What is the acceptable radon level in Canada?
200 becquerels per cubic metre
The current Canadian guideline for radon in indoor air for dwellings is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3). This guideline provides Canadians with guidance on when remedial action should be taken to reduce radon levels.
WHO recommended radon levels?
Based on recently completed research, the World Health Organization is recommending that homeowners take action to remediate the radon level in their home if it exceeds 100 becquerels (Bq), which corresponds to 2.7 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
What is the measurement of radon gas?
becquerels per cubic meter
The concentration of radon in the air is measured in units of picocuries per litre (pCi/L) or becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). One Bq corresponds to one disintegration per second. One pCi/L is equivalent to 37 Bq/m3.
How do you measure radon levels?
You can hire a professional tester or do it yourself with a kit you buy at a hardware store or online. Follow the instructions for leaving the kit in your house for the required number of days. Then mail it to a lab and wait for the results. If radon levels in your home are high, you can take steps to lower them.
What are safe radon readings?
4.0 pCi/L
According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0.
What are normal radon readings?
According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0. For perspective, the average outdoor air level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.
How is radon in air measured?
A short-term test for radon, using an activated charcoal detector or another type of detector such as an electret ion chamber, can provide a first indication of the mean long-term radon concentration in a home.
How is radon detected in a building?
Short-term tests are the quickest way to passively monitor for radon in a structure. In a short-term test, the sample media is placed in the test area for anywhere from two to 90 days before being sent into a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory then mails the test results back to the kit owner.
Can you test for radon in a building in Canada?
The level of risk depends on the concentration of radon and duration of exposure. Radon can be found in any building across Canada, but the only way to know how much radon is in a building is to test.
How long should a radon test be performed?
Health Canada recommends that the radon test performed in a home or public building be a long-term measurement. Health Canada does not recommend a test of duration less than 1 month, a minimum of 3 months is recommended and 12 months is optimum.
What’s the purpose of radon testing in buildings?
The purpose of the testing is to evaluate radon levels in order to determine the need for remedial action to protect the occupants. The scope of this document is limited to guidance regarding types of measurement devices, device placement, measurement duration, and the interpretation of measurements.
What can I use to measure radon in my home?
The detection methods listed below are currently recognized by Health Canada as acceptable for measuring radon in homes and public buildings. These detectors use a small piece of special plastic or film inside a container with a filter-covered opening.