What Can Affect Radon Test Results?

So, you have taken the necessary steps to carry out a radon test and understandably due to the effects of long-term exposure you want an accurate reading to determine your next plan of action. However, radon levels are always fluctuating so what can affect your radon test? Well, there are many external factors that can influence this…

Extreme Weather

With extreme thunderstorms and heavy rainfall thanks to Storm Ciara alongside further snow and ice warnings, this can have a knock-on effect on radon testing results.

Along with travel disruptions and public safety concerns, storms also bring in lower pressure in the atmosphere. Cold weather can cause the ground to be more compact and creating pressure for radon to escape elsewhere, this lower pressure can cause radon to “flow” faster than usual therefore changing how radon enters the property. High winds can either be pushing out the radon (creating high pressure in the home) or “vacuuming” it in (creating low pressure in the home).

As the weather gets colder we crank up our central heating causing our homes to get warmer. Hot air rises and along with it, radon. There was an investigation of the relationship between earthquakes and indoor radon concentrations within a building in Korea. The report observed spike-like patterns between the indoor radon concentration distributions and earthquakes. Even in the UK, minor tremors have been noted to cause spikes in radon levels, which is particularly noticeable if using a continuous radon monitor.

Ventilation

In order to obtain accurate test results, radon testing requires closed home conditions during the testing period. This means all windows and doors should remain closed, except for the normal entrance and exit of the home.

Opening and closing doors and windows more than you would during normal occupation during the testing period will change the ventilation and temperature of the home which will temporarily change the radon levels as well. It’s important to realise some household appliances will alter the airflow of the house. This includes fireplaces, fans and wood burners as these can create drafts that pull air through the home.

Radon Detector Placement

As radon comes from the ground, it enters through the lowest level of the property. The detectors need to be placed in the lowest habitable part of the property.

Detector Interference

Once the detector has been placed, it is crucial that the detectors are not moved for any reason. A change in placement or tampering with the detector can void the test results so it’s important to make sure the detectors are out of the reach of children and pets.

Interpreting Radon Test Results

If you have any more questions on how does a radon detector work or how to reduce radon levels services, please click the link down below. With over 20 years of experience in the field of radon mitigation, we’re happy to help.