6. Once you have a radon mitigation system, you don’t need to test again
Just like any appliance, radon mitigation systems will lose efficiency over time. The average lifespan of a radon fan is 5-10 years. If the system was not properly installed, the system can also be less effective.
On top of this, radon levels fluctuate seasonally, with higher levels during the winter months. Occupancy, or how residents live within the home, can also affect radon levels. With all of this in mind, it’s recommended to test a home’s radon levels every two years.
All in all, education is the key in the fight against radon. People who don’t know or are misinformed about the risks of radon don’t do anything to prevent it; those who do know, test.
Learn more about Fantech’s series of radon testing and mitigation solutions for proper protection.
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Crystal Lytle, Fantech
Radon Sales Manager
Why 4,000 pCi/l? What is a pCi/l?
First of all, what is a pCi/l? A pCi/l ( pico Curie per liter) is a measurement unit of radioactivity per one liter of water. In this case, the radioactivity is due to the presence of Radon gas dissolved in the water.
The 10,000 - 1 Ratio:
Studies have shown for every 10,000 pCi/l of radon in your water, it will add 1 pCi/l to your home's air. Therefore if you have 4,000 pCi/l in your water, it will contribute an average of approximately 0.4 pCi/l of radon to your homes air. This is one-tenth the EPA action level of 4 pCi/l, and is approximately the amount of radon found in outdoor air. According to studies, ingesting water with radon in it does not present a significant health hazard.
For more information, please read the National Academy of Science Study on this issue https://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/radon/nas.html and the Maine Environmental and Occupational Health Programs MEG analysis paper (PDF).
If I have radon in my water, but it is less than 4,000 pCi/l, can I achieve some benefit from the installation of a water radon mitigation system?
The state's radon in water MEG level of 4,000 pCi/l is based on the cost of a mitigation system and consideration of the health risk reduction it will deliver to the occupants of the home. This is also true about the state's radon in air action level of 4 pCi/l. It is the responsibility of each individual to decide for themselves and their family, what health risks they will accept as reasonable. This website was designed with the goal of helping you make this decision for yourself.
We would be pleased to discuss your particular radon situation and questions with you. If you need to have any of this material clarified,you may call 1-800-232-0842 (in Maine) or 207-287-5698 (outside Maine) or email your questions to [email protected].
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