Where are radon levels highest in a house?

Where are radon levels highest in a house?

Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. When someone breathes in radon gas, it goes into their lungs, exposing them to small amounts of radiation. This may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.

Which part of a house typically contains the highest indoor radon level?

Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.

Where is radon gas found in homes?

It comes from the radioactive decay of radium, which is present in small amounts in rocks and earth. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined areas such as attics, basements, sheds and small rooms.

What buildings are most affected by radon?

Radon levels are generally highest in cellars and basements because these areas are nearest to the source and are usually poorly ventilated.

What is the main source of radon in homes?

radon gas infiltration
The main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings. Rock and soil produce radon gas. Building materials, the water supply, and natural gas can all be sources of radon in the home.

What is the highest radon level?

4.0 pCi/L
According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0. For perspective, the average outdoor air level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.

Are radon levels higher in the basement?

Also, once the windows, doors, or vents are closed, the radon concentration returns to the previous level within hours according to EPA studies. FACT: Its concentration is usually the highest in basements, simply because it emanates out of the soil through the basement.

What are high levels of radon?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.

What time of year are radon levels highest?

Radon levels can vary by season, with the highest levels typically occurring during the months that we heat our homes. That means that even if your home’s radon was below the EPA’s suggested action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air during the warmer months, it could be above that level during the winter.

Does radon travel upstairs?

Radon is known to be a heavy gas. Please understand that the radon level can be significantly higher on an upper floor. Even if the radon level is lower on the first floor than say a basement radon level, it could be higher on the second floor. The only way to know is if you test.

Do all basements have radon?

Basements aren’t the only place you can find radon. This is a common assumption since radon is most commonly found in basements. Unfortunately, it’s also very wrong. Radon gas can be found anywhere in any home, not just in the basement.