Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that exists almost everywhere in small quantities. While having a small amount of radon inside your home or business is normal, it can pose health risks – including lung cancer – if large amounts of radon enter the building and become trapped. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inhaling radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country. Because of this, the EPA recommends testing for radon regularly (every two years) and provides guidelines for acceptable levels of radon, measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Radon gas has no odor, color or taste, making it impossible to detect without a specially designed radon test. Luckily, Alpha Environmental’s radon testing options are easy and affordable.
Our experts will gather data on the levels of radon inside your home or business and analyze and return the results to inform you about your level of risk. Testing is typically done in the lowest livable area of your home. If elevated levels of radon are found, we also have the equipment and expertise needed to perform radon mitigation using radon mitigation systems. Contact us today to schedule your radon test.
Types of Radon Tests
According to the Oregon Health Authority, Portland has some of the highest levels of radon risk in the state. While living inside a zip code that is designated as “high risk” doesn’t mean there will be elevated levels of radon inside your home or business, it does make it even more important to have testing done.
Alpha Environmental offers three types of radon testing based on your situation and needs:
- Short-term testing
- Long-term testing
- Continuous radon monitoring
Each testing technique has advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of the type of test, testing for radon is best performed by experienced professionals.
DIY testing kits may be able to tell you whether radon is present in your home or business, but they won’t inform you of the amount of radon that is present or where it’s entering the building. This leaves you with little information regarding potential health risks and proper mitigation strategies.
Short-Term Radon Testing
Short-term radon testing offers the quickest turnaround time. Our short-term tests return results within as little as two days. Because results are delivered quickly, this is a great option for real estate transactions.
Radon levels fluctuate naturally over time and can be influenced by factors such as the climate and season. For this reason, short-term tests are not as accurate as other testing options, as they only provide a snapshot of radon levels over the course of a few days.
Long-Term Radon Testing
Alpha Environmental’s long-term radon testing monitors the levels of radon inside your home for more than 90 days. While results from these tests take a few months to return, the longer testing time period accounts for varying levels of radon throughout the year. Thus, long-term tests yield more accurate results than short-term testing.
Continuous Radon Monitoring
Continuous radon monitoring is the best way to get an accurate portrait of radon levels inside your home or business during a short window of time. As the name implies, continuous testing monitors radon levels continuously over the 48-hour period.
This type of testing for radon requires specialized equipment and experience. To provide accurate test results, our radon test kit monitors must be calibrated to EPA standards twice per year. Our experts have access to the latest continuous radon monitoring technology and the knowledge necessary to help you interpret your results.
Alpha Environmental uses professional-grade continuous monitors to perform 48-hour radon tests. Windows and doors must remain closed as much as possible during the testing period to create a “worst-case scenario.”
Radon Testing in Your Home or Business
Alpha Environmental has the expertise and equipment necessary to handle the type of radon test that best fits your needs. Contact us today to schedule testing for radon for your home or business.
Radon itself has no symptoms; it’s a colorless, odorless gas. The health impact, particularly an increased risk of lung cancer, often appears after long-term exposure without immediate symptoms.
Radon is caused by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or other openings in the building’s structure.
It is highly recommended to hire a professional for more accurate results or if high levels are detected for health and safety reasons.
Tests vary from 48 hours to 90 days for short-term and 91 to 365 days for long-term. The typical duration is 48 hours. The EPA recommends long-term testing for a more accurate measure of exposure, as radon levels fluctuate with weather and occupancy.
