Why are Radon Levels Higher when it Rains?
Does Rain Affect Radon Testing?
Heavy rainstorms invite lower air pressure or barometric pressure around your home, causing radon gases to rise from the soil into the air at an elevated rate. As a result, the radon levels in your home could increase during precipitation events.
Radon is a gas found in the soil. Like all gases found in the atmosphere, Radon continually seeks the path of least resistance, moving from the soil into the air. In other words, the lower the air pressure, the easier it is for gas to rise.
Does Rain Affect Radon Levels?
In a study conducted by AARST entitled “The effect of rain and HVAC setting on radon levels in a home,” noted the following,
“Rainier days resulted in higher radon levels, as they were accompanied by lower barometric pressure as measured in the basement. The higher pressure in the ground relative to the lower pressure in the basement caused the radon gas to seep upward from the soil and into the house through the concrete slab of the basement. On clearer days, however, the higher pressure in the basement resulted in less radon infiltrating the house as evidenced by the lower detected levels.”
Rain Does Not Cause Radon.
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium. Every home/structure has radon. Even outdoors, you are subject to an average of 0.4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
The only sure way to know the radon level in your home is to test. A short-term radon test or a CRM (continuous radon monitor) will take hourly readings for a minimum of 48 hours. Upon retrieval of the testing device, hourly readings are included in a detailed radon report specific to the structure tested.
If the radon levels in your home are higher than the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you should seek radon mitigation.
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When is the Best Time to Test your Home for Radon?
We want your home to be safe regardless of weather conditions. When it’s raining, we are more likely to spend time inside our homes. The first step is to be PROACTIVE. If rain has prompted you to seek out radon levels in your home, NOW is the time to schedule an appointment to get tested.
Make sure your home is safe today by calling Certified Radon at 816.587.3500 or click here to request a free estimate to have an industry-certified professional test the radon levels in your home.
We can’t stop the rain, but Certified Radon can stop radon from making itself at home!
