Radon Levels

What are radon levels?

Knowing the level of radon in your home is crucial if you want to keep your family safe.

When you hear the term radon levels, this refers to the amount of radon present in a given area (generally your home). These levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). There is no safe level of radiation/radon exposure. It's recommended to have the lowest levels possible to reduce the risks of lung cancer.

• A picocurie per liter measures how many picocuries of radon can be found in one liter of air.
• A curie is a measurement of radioactivity.
• Each picocurie is a trillionth of one curie.

As small as that amount might sound, when dealing with radiation even a few picocuries can translate into serious health risks.

Testing: The only way to know if you have a problem.

How are Radon Levels Measured?

Radon gas is invisible, odorless and chemically inert, so it can't be detected without using special detection devices. Fortunately, radon detectors are commonly available throughout the U.S., Canada and most developed nations. The most common "passive" radon detectors can be purchased at hardware stores, home centers, and online. These devices are called Radon Test Kits. These are typically placed in the house for 2 to 5 days for adequate exposure. The test kits are then sent to a lab where the radon level can be determined.

For more accurate and immediate test results a National Radon Defense Radon Measurement Professional can provide you radon testing services with calibrated instruments. Our trained professionals will set a Continuous Radon Monitor in an appropriate testing location for 2 to 5 days. The monitor takes measurements throughout the testing period which are displayed on the provided Radon Measurment Report.

If you need your house tested to determine the current radon level, a National Radon Defense radon professional can help. Likewise, if you have already tested your radon levels and are seeking advice or installation on a radon Mitigation system, an NRD contractor can help with this as well. Call or contact us online.

Why do I have Elevated Radon Levels in My Home?

Most radon gas comes through the soil, meaning a house with a dirt crawl space has maximum radon exposure potential. However, even houses with a seemingly tight concrete foundation can have high radon levels.

As a radioactive gas, radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation floor and walls, through basement floor drains, and through sump openings. Radon can also enter a home through holes made in the foundation walls for pipes and other utility lines. Radon gas that enters a home through the basement or crawl space has no difficulty moving to the upstairs and into living areas.

Radon gas is present indoors and outdoors. It's all around us all the time. Radon levels are typically higher indoors however, because our homes and buildings pull the gas in from the soil and trap it inside.

The great news is that radon levels can be greatly reduced by hiring a National Radon Defense professional to install an affordable radon mitigation system. Permanent systems are installed in less than one day and the results are guaranteed.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.