Sunday, April 3, 2011
The "Test Results Are In!" Story
It was an ordinary day. Just got my test results from my Radon testing in my basement. Found them online. In February I put two test vials in my basement. Had to be 3 feet from the floor and in an area where there would be little air movement. Since we don't use the basement very much, it was easy to place them. After four days of testing, I mailed the test vials to Pro-Lab in Weston, Florida. A few days later they analyzed the vials and reported, via Internet, my results. My one vial tested 3.1 pCi/L while my other vial tested 3.3 pCi/L. The average reading for the two was 3.2 pCi/L. Wasn't tough math to figure that one. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you have your home "fixed" if the Radon level is 4 Picocuries (pCi/L) or higher. If it is at a level of 4, you should first re-test to make sure the test results were accurate. If still over 4 they recommend mitigating, or making it less severe, by installing a mitigating unit or having one installed for you. Levels of 4 or less still may pose a risk and call for testing on a regular basis. And .... they recommend you do it with their testing kit! Of course!! In the state of Pennsylvania, technicians that read the test results must be certified and have a Pennsylvania certificate. Test results must be sent to the PA Department of Environmental Resources. I was instructed on the results document that if I have any questions I should address them to the PA DER at the Bureau of Radiation Protection in Harrisburg. I feel that I have made my house safe by doing this test and have created a safe environment for my family and friends. Lung cancer is always a threat from excessive Radon levels. Have you done your test yet? It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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