If you’ve recently had your home tested for radon, you might be looking at your radon test results wondering what the numbers actually mean. For homeowners across Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Huron, and the surrounding communities, understanding these results is the first step toward protecting your family’s health.
How Does a Radon Test Actually Work?
Radon testing measures the concentration of radon gas inside your home over a set period of time. Because radon is colorless and odorless, specialized equipment is the only way to detect it. Tests are typically placed on the lowest livable level of your home, where radon tends to accumulate most.
- Short-term tests last between 2 and 7 days and provide a snapshot of radon levels during that window
- Long-term tests run for 90 days or more and capture seasonal fluctuations for a more accurate average
- Continuous radon monitors are electronic devices that record radon levels hour by hour, offering detailed data
- Test devices should be placed in a frequently used room on the lowest level, away from drafts, humidity, and direct sunlight
- Doors and windows should remain closed as much as possible during the radon testing period to ensure accurate readings
What Units Are Used to Measure Radon (and What Do They Mean)?
In the United States, radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air, written as pCi/L. This unit represents the amount of radioactive decay happening in each liter of air inside your home. The EPA has established 4.0 pCi/L as the action level, meaning that homes at or above this threshold are recommended for radon mitigation.
However, it’s important to understand that there is no level of radon that is considered completely without risk. The average outdoor radon concentration is around 0.4 pCi/L, and the average indoor level across the country is approximately 1.3 pCi/L. Homes throughout South Dakota, including in Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, and Huron, frequently test well above the national average.
What Does It Mean If My Radon Level Is Between 2 and 4 pCi/L?
A reading between 2 and 4 pCi/L falls below the EPA’s action level but still represents an elevated concentration of radon compared to outdoor air. While mitigation is not formally required at these levels, the EPA does note that homeowners should still consider taking steps to reduce radon in this range.
- The EPA recommends considering mitigation for homes radon testing at 2 pCi/L or higher
- Radon levels in this range still carry some degree of long-term health risk, particularly with prolonged exposure
- Levels can fluctuate seasonally, so a reading of 3.5 pCi/L today could test above 4.0 pCi/L during a different time of year
- Retesting is a smart next step if your results fall in this range, especially with a long-term test
- Many homeowners in this range choose to install a radon mitigation system proactively to bring levels even lower
What Happens If My Radon Level Is Above 4 pCi/L?
When your test results come back at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, the EPA strongly recommends taking action. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, so elevated levels should be addressed promptly. The good news is that high radon levels can be effectively reduced with a professionally installed radon mitigation system.
- The EPA’s action level is 4.0 pCi/L, and any result at or above this warrants installing a radon mitigation system
- A confirmation test may be recommended before installation, particularly if you used a short-term test
- Radon mitigation systems are highly effective and can typically reduce levels by up to 99%
- A professional evaluation of your home will determine the best approach based on your foundation type and layout
- Most radon mitigation systems can be installed within a few hours to half a day
- While levels may begin dropping right away, it can take up to a week for your true new radon levels to stabilize
What Is Radon Mitigation and How Does It Work?
Radon mitigation is the process of installing a system designed to reduce radon gas concentrations inside your home. These systems work by drawing radon from beneath the foundation and venting it above the roofline, where it disperses harmlessly into the outdoor air. A qualified radon professional will evaluate your home before recommending the right setup.
- A radon mitigation system uses a specialized fan to create suction beneath your home’s foundation
- The fan pulls radon gas through a sealed pipe and exhausts it above the roofline
- Systems are designed to run continuously, providing ongoing radon reduction
- Your home’s foundation type, layout, and construction will influence the system design
- Professional-grade equipment, such as RadonAway fans, ensures long-term reliability
- After installation, a follow-up radon test confirms the system is performing as expected
How Often Should Homeowners Test for Radon Going Forward?
Even after mitigation, regular radon testing is an important part of keeping your home’s radon levels in check. The EPA recommends retesting your home every two years to make sure levels remain low. If you have a radon mitigation system installed, it’s also worth radon testing periodically to verify the system is still operating effectively. Radon levels can change over time due to shifts in soil conditions, changes to your home’s structure, or seasonal weather patterns.
Homeowners in Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Huron, and surrounding areas should be especially mindful, as South Dakota’s soil and geology tend to produce higher-than-average radon levels. If you’ve never tested your home, now is always a good time to start. A simple test today gives you the information you need to make informed decisions about your family’s health.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Home
Understanding your radon test results puts you in control of your next move. Whether your levels came back slightly elevated or well above the EPA’s action level, Dakota Radon Pros is here to help homeowners across Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Huron, and the surrounding region. Give us a call to talk through your results or schedule a professional evaluation of your home.