Radon gas is still an item that should be of some concern to home owners. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the decay of elements in the soil. It usually enters a home by seeping through cracks in the basement, foundation, sump pump or pipes and can be detected through proper testing. Recently, reports surfaced about radon being emitted from certain types of granite countertops.

Testing radon levels is one of the most difficult environmental problems to accurately measure. Reasons for this include interference from such factors as air movement, cigarette smoke, water table levels, barometric pressure and even the season of the year, all of which can affect the readings.

Although difficult to measure, radon problems are relatively easy and inexpensive to mitigate when compared to correcting other environmental problems.

Types of testing devices can either be passive or active. Passive devices include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors and charcoal liquid scintillation. These testing devices are available at hardware and houseware stores and generally require at least 48 hours to complete.

Active devices include continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors, and require operation by trained testers. Many of these devices provide a continuous report of radon levels present, revealing any unusual or abnormal swings in the levels during the test period (usually 48 hours or more). These devices are specifically designed to deter and detect test interference. Although these tests may cost more, they ensure a more reliable result.

Whichever testing method is employed, make sure the test is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Once the level of radon is known, it may be necessary to mitigate the problem. It may be as simple as sealing any cracks in the floors or walls of the basement, foundation and/or crawl space since that is how the gas enters the home in the first place. Or, the air from the basement or crawl space may need to be vented. A state-licensed radon mitigator can more fully discuss these and other options.  

In the United States, the radon threshold for concern is 4.0 picocuries per liter or higher, whereas a picocurie is one-trillionth of a curie -- the measure of radioactivity found in a gram of radium. A measurement at these levels indicate some type of action should be taken to avoid possible health threats.

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