Radon is a highly toxic and harmful substance. Exposure to radon for a prolonged period of time often leads to lung cancer. It is for this reason that individuals should subject their residences to tests to confirm the presence of this gas once or several times a year. Given that the gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible, it is even more dangerous. This is worth knowing about Radon mitigation.
Testing can take two forms, that is, short-term and long-term. Short-term testing usually lasts somewhere between 2 to 7 days. The test kit is installed in the house and left there for that entire period. When the period elapses, the test kit is collected and the data on it read. The data indicates the level of radon in the house. The unit for expressing the level of the gas is pCi/L.
Research shows that in over 80 percent of cases, subsequent tests would reveal concentration levels of more than 4pCi/L if the first test showed levels of 4pCi/L. Thus, concentration levels increase over time. To be sure of the outcomes, one must take subsequent measurements in the same location as the initial one. One can do the second test after some time in the future. Alternatively, the test can be done straight away.
To get outcomes with more accuracy, first and second tests are computed to find the average in some cases. Short-term test devices exist in many varieties. Charcoal canisters, continuous radon monitors, and electrets are examples of these devices. All the devices that American firms use as test kits are considered to be equally reliable and effective. Therefore, a test kit can be purchased from a certified firm without one having to worry about the results.
On the other hand, long-term tests usually last between 3 and 12 months. These tests are the best and results obtained from them are highly accurate. They give average exposure over a given period. This is important because the level of radon varies from one season to another. The level can also vary even within the same day.
There are a number of factors that influence the rate of entry of radon gas. One of these factors includes the number of openings through which the gas can come in. In addition to this, places with low pressure seem to attract the gas most. Thus, the rate and amount of gas making its way into a residence will be influenced by the interior pressure. Exhaust systems, wind conditions, temperature just mention but a few all influence the pressure inside a home.
Winter is the best period for conducting tests. This is when gas levels are at their highest. Alpha track and electrets detectors are the two major classifications of long-term test devices. The two have equal reliability. It is wise to test a home first before purchasing. This can save one a lot of money that would otherwise need to be spent on remediating radon.
Assigning an expert contractor to perform this job is critical. An ideal firm is one that is certified and licensed. One is supposed to check and make sure the firm has a certification certificate before hiring its services.
Testing can take two forms, that is, short-term and long-term. Short-term testing usually lasts somewhere between 2 to 7 days. The test kit is installed in the house and left there for that entire period. When the period elapses, the test kit is collected and the data on it read. The data indicates the level of radon in the house. The unit for expressing the level of the gas is pCi/L.
Research shows that in over 80 percent of cases, subsequent tests would reveal concentration levels of more than 4pCi/L if the first test showed levels of 4pCi/L. Thus, concentration levels increase over time. To be sure of the outcomes, one must take subsequent measurements in the same location as the initial one. One can do the second test after some time in the future. Alternatively, the test can be done straight away.
To get outcomes with more accuracy, first and second tests are computed to find the average in some cases. Short-term test devices exist in many varieties. Charcoal canisters, continuous radon monitors, and electrets are examples of these devices. All the devices that American firms use as test kits are considered to be equally reliable and effective. Therefore, a test kit can be purchased from a certified firm without one having to worry about the results.
On the other hand, long-term tests usually last between 3 and 12 months. These tests are the best and results obtained from them are highly accurate. They give average exposure over a given period. This is important because the level of radon varies from one season to another. The level can also vary even within the same day.
There are a number of factors that influence the rate of entry of radon gas. One of these factors includes the number of openings through which the gas can come in. In addition to this, places with low pressure seem to attract the gas most. Thus, the rate and amount of gas making its way into a residence will be influenced by the interior pressure. Exhaust systems, wind conditions, temperature just mention but a few all influence the pressure inside a home.
Winter is the best period for conducting tests. This is when gas levels are at their highest. Alpha track and electrets detectors are the two major classifications of long-term test devices. The two have equal reliability. It is wise to test a home first before purchasing. This can save one a lot of money that would otherwise need to be spent on remediating radon.
Assigning an expert contractor to perform this job is critical. An ideal firm is one that is certified and licensed. One is supposed to check and make sure the firm has a certification certificate before hiring its services.
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