Radon Surveys

Radon Surveys

MTI can provide kits to clients for testing of radon, as well as conducting the on-site surveys with their personnel. Radon-222 is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, underground water, and air. It is produced by the natural decomposition (radioactive decay) of radium-226 in soil and rocks, which migrates upwards through soil and accumulates inside structures. Breathing radon decay products increases the chance of developing lung cancer. The EPA has suggested an action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) for residences based largely on the ability of current technology to reduce radon concentrations to that level or below. The risk associated with a lifetime exposure to a radon level of 4 pCi/l is roughly equivalent to that associated with smoking ten cigarettes per day. The EPA defines radon zones as follows: Zone One areas have an average predicted indoor radon screening potential greater than 4 pCi/l. Zone Two areas are predicted to have indoor radon screening potential between 2 pCi/l and 4 pCi/l. Zone Three areas are predicted to have indoor radon screening potential less than 2 pCi/l. Within any area of a predicted radon zone there are likely to be areas with higher or lower radon levels than characterized for the area as a whole. Anomalies, both high and low, can be quite localized, and there is no substitute for testing individual buildings.

For more information, please contact:

Rusty Boicourt, P.G.
Environmental Services Manager
800.376.9754
boicourtr@mti-id.com