Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the breakdown of uranium bearing soil, rock and water.  Air pressure inside a building is usually lower than pressure in the soil around a building foundation. Because of the differences in pressure, a building can act like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings. Radon may also be present in water and and be released into the air of the building when water is used. In most cases, radon entering the building through water is a small risk compared to radon entering the facility from the soil.

RADON IS A CANCER-CAUSING RADIOACTIVE GAS

Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of cancer deaths each year. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer. The lower the radon level in a building, the lower the occupants risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Congress has set a long term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels, about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. EPA recommends fixing a building if the results of one long term tests taken in the lowest occupied level of the building show radon levels of 4 pCi/L (or 0.02 WL) or higher. A short term test remains in the building for two days to 90 days, whereas a long-term test remains for more than 90 days. With existing technology, radon levels in most buildings can be reduced to 2pCi/L or below.

Environmental Consulting & Testing, LLC (ECT) radon testing/inspection procedures use the most reliable testing devices from charcoal canisters and an airborne radiation detection instrument (Femto-TECH RS410F).

The femto-TECH RS410F is a precision airborne alpha radiation detection instrument based on pulsed ion chamber technology. Utilizing electrometers and open grid probe design, the RS410F is suited for a wide range of radon measurement applications. With its on-board computer, the RS410F is a portable self-contained continuous radon monitor capable of reading and storing test data for over 500 hours of stand-alone operation. In this mode of operation the RS410F is suited for screening and follow-up type testing. Additionally, with a built in diaphragm pump it is capable of fast response active radon monitor for grab sampling, soil analysis, and other diagnostic applications.

SUMMARY

ECT radon consulting capabilities includes testing and mitigation design services. Our presence locally and regionally allows us to provide individual and multi facility project services across the southeast.