Healthy levels of radon
An ideal radon measurement is zero ; unfortunately , this is not possible because radon is naturally found in the air around us . However , the lower the level of radon , the lower the health risks associated with prolonged exposure . Many governing bodies have identified radon risk thresholds to guide citizens on acceptable exposure levels , and educate them on when action is necessary . Following the United States , Environmental Protection Agency ’ s ( EPA ) 3 and the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) 2 recommendations , Airthings defines radon risk thresholds as the following :
What is “ radon season ”?
The timing of this report isn ' t a coincidence . The months between October and February are often considered the “ radon season ”, as radon levels tend to be higher in the winter 4 . This is due to several factors directly related to seasonal behavior , including people keeping windows and doors closed more often , effectively trapping radon inside the home or building . Radon is a radioactive gas that enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation , getting trapped at any level of the property . Additionally , environmental factors such as the “ blanket effect ” in which snow traps radon in the soil around the house , differing pressure levels in buildings , precipitation levels , and temperature are all contributing causes .