Radon

Radon Testing

The Issue: Radon in air

Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one indoor air pollutant in the country. Average outdoor concentration of airborne radon in Maine is 0.5 to 0.8 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that mitigation should be considered when the indoor concentration of radon in air is 2.0 pCi/L or more but is dependent on how the space that was tested will be used. For more information, contact the CDC https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/rad/radon/hp-radon.htm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigating when the indoor concentration of radon in air is 4.0 pCi/L or more. One in three Maine homes will have a problem with elevated airborne radon levels.

The Issue: Radon in water

Radon in the soil dissolves into the groundwater and may be present in well water. Radon gas escapes readily from running water and becomes a pollutant in your home’s air. The problem arises when you are running water in your shower, dishwasher, washing machine, or other water-using appliance. Maine CDC recommends consider mitigation of radon in water if levels exceed 4000 pCi/L but is dependent on the radon in air concentration. The EPA recommends mitigation of radon in water for levels exceeding 10,000 pCi/L.

Our Service

When selling or buying a home

Radon testing on a property for sale in the State of Maine must be done by a State Registered Radon Service Provider. Our Radon Service Providers set testing devices in conformance with Federal EPA and State of Maine testing guidelines. Our Testing Laboratory, registered with the State of Maine, conducts the analysis and issues a report the next business day after the samples are received. Our Radon Professionals can help guide you in your decision-making process.

Monitoring your own home

Radon levels in the soil vary over time, and the effectiveness of radon mitigation systems should be checked periodically. While the State of Maine does not currently require homeowners to test the air or water for radon in their own homes, it is wise to do so about every two years. A homeowner can test for radon at any time with the help of our testing laboratory, Radon Check Inc..

Additional information

Note that air and water samples collected for radon testing must be received by the laboratory within four days after the radon water sample has been collected or the radon air vials have been closed. For additional information on radon and radon testing, please see our Useful Links page.