Radon Testing
Radon comes from the radioactive decay of Uranium under the ground.
Radon is everywhere, and there is no level of Radon that is considered safe. You can even be exposed to radon walking around outside. But, the real problem is when it rises from the ground into your home or other structure. Because there is less air flow inside than outside, the levels of radon can build up to dangerous levels that can damage your lungs. radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year according to the EPA.
Our lab is accredited by the National Radon Safety Board and we have certified Radon Measurement Specialists on-staff. We can test radon in air using charcoal canisters or E-PERMs, and we test for radon in water as well.
Can I see, taste, or smell radon?
No. That is why people have a tendency to feel that their home is safe.
Is radon harmful?
The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States; only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
How does radon enter the home?
Air pressure inside the home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around the home’s foundation. Because of this, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings.
Who should test for radon?
Everybody.
How is radon measured?
It is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Short term or canister method tests measure radon levels over a period of 2-4 days. Long term tests such as Alpha Track measure an average value for a period of 2 months to a year. Continuous methods give hourly radon readings which are then usually averaged. FTL Labs, Inc. is listed by the EPA as an approved laboratory for performing these tests.
What level of radon is considered "safe"?
The EPA’s goal is that the indoor radon level be no more than the outdoor level which is about 0.4 pCi/L; however, levels below 4 pCi/L are considered acceptable.
Should I take steps to repair my home if it tests higher than 4.0 pCi/l?
The EPA recommends fixing your home if the results of one long-term test or two short-term tests taken in the lowest lived-in-level of the home show radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher. If you choose to do two short term measurements, it is advised that you perform the tests during different seasons of the year.
Should I have a radon abatement contractor test my home?
No. The EPA advises that you use an independent laboratory such as FTL Labs, Inc. or purchase an EPA-approved detection kit from a store and follow the enclosed directions.
Should I have my well water tested?
If you have an increased radon reading and are on a well, you may want to consider having your well water tested for radon. In general, every 10,000 pCi/L of radon found in the water causes an increase of 1 pCi/L of radon in the air.