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What Are Safe Levels of Radon in the Home?

Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers (www.epa.gov). It is important to test your home for radon, and if the levels are elevated, eliminate it quickly.

  1. Function

    • Testing for radon levels in the ambient environment of a home is important; it is a radioactive carcinogen that can be avoided if homes are tested. The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that homes be tested for elevated concentrations through a long-term (span of months) or short-term (span of days) test, every few years. If the level of radon within a home is higher than 4 pCi/L, there is cause for concern, as repeated exposure to radon leads to increased risk of lung cancer and other non-malignant respiratory diseases (http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5499&page=117).

    Safe Levels

    • There are several radon thresholds that testers consider when advising residents on further action. Readings under 4 pCi/L mean there is no cause for concern. (Generally, a home measuring under 4 pCi/L will be tested twice to ensure the reading is correct.) Between 4 and 20 pCi/L is an elevated concentration, and though there is no need for immediate panic, the appropriate action, such as installing a radon-elimination system, is often recommended. If the level exceeds 20 pCi/L, a radon-elimination system is necessary.

    Testing

    • Test kits are available for individuals who would like to monitor their homes themselves, and professional agencies are available for hire as well. Both short-term and long-term tests are available both from a professional and for do-it-yourself testing, since radon levels vary over days and seasons. Long-term tests are recommended to get the average exposure over a span on months, although short-term tests suffice in situations when immediate readings are needed (http://www.southface.org/web/resources&services/radon/sf_radon-menu.htm).

      Some states offer low-cost or free testing kits, and many will provide a list of contractors who are available for radon inspections. Make sure these contractors are certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Contact state radon program offices, organized generally through the state department of health, for further information on how to obtain free or low-cost testing kits and/or how to contact reputable contractors.

    Fixing Radon Levels

    • If radon levels within your home are above 4 pCi/L, then contacting the National Environmental Health Association, the National Radon Safety Board and/or your state radon program is recommended. Whoever you contact will be able to recommend reputable contractors who can install radon elimination systems. There are two types, one that eliminates radon after it enters the home, and one that completely prevents radon from entering the home. There are several relatively inexpensive ways to eliminate radon, but the US EPA recommends that NEHA-certified technicians install radon elimination and prevention systems due to these professional's focused and specialized training (http://www.southface.org/web/resources&services/radon/sf_radon-menu.htm). The NEHA website (see Resources) contains a list of certified specialists able to install these systems.

    Safety Points

    • Radon has been discovered in homes all over the U.S.; no single area is safe from elevated concentrations of this radioactive gas. The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes has a radon level over 4 pCi/L, so it is important to be vigilant and get your home tested.

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