Are radon measurements accurate and reliable?
While any measurement system has an associated variability in precision and accuracy, we expect that radon test devices that are used properly will provide accurate and reliable results. The study presented here only represents a part of the picture of accuracy and reliability.
Should you get a radon test when buying a home?
Whenever you are purchasing a new home, you really should get a radon test before closing the sale. If testing reveals an unacceptable level of the gas found within your home, it is a good idea to initiate radon remediation methods. Radon remediation means you can rest assured the gas won't accumulate within your home.
Is radon testing worth it?
“It’s worth testing for radon because it’s easy to test for and easy to mitigate… and cancer is such a devastating disease that’s best avoided,” said Dr. Douglas Kemme, an oncologist with UCHealth in northern Colorado. Testing is recommended during a time of the year when all of the windows and doors are closed – like this month, January.
Does your home or building need radon testing?
The only way to know if your new home has a radon problem is to test. 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.
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Can a radon test be wrong?
The short answer is yes, as errors can happen with any type of test, but the likelihood of a wrong radon level reading changes greatly based on a variety of factors.
How accurate are radon home tests?
About 40% of the short-term tests incorrectly indicate that the radon level is below the Action Limit (“false negatives”). Although the home should be mitigated, the homeowner may feel confident that there is no radon problem. Even the 90-day radon tests show false negatives in two out of eight tests (or 25%).
What is the most accurate test for radon?
The Radon Eye RD200 tops our list for its fast, accurate readings. After setting up this radon detector, you'll get your initial reading within the first 10 minutes with a more accurate reading appearing within the next 60.
What should you not do during a radon test?
high winds can affect indoor radon levels resulting in an unreliable test result. ✓ Do NOT test in a kitchen, bathroom or hallway. ✓ Do NOT place the test device in direct sunlight, near drafts from furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, vents, or appliances.
Where in your house is radon most likely?
basementRadon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. When someone breathes in radon gas, it goes into their lungs, exposing them to small amounts of radiation. This may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person's risk of lung cancer.
Do air purifiers eliminate radon?
Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.
What states have the most radon?
Alaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L....Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:Alaska - 10.7.South Dakota - 9.6.Pennsylvania - 8.6.Ohio - 7.8.Washington - 7.5.Kentucky - 7.4.Montana - 7.4.Idaho - 7.3.More items...
What can give false radon readings?
Many factors can give either a false negative or a false positive when conducting a radon test. High winds, barometric pressures, temperature, rain, and your home's construction all play a role in radon readings.
Can you reduce radon by opening windows?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
Can you recover from radon exposure?
Unfortunately there is no cure for radon poisoning. Radon enters the body as in the form of tiny particles. These particles enter the lungs where they release alpha radiation that can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer. The damage caused by the radiation cannot be reversed.
How long do you have to be exposed to radon before it becomes a problem?
There are no immediate signs or symptoms from breathing in background radon. Repeated exposure over time — around 20 years — can lead to cancer development, especially if you are also a smoker.
Will a dehumidifier reduce radon?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.
What can give false radon readings?
Many factors can give either a false negative or a false positive when conducting a radon test. High winds, barometric pressures, temperature, rain, and your home's construction all play a role in radon readings.
Are the cheap radon detectors accurate?
Charcoal Radon Test Kits These tests are the cheapest and quickest options for measuring radon levels in your home, but they are also the least accurate because they are susceptible to spikes in radon levels and interference during shipping for lab tests.
At what level should you worry about radon?
EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
Do radon levels fluctuate daily?
Like most gasses, radon levels fluctuate daily. The amount of radon emitted from the ground and the amount that actually enters our home can change for many reasons. It can be affected by natural sources such as cold weather, wind, pressure and shifting soil—even earthquakes and local construction.