits will be more accurate in determining the right radon level, which will help make the right mitigation decision.
Consider the Usability.
Choose a radon testing kit that is user-friendly and comes with detailed instructions. Many kits are designed for easy use and require minimal setup and maintenance. A new home testing kit should be packaged with clear, straightforward instructions, making it easy for first-time users to understand and use.
Consider the Cost
While cost is a factor, it's essential to consider the quality and accuracy of the radon testing kit. Cheaper options may save money initially but could provide inaccurate results or have additional costs added later, leading to higher testing costs in total. Investing in a radon testing device from a reputable company and reading reviews on the specific product is a worthwhile expense for safeguarding your home's health.
Let's Wind Up
Testing for radon is vital to avoid your house becoming a health risk. This is because even if you get a reading below 200 Bq/m³, it is advisable to test again after 2 years or if you have made significant changes like remodelling your house. Periodic testing should be done at least once every two years to ensure that pieces of equipment are well maintained. This means you should be watchful so that the radon levels do not pollute your home and compromise your family's health. If you have any issues or questions about testing or mitigation, never be shy to consult with the professionals. Safety is one factor that cannot be overlooked in your home.
FAQs
Should I test my home for radon if it’s newly constructed?
Yes, all homes, including newly constructed ones, should be tested for radon levels. Although new constructions can incorporate radon-resistant designs, these systems may not always be foolproof, and tend to have higher levels due to the efficiency they are being built with.
Is it advisable to take frequent tests of your home if you have previously recorded high radon levels?
Yes, if prior exams indicated a high radon concentration in the area. If your levels are high it is more prudent to act on reducing the levels rather than continuing to monitor.
Can the radon levels in my home change with the seasons?
Yes, this is true because radon gas concentration build up in the home is known to be seasonal. It has also been proved that radon levels may rise slightly in the wintertime when the houses are closed up, and the furnace is used. Long-term tests are better indicators to overcome such fluctuations.
Where Can I Purchase Radon Testing Kit?
When searching for a place to buy a radon testing kit, one should consider buying from a reputable supplier who sells good-quality products at reasonable prices. Great Wes tRadon is among the best if you’re looking for dependable radon testing services.
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