Radon test reports and mitigation quotes use a specific vocabulary that isn’t always explained. This glossary covers the terms you’re most likely to encounter, in plain language.
- pCi/L is the standard U.S. radon measurement unit; 4 pCi/L is the EPA action level.
- Short-term, long-term, and continuous monitors each serve different testing purposes.
- ASD (active sub-slab depressurization) is the standard mitigation method.
- NRPP/NRSB certification indicates a professional has passed proficiency testing.
Measurement Terms
pCi/L (picocuries per liter): the standard U.S. unit for radon concentration in air. The EPA’s action level is 4 pCi/L, meaning mitigation is recommended at or above this level.
Becquerel (Bq/m³): the metric equivalent unit used in some countries and occasionally on imported devices; roughly 37 Bq/m³ equals 1 pCi/L.
Action level: the concentration threshold (4 pCi/L in the U.S.) at which the EPA recommends taking mitigation action. It’s a recommendation, not a legal requirement, though some states and real estate transactions treat it as a practical benchmark.
Testing Terms
Short-term test: a 2-7 day test using a charcoal canister or electret ion chamber, typically used for initial screening or real estate transactions.
Long-term test: a 90-day-to-one-year test using alpha-track detectors, giving a more representative annual average.
Continuous radon monitor (CRM): an electronic device that logs radon levels continuously and displays both short-term and long-term averages, often with a smartphone app.
Mitigation Terms
ASD (Active Sub-slab Depressurization): the standard residential mitigation method — a fan-driven system that draws soil gas from beneath the foundation and vents it above the roofline before it enters the home.
Manometer: a simple pressure gauge installed on a mitigation system’s pipe to confirm the fan is creating negative pressure (working correctly) beneath the slab.
NRPP / NRSB certification: credentialing bodies (National Radon Proficiency Program, National Radon Safety Board) that certify radon measurement and mitigation professionals through training and proficiency testing.
FAQ
What does ‘4 pCi/L’ actually mean for my health decision?
It’s the concentration threshold at which the EPA recommends mitigation. It isn’t a hard safety cutoff — risk increases with any exposure — but it’s the practical benchmark used for action decisions.
Is NRPP or NRSB certification required by law?
Requirements vary by state. Some states mandate certification for anyone performing radon measurement or mitigation professionally; others don’t, though certification is still a good indicator of training.
This glossary is for general orientation. Refer to your specific test report or contractor’s documentation for terms not covered here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
