RADON:  An naturally occurring, chemically inert gas that comes from the radioactive decay of uranium

 

PICO-CURIE/LITER (pCi/L):  Measure of radioactivity typically used for radon gas.  It is not a physical concentration measurement, but rather the “activity” or rate of energy released within a given volume of water or air.   4.0 pCi/L is the US EPA guidance level for long term exposure

 

SHORT TERM TEST:  A test that is typically 2-5 days in duration.  This test is done with real estate transactions.  It can also be used with non real estate transactions.  It determines the “POTENTIAL” level of radon in your home, NOT an average level

 

LONG TERM TEST:  A test that is 91 days to 1 year.  This will give the true long term average of radon exposure in a building.    

 

SUB SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION:  A mitigation technique that is used on slab on grade and basement houses.  A pipe is inserted into the foundation concrete and then ran to the outside of the house.  A fan is attached to the pipe which will create a “vacuum” under the slab which draws radon out of the ground before it enters the home    

  

SUB MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION:  A mitigation technique that is used for most crawl space homes.  A membrane is applied to the dirt and sealed to the walls.  A pipe is then run to the outside with a fan attached to the pipe.  The membrane will then create a barrier and allow a “vacuum” to be created under it.  This will draw the radon out of the ground before it enters the home