What does a blanks test measure in radon testing?

A blanks test in radon testing measures background radon levels or potential biases in the testing process. This test involves placing a detector in an environment that is known to have minimal radon exposure, thereby allowing for the measurement of any residual radon present in the testing environment.

The blank test serves as a control to help distinguish between actual radon levels that the detector would be exposed to during normal use and any background noise or interference that might skew the results. In essence, it helps ensure that the measurements taken reflect true conditions rather than artifacts from external factors.

Understanding this is crucial for accurate radon measurement and mitigation planning, as it allows specialists to adjust for any background radon levels that could otherwise lead to misleading conclusions about the safety and effectiveness of mitigation systems.