Understanding Radon: Why Levels Fluctuate and How to Manage Them

Many know that radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if it accumulates to high levels in your home.  But can radon levels change over time? The answer is yes. Radon levels can rise and fall throughout the year – and even enter unsafe territory – as the seasons change.

If you’re surprised to see your radon levels rising (or falling), we’ll explain the science behind fluctuating radon levels, the factors at play,  best practices for home radon testing, and tips for addressing high levels.

First: What Counts As an Elevated Radon Level?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher as elevated. At this threshold, action is recommended to reduce radon concentrations in your home. However, even levels below this benchmark can pose some health risks with prolonged exposure. Consistently monitoring radon levels will help you determine when mitigation may be necessary.

Why Do Radon Levels Fluctuate?

Short-term radon tests provide a snapshot of your current radon levels. However, those levels may vary slightly – either trending upward or downward – over the course of the year. So, what’s with the ebb and flow? Environmental factors, like temperature changes and building conditions, can cause you to get higher or lower radon readings than you may have received previously. Here are some variables that can cause higher or lower radon levels.

Seasonal Changes

Radon levels can vary with the seasons. Many notice their radon levels tend to increase during the winter months as temperatures drop – right around the time folks turn their heating systems on. 

Homes are more tightly sealed in the winter, which can trap radon gas inside. However, the stack effect can best explain this relationship between higher winter radon levels and cooler temperatures outside. The natural process of convection (an air circulation process where hot air rises and cold air falls) will cause warm air to rise into the upper levels of your home from lower levels and even the soil below. As convection occurs, this can create a vacuum that pulls radon-rich air from the ground into the lower levels of your home. 

Humidity and Weather Conditions

Middle Tennessee is known for sweltering, sticky summers. But does humidity affect radon levels? Yes, humidity does play a role in your radon! High humidity levels can influence radon gas behavior, and in enclosed spaces, higher humidity levels often lead to higher radon concentrations. 

Similarly, weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or drastic temperature changes can cause variations in radon concentrations by affecting soil conditions and the movement of radon gas.

Ventilation and Airflow

The way air moves through your home can significantly impact your radon levels. Poor ventilation can allow radon gas to accumulate. Luckily, increased airflow can be created with an active radon system. An active radon system uses a specialized fan and piping system to depressurize your sub-lab or sub-membrane and vent radon outdoors, ensuring your indoor levels aren’t above the EPA  standard of 4.0 pC/iL.

Home Modifications and Maintenance

Structural changes, such as new additions or alterations to your home’s foundation, can impact your home’s airflow and, therefore, your radon levels. Even routine maintenance, like sealing cracks in floors and walls, can influence how radon enters and accumulates in your home.

Understanding Radon Averages and Testing Methods

Radon levels naturally fluctuate, so 90-day averages are commonly used to provide a more accurate representation of radon exposure over time. Unlike short-term tests that measure radon levels for as short as 48 hours to up to 7 days, long-term tests offer insights into seasonal variations and average radon concentrations. 

A home monitoring device can help homeowners identify consistent exposure trends, making it easier to decide if a different approach to radon mitigation is necessary.

Best Practices for Accurate Radon Testing

Since weather conditions and seasonal changes can cause radon levels to fluctuate, how can you ensure an accurate read on your radon? To effectively monitor radon levels, following best practices during radon tests is crucial. If you’re considering radon testing, here are some tips to ensure reliable test results.

Use a Quality Test Kit

To measure indoor radon levels accurately, choose a reputable short-term or long-term test kit. The Radon Guys offer high-quality 48-hour tests that you can trust and a number of long-term home radon monitoring systems that allow you to get a long-term view of your radon levels.

Avoid Testing During Extreme Weather

Know that weather events, like storms or abnormally high humidity, can cause radon levels to rise above average. If your radon test is taken during an extreme weather event, it could have an artificially high or low reading compared to your baseline average.

Limit Disruptions

In order to get the most accurate results from your radon test, you’ll need to avoid altering airflow during a radon test. For example, do not run exhaust fans or open windows. 

It’s best to keep your radon test in a closed room on the lowest liveable level of your home, and even better if you can avoid entering or exiting that room during the test period. 

Repeat Testing

Radon levels can change over time. Conducting multiple tests throughout the year, or at least every two years, as the EPA recommends, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your home’s radon levels.

What If I Have High Radon Levels? 

If testing reveals you have high radon levels, it’s essential to take action promptly. The good news is that radon mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon concentrations in your home. These systems work by venting radon gas from beneath your home to the outside, preventing it from entering your living spaces. The Radon Guys specialize in designing and installing radon mitigation systems tailored to your home’s unique needs.

Don’t Panic Over Temporary Higher Levels

If you already know your home’s baseline radon level, a temporary increase should not necessarily alarm you. Fluctuations are normal and often influenced by environmental conditions like weather or seasonal changes. For instance, a spike during a storm or winter months may be temporary and does not mean that your overall radon exposure has increased significantly. Regular monitoring and focusing on long-term averages provide a more accurate picture of your radon risk.

Need Help Managing Elevated Radon Levels? Call on The Radon Guys

Concerned about fluctuating radon levels in your home? The Radon Guys in Nashville are here to help. Our expert team offers comprehensive radon mitigation services to ensure your home remains safe year-round. Don’t leave your home's air quality to chance – contact The Radon Guys today to learn how we can help you manage radon levels effectively.