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Answer to Question #2506 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radon The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I have measured the radon levels in my home five times over the past seven years. The average in my upstairs bedroom is 2.07 pCi/L. The average in my basement bedroom is 3.25 pCi/L. I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level is 4.0 pCi/L. However, I'm the kind of person who wants to do everything reasonable to protect our health. Is the basement level high enough to warrant my taking action? There is an electronic radon detector advertised by a company for $59.95. Is this worth buying for me to do some tests of RELATIVE radon levels under different conditions in my home (for example, windows open versus windows closed, air conditioning on versus air conditioning off, etc.)?
A
With both average radon levels below the Environmental Protection Agency recommended action level of 4 pCi/L, I would not recommend any modifications of your home. Also, I'm skeptical about the accuracy and precision of an electronic radon detector for under $60. If you haven't done it, and you're interested in additional measurements in your basement and upper levels, you might look at the passive long-term alpha track detectors. These are exposed for a year and will give you an average radon decay product concentration through all the full heating and cooling season. If you have any questions, please feel free to call my Radon Division staff; see the PA DEP/Bureau of Radiation Protection website for additional information.
David J. Allard, CHP, Director
Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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