Radon Levels

Understanding Radon Levels

The key to keeping safe anyone`s health in a home is by measuring the level of radon in their home. But interpreting the level of radon is not usually very exact. Acceptable levels of radon gas differ depending on a country or organization. But one thing we can be sure of is that radon gas cause cancer. This alone should motivate you to find out whether you or your family are exposed to the hazardous level of this dangerous gas.

Units used to measure radon levels

The level of radon is usually measured in units after French scientists (Pierre and Marie Curie) discovered Radium (a radioactive element) in 1898. Elements that are radioactive are usually unstable and most times undergo constant struggle making a decision on whether to keep intact all their energy (intact) in the nucleus or discharge some of it. This nucleus “decay” releases radiation.

One Curie is the same as the radioactivity of a gram of radium and decays at a rate of 2.2 Trillion degenerations per minute which sounds fast and small.

Picocuries for every liter of air (pCi/L) is among the measurements preferred for decaying rate in radon and is the same as a trillionth of a curie which is normally abbreviated as pCi. The pCi unit is normally used in the USA since it is needed by federal law. Almost every other place that makes use of the metric system like WHO measures in Becquerels. It takes 37 Bq per cubic meter to be equal to 1 pCi per liter. The Becquerel (Bq) unit is named after Henri Becquerel who is the founder and it is the preferred measuring unit and is equal to one radioactive degeneration per second.

Safe levels of radon

The best measurement of radon is usually zero. Regrettably, it is not possible. The normal level of radon (outdoor) varies from 5 to 15 Bq/m3, which is the same a 0.135 – 0.405 pCi per liter. For every 2.7 pCi per liter or 99.9 Bq/m3 radon exposure increase, the risks of lung cancer rise to 16%. This means that the lower the radon level, the lower the risk of its side effects. WHO (The World Health Organization) states that most lung cancers are brought about by low to modest concentrations of radon because very few people are exposed to indoor concentrations that are very high.

Levels of radon that are acceptable

Levels of radon that are acceptable are dependent on the country one is living in. a level that is accepted generally established by WHO is 100Bq per cubic meter or also 2.7 pCi per liter.

Homes or buildings measuring the level of radon that is higher are advised to take action (remedial) to reduce the levels of radon. It is further advised by WHO a limit (upper) should not be above 300Bq per cubic meter or 8 pCi per liter. It is estimated that every three homes have a radon level that is above the recommended one. It has also been thought that decreasing levels to 4.0 p/Ci would reduce annual cancer rates of death from radon by half.

Why us?

• We offer a warranty that is transferable and safeguards you as the occupant even if the ownership of the house changes.
• We resolve your radon concerns very fast, as fast as possible
• We do not have a “hidden process”. We offer just one price and we do not have any conditions that are hidden when coming back to fix your radon issues.
• We offer very affordable prices and value for your money

So, now that you know that radon testing or inspection is one important factor in the home inspection process, it’s about time to add it up to your home inspection list which you can consider in your home. Other services we can provide aside from radon testing are plumbing system inspection, septic inspection, Chattanooga mold inspection, pre-listing, and buyer’s home inspection.