When facing a 6.5 radon test result, what steps should you take?

What to Do if Your Initial Radon Test Results Come Back at 6.5 pCi/L?

So, you’ve just received your radon test results, and they come back showing a reading of 6.5 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If that number sends a little shiver down your spine, you’re not alone! Radon is one of those silent, sneaky dangers lurking in many homes across the United States, and it’s crucial to understand what these results mean for you and your family.

First Things First: Understand Radon

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what to do next, let’s unpack what radon really is. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Unlike other toxins that can be detected by smell or sight, radon is odorless and colorless. It slips past your defenses without a sound, making awareness and testing all the more essential.

According to the EPA, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, which is no small potatoes! That’s why a reading like 6.5 pCi/L is definitely something to take seriously.

Step 1: Confirm That Number

Now, when your initial test shows a level above the EPA’s recommended action guideline of 4 pCi/L, the first step is clear: You need to confirm that measurement. This isn’t the time to shrug your shoulders and say, “Well, who knows?” Instead, the best approach is to initiate a follow-up test—either a short-term or long-term one—to reconcile the findings.

What’s the Difference, Anyway?

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a short-term and a long-term radon test? Well, here’s the scoop:

• Short-term tests usually last from 2 to 90 days. They’ll give you a quick snapshot of radon levels in your home.

• Long-term tests go the distance—lasting over 90 days. They’ll yield a more reliable average annual radon level, giving you a clearer picture of what you’re up against over time.

If you think of short-term tests as a sprint and long-term tests as a marathon, both have their purposes! But when you’re starting with a level like 6.5 pCi/L, a timely check-in with either option is crucial.

Step 2: Take Action

Once you’ve chosen your test method, it’s time to get on with it. Starting the short-term test can quickly provide additional data about radon levels that could inform what comes next. If this second test still falls above the action level, then it might be time to consider mitigation measures, which is where the fun begins—but also some significant responsibility.

What Is Radon Mitigation?

Radon mitigation involves reducing the levels of radon gas in your home. Think of it as an essential home improvement project—one that doesn’t just enhance your property, but actively protects your health. Techniques can range from simple ventilation improvements to more complex systems like sub-slab depressurization, which can siphon radon gas out before it seeps into your living space.

A Word of Caution

You might be tempted to think, “Can’t I just delay further testing or not take any action at all?” Honestly, that route could lead to a world of trouble. Delaying a short-term test or deciding to go solo on a long-term test without timely verification doesn’t align with safety recommendations. After all, radon levels can change dramatically, and waiting to take action can put you and your loved ones at risk.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Radon Levels

Consider this: you wouldn’t ignore a smoke alarm going off, would you? So why take a lackadaisical approach to radon, especially given its serious health impacts? According to the National Cancer Institute, radon causes thousands of lung cancer deaths every year. That stat isn’t just a bland number—it represents real families impacted by something that can be mitigated!

A Clear Path Forward

So here’s the takeaway: If your radon test results are at 6.5 pCi/L or higher, don’t just sit idle. Take the necessary steps to verify those levels through further testing. Doing so helps you protect what matters most—your home and the health of everyone in it.

In conclusion, tackling radon means affirming that knowledge is indeed power. Empowering yourself with proper testing and potential mitigation steps is the way to usher in peace of mind. By addressing radon proactively, you’ll not only enhance your home’s safety but also contribute to a healthier future for all who dwell within.

Are you ready to take that next step? Your family’s health might just depend on it!