Radon Measurements

U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

EPA recommends that all homeowners test their home for radon. It is easy and inexpensive. If the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per Liter) or higher, a simple radon remediation system can be installed for simply venting the foundation of the home and providing an escape for radon gas so it does not collect in the structure.

According to EPA, Short-Term Radon-222 Gas testing is the quickest way to determine if a potential radon problem exists.

For Real Estate Transactions, Potomac Homes deploys a set of two short-term radon gas Electret Ion Chambers detecting ions produced by the decay of Radon-222, with exposure times of 48 hours or more. At the end of the tests, Potomac Homes measures immediately and within the premises the radon gas concentrations and gives its client a comprehensive computerized report.

Potomac Homes uses the most accurate professional E-PERM Short-Term Electret Radon Monitors, which are true integrating detectors that can measure fluctuating radon concentration regardless of extreme temperatures or humidity.

Short-term testing should be conducted in the lowest level of the home, which is currently suitable for occupancy, i.e. the lowest living area of your home, regardless if it is currently occupied or finished, with the doors and windows closed (other than normal entry and exit). Closed house conditions must be maintained for 12 hours before starting the test unless the test is over four or more days in duration.

The best screening conditions are during the cooler months of the year, in an empty house, without any interference from seller, real estate agents or other persons and all windows, doors and ventilation must be closed, especially the rooms where the detectors are installed.

If the initial short-term test result is between 4pCli/L and 10 pCi/L, the EPA recommends to follow-up with either:

• a second short-term test if you need results quickly. The EPA recommends that the higher your initial short-term result, the more certain you can be that you should take a short-term rather than a long-term follow-up test. If your first short-term test result is more than twice EPA's 4 pCi/L action level, you should take a second short-term test immediately. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first test and second test is 4pCi/l or higher.

  or

• a long-term test for a better understanding of your year-round average radon level

According to the EPA, a long-term radon gas test is the best way to determine your exposure to radon during different seasons and living conditions in your home. Closed house conditions are not necessary during a long-term radon gas test. EPA recommends using 2 canisters per 1200 square foot dwelling.

For Long-Term Radon-222 Gas Measurements with exposure times between 91 days and 12 months, Potomac Homes deploys either:

* Detectors using this technology were found superior to chemically etched alpha track radon detectors in an article comparing radon detection methods by John Matuszek of the New York State Department of Health (J.M. Matuszek, et al., "Standardization of Radon Measurements", Environmental International, December 1988).