Cancer enters most people’s lives at some point and is the second leading cause of…
How Often Should You Retest Radon?
Retest for Radon – Do you remember the last time your house was tested for radon? It’s a common misconception that once your home tests low for radon, you’re in the clear forever. However, radon gas is constantly rising from the ground and can fluctuate over time, so it’s important to retest on a regular basis.
1 in 3 Utah homes has dangerously-high radon levels, and they often go unchecked because radon is both odorless and invisible. Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates over 21,000 people die each year from the effects of radon. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s crucial to test your home (even if a neighbor tests low!).
The EPA Testing Guidelines
The concentration of radon in a building can increase or decrease depending on various factors. From changes in weather patterns to foundation modifications, radon levels can be low one season and high the next. For this reason, the EPA recommends retesting your home for radon every 2 years.
What Is A High Radon Level?
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). While technically no radon exposure is completely safe, the national average outdoor radon level of 0.4 pCi/L is not considered a “high” or an “actionable” concentration of radon. However, once radon reaches 2.0 pCi/L in a building, the EPA recommends that residents consider action to reduce radon exposure. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests taking action at 2.7 pCi/L, but even with this slight threshold difference, it’s still just as important to reduce radon risk as much as possible.
How Do I Get A Radon Test Kit?
Utah Radon Services supplies one free, simple, at-home test kit for all Utah residents. To request a test, click here. If you have already received a free radon test from Utah Radon Services, you can order a second test for $10.