How to Lower Radon Levels Before Test? A Comprehensive Guide
Reducing radon levels before conducting an official test is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate results and a false sense of security. The primary purpose of radon testing is to determine the typical radon concentration in your home under normal living conditions, allowing you to make informed decisions about mitigation if necessary. Artificially lowering radon levels before a test will mask the true risk and potentially endanger your health.
Understanding Radon and Why Testing is Crucial
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without proper testing. Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, as well as through gaps around pipes and other service entries.
Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unlike other environmental pollutants, radon exposure primarily happens inside homes and buildings, making testing all the more critical.
The Integrity of Radon Testing
The goal of a radon test isn’t to find the lowest possible radon level but to accurately determine the long-term average concentration to which you and your family are exposed. Tinkering with ventilation or sealing cracks specifically before testing defeats this purpose. It’s akin to cheating on a medical test; you might get a desirable result, but you won’t have a true understanding of your health.
Moreover, manipulating the environment can lead to inconsistent test results. Even small changes in ventilation or sealing can drastically alter radon concentrations, making it difficult to interpret the data and determine the need for mitigation.
What To Do During a Radon Test
While you shouldn’t actively lower radon levels before testing, it’s important to follow the closed-house conditions recommended by the EPA during the test period, typically 48 hours for short-term tests. This means:
- Keeping windows and exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit.
- Avoiding the use of whole-house fans and exhaust fans that pull air from inside the house to the outside.
- Operating heating and cooling systems normally.
- Not tampering with the testing device or moving it to a different location.
These conditions ensure the test accurately reflects the radon levels under typical living conditions.
Mitigation: The Right Approach to Reducing Radon Levels
If your radon test reveals levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), radon mitigation is recommended. Mitigation involves installing a system to vent radon gas from beneath your home and exhaust it safely outside.
Common mitigation techniques include:
- Sub-slab depressurization: This involves installing a pipe into the soil beneath the foundation and using a fan to draw radon gas away from the house.
- Sub-membrane depressurization: Used in crawl spaces, this involves covering the ground with a plastic sheet and using a fan to draw radon gas away from the crawl space.
- Block wall depressurization: Used in homes with hollow block foundations, this involves sealing the top of the wall and using a fan to draw radon gas from the wall cavities.
- Sealing cracks and other entry points: While not always sufficient on its own, sealing cracks in foundations and around pipes can help reduce radon entry.
Professional Installation is Key
Radon mitigation systems are complex and require specialized knowledge and equipment. It’s crucial to hire a certified radon mitigation professional to ensure the system is properly installed and functioning effectively. A poorly installed system may not adequately reduce radon levels and could even create other problems, such as backdrafting of combustion appliances.
Always verify the credentials of any radon professional you hire. Look for certification from organizations like the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Also, ask for references and check their licensing status with your state or local authorities.
FAQs About Radon Testing and Mitigation
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand radon testing and mitigation better:
FAQ 1: What’s the difference between short-term and long-term radon tests?
Short-term tests typically last 2 to 7 days and provide a quick indication of radon levels. Long-term tests last 90 days or more and provide a more accurate representation of the average radon concentration over time. Long-term tests are generally preferred for making informed decisions about mitigation, especially when levels are close to the EPA action level.
FAQ 2: How often should I test my home for radon?
The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years, or any time you make significant changes to your home, such as renovations or additions. If your initial test results were below the EPA action level, it’s still a good idea to retest periodically to ensure radon levels haven’t increased.
FAQ 3: Can I test for radon myself?
Yes, you can purchase do-it-yourself radon test kits from hardware stores, home improvement centers, or online retailers. These kits typically include a collection device that you place in your home for a specified period of time and then mail back to a lab for analysis. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
FAQ 4: How much does radon mitigation cost?
The cost of radon mitigation varies depending on the size and layout of your home, as well as the complexity of the mitigation system. On average, radon mitigation systems cost between $800 and $2,500.
FAQ 5: Does radon only affect homes with basements?
No, radon can affect any type of home, regardless of whether it has a basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade foundation. Radon gas can enter homes through any cracks or openings in the foundation, regardless of the foundation type.
FAQ 6: Is radon in water a concern?
Yes, radon can also be present in well water. If you have a private well, it’s important to test your water for radon. Radon in water can be released into the air when you use water for showering, washing dishes, or laundry. If radon levels in your water are high, a water treatment system can be installed to remove the radon.
FAQ 7: Will sealing cracks in my foundation completely eliminate radon?
While sealing cracks can help reduce radon entry, it’s usually not sufficient on its own to bring radon levels below the EPA action level. In most cases, a radon mitigation system is required.
FAQ 8: Can radon levels change over time?
Yes, radon levels can fluctuate depending on factors such as weather conditions, soil moisture, and seasonal variations. This is why long-term testing is generally preferred for making informed decisions about mitigation.
FAQ 9: Are there any health risks associated with radon mitigation systems?
Radon mitigation systems are generally safe and do not pose any significant health risks. The exhaust fan typically vents radon gas above the roofline, away from living areas. However, it’s important to ensure the system is properly installed and maintained to prevent backdrafting of combustion appliances.
FAQ 10: Does my neighbor’s radon level affect mine?
Not necessarily. Radon levels can vary significantly from house to house, even in the same neighborhood. Soil conditions, foundation type, and ventilation patterns all contribute to radon levels in individual homes.
FAQ 11: How do I choose a qualified radon mitigation contractor?
Look for certification from organizations like the NRPP or NRSB. Get multiple quotes, check references, and verify their licensing status with your state or local authorities. Ask about their experience, the type of systems they install, and their warranty policy.
FAQ 12: Is radon mitigation a permanent solution?
While radon mitigation systems are designed to provide long-term protection, they require periodic maintenance and testing to ensure they are functioning effectively. The fan in the system typically needs to be replaced every 5-10 years. You should also retest your home every two years to ensure radon levels remain below the EPA action level.
The Takeaway: Test Honestly and Mitigate if Necessary
Resist the urge to manipulate radon levels before testing. Accurate testing is paramount to understanding your true risk. If your test results indicate elevated radon levels, a professionally installed mitigation system is the most effective way to protect your health and the health of your family. Don’t gamble with your lungs; prioritize accurate testing and reliable mitigation.