Radon Gas (Short-Term)

What Radon Can Do to You

Radon gas contains radioactive particles that become trapped in your lungs with every breath you take. As these particles break down, they emit bursts of radiation, which can damage or destroy lung tissue, leading to lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to radon may even result in fatalities. Do any of these factors apply to your home or office?

• Construction Materials: Cinder-block, brick, or rock walls.
• Basement or Foundation: Exposed soil in the basement or foundation.
• Structural Issues: Cracks in the basement wall or foundation.
• Openings: An open sump pump hole or floor drain.
• Gaps: Spaces between walls and floors.
• Pipes: Exposed pipes or loose pipe fittings.

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you could be at risk of inhaling this deadly radioactive gas.

Am I At Risk?

Approximately 21,000 people die each year due to radon exposure. Nearly 1 in 15 homes has elevated radon levels, making radon gas the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon can infiltrate any building, and its presence may not be determined by your neighbor’s experience. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure depends on:

• Radon Levels: The amount of radon in your home or office.
• Exposure Duration: The time you’ve spent exposed to radon.
• Smoking History: Whether you smoke or have been exposed to tobacco smoke.

Smokers Beware!

Cigarette smokers with radon concentrations of 10 pCi/L or higher increase their chances of developing lung cancer by as much as 18 times or 1800%.

How Radon Enters Your Space

The highest radon concentrations are typically found in the lowest levels of homes or offices. This is because radon originates from the soil and rocks beneath the foundation. If you have dirt floors in the basement, foundation cracks, or openings like sump pump holes or drains, radon can accumulate more rapidly and at higher concentrations. Additionally, radon can enter your space through the water supply (e.g., showers, dishwashers, washing machines) if you use well water. Consider our professional Radon in Water Test Kit for such cases.

Protect Yourself: Testing Is Your First Line Of Defense

To determine if radon gas is a concern in your space, you must conduct a radon test. The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit stands as the most accurate and reliable kit for measuring radon gas levels. It includes two (2) desiccated, short-term detectors for side-by-side testing, ensuring precise and dependable results.

Radon Measurement: Picocuries Per Liter (pCi/L)

An acceptable radon level is less than 4.0 pCi/L. If the average of your two test results equals or exceeds 4.0 pCi/L, taking action to reduce radon levels in your home or office is recommended.

Regular Testing Is Key

PRO-LAB suggests conducting a radon test annually. Annual testing is the best way to assess the potential for a radon problem in your home or office.

High Test Results?

If your test results indicate high radon levels, there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue, either personally or with professional assistance. Start by:

• Sealing or caulking entry points such as cracks, holes, and openings.
• Maintaining open vents to crawl spaces.
• Reducing time spent in low-lying areas like basements.
• Increasing ventilation by bringing in more outside air.
• Discouraging cigarette smoking in your indoor space.

For further guidance on reducing radon levels, contact your State Radon Office or the EPA Office. We are located in Miami FL and ready to answer any questions you might have.