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Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer:
Be comfortable in knowing that your home is safe.
Radon gas results from the breakdown of uranium which naturally occurs in the earth.
Radon decays into harmful radioactive elements which rise to the surface at different rates depending on local geology and house build.
Exposure to radon equals average radon level multiplied by time exposed.
Short Term Radon Testing
Radon is invisible and odorless and a radon test is needed to determine the radon level inside the home.
A 2-5 day test measures the radon level at one point in time and helps to determine if further action is needed.
If the radon level is above 4.0 at any time, it is recommended to take action such as passive or active reduction methods and/or further testing.
Radon Test Accuracy
For accurate results, closed house conditions must be met for 12 hours before test placement and for the duration of the test.
If closed house conditions are not met, the radon test may be considered invalid.
A long term radon test provides a more accurate average reading and closed house conditions are not required.
Closed House Conditions
To meet closed house conditions, all exterior doors and windows must be kept closed.
Do not use whole house fans, window fans, or fireplaces.
Normal entry and exit is OK. Normal use of fresh air or make-up air intake is OK. Do not leave exterior vents open.
Normal entry and exit is OK. Normal use of fresh air or make-up air intake is OK. Do not leave exterior vents open.
When to Test for Radon
The EPA recommends a radon test each time a home is sold. Buyers: know the radon level before you close or ask the seller to remediate. Sellers: ease the home sale by making corrections or by providing a recent radon report.
Renovations alter the way a home works; a minor or major change may have a significant impact on the radon level inside the building. Recommend testing the radon level before and after home renovations have been completed.
Retest radon levels after a radon mitigation system is installed. Retest after geologic changes.
Periodic radon testing is advised in Zone 1, in areas where the radon level is close to or above 4.0, and in homes with active radon reduction systems.
Periodic radon testing is advised in Zone 1, in areas where the radon level is close to or above 4.0, and in homes with active radon reduction systems.
Radon levels can always be reduced with radon mitigation systems.
The EPA recommends that all homes in Zone 1 (high radon potential) have a radon reduction system installed:
Fairfax County, Manassas, and Falls Church are in Zone 1.
Fairfax County, Manassas, and Falls Church are in Zone 1.
Also recommended in North Arlington and Rock Creek area.
