MEASURING POLLUTANT LEVELS

MEASURING POLLUTANT LEVELS

The federal government recommends that you measure the level of
radon in your home. Without measurements there is no way to tell
whether radon is present because it is a colorless, odorless,
radioactive gas. Inexpensive devices are available for measuring
radon. EPA provides guidance as to risks associated with
different levels of exposure and when the public should consider
corrective action. There are specific mitigation techniques that
have proven effective in reducing levels of radon in the home.
(See Radon section on p. 11 of this booklet for additional
information about testing and controlling radon in homes.)

For pollutants other than radon, measurements are most
appropriate when there are either health symptoms or signs of
poor ventilation and specific sources or pollutants have been
identified as possible causes of indoor air quality problems.
Testing for many pollutants can be expensive. Before monitoring
your home for pollutants besides radon, consult your state or
local health department or professionals who have experience in
solving indoor air quality problems in nonindustrial buildings.