Radon Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Making sense of radon terminology

Using radon equipment and supplies to test for and alleviate radon gases from inside a building or from the ground beneath a building requires knowledge of terms used frequently by those handling the equipment. Start with an understanding of what radon is, and build from there.

You should maintain a firm grasp of terms relating to the measurement of radon, testing devices, chambers and radon mitigation methods. Whether you perform radon testing services, provide radon mitigation or have concerns about radon levels within your own facility, learning terms relevant to using radon equipment and supplies will help you make wiser decisions for your company and your clients.

 

Radon

Radon (symbol Rn) is a radioactive, colorless, tasteless, inert gaseous element formed by radium decay that can lead to increased risk of lung cancer. It can enter homes and buildings via soil by penetrating the structure's foundation or by release from well water.
Try: Learn more about the characteristics and sources of radon, as well as the health risks of radon exposure at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.

Pico curies per liter of air (pCi/l)

The term pCi/l represents a popular radon-level measurement unit. Put into perspective, a pico curie equals one-trillionth of a Curie (an international radioactivity unit measurement). The EPA-established acceptable level for radon in the United States is 4 pCi/l.
Try: Put 4pCi/l into perspective by reading the comparisons at Environmental Doctor Company.

Radon mitigation systems

Radon mitigation systems are the methods employed to reduce the level of radon gas within a home or other building. Acronyms include radon abatement, remediation and reduction systems.
Try: View pictures and technical drawings of radon mitigation systems at Infiltec.

Alpha particles

Alpha particles, also known as radon daughters or radon progeny, are the radioactive byproducts of radon gas. They're highly charged particles that cling to dust and other fine matter that people inhale.
Try: Learn more about the process of testing alpha particles at the National Radon Safety Board website.

Radon chambers

A radon chamber is an airtight enclosure designed for testing different levels of radon gas and decay products.
Try: Learn more about radon device testing in radon chambers at the National Radon Proficiency Program - National Environmental Health Association website.

Electret ion chamber

In use for about 20 years, electret ion chambers (EIC) are passive, charge-integrating devices used to test for radon by measuring surface alpha contamination.
Try: Discover more about how electret ion chambers work at Initiatives Online.

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