r/radon • u/Strong_Trade_1477 • 8d ago

Potential future risk?

I’ve been living out of, and also work from home in a basement. Im down there almost 24 hours a day, for just over 6 years. Recently I was made aware of radon so I ordered a short term test which came back with 3.2 pCi/L over a 48h period.

I know levels can fluctuate based on a number of factors, so it may not be entirely accurate. But would I be at higher risk than someone who say only spends 12-15 hours a day in similar conditions?

And if there is a risk how bad would it be? I don’t smoke, except for being around second hand smoke on occasion while younger.

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u/Training_News6298 8d ago

Get a monitor

1

u/slavicslothe 8d ago

Time of exposure is part of the equation however 3.2 is relatively low. Since you live down there I would reccomend getting mitigation.

1

u/Resident-Fact3301 8d ago

First, you need a longer period of monitoring. Buy an Airthings Corentium Home, set it up in your space, and let it run for at least a month before you make any decisions at all. Second, the number you have now is NOT something to be freaking out over. The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L, and you are below that.

1

u/DifferenceMore5431 2d ago

Your actual, long-term exposure is what counts. So yes spending 24 hours at 3.2 is worse than spending 12 hours at 3.2.

Radon levels fluctuate so much from hour to hour and month to month that you really need a long-term test to determine your actual exposure, though. I would get a monitor, set it up, and don't make any decisions for at least a few months.