# Radon terms and source notes

Educational reference notes, not a property-specific test, diagnosis, electrical specification or guarantee.

Updated: 2026-10-09

## Terms

### Radon testing

A radon test measures radon concentration. Testing does not remove radon or establish that a home is free of risk. Follow the instructions for the selected test method. [Primary source](https://www.cdc.gov/radon/testing/index.html).

### EPA action level

EPA recommends fixing homes at 4.0 pCi/L or higher and considering reduction between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Lower concentrations still carry risk; the action level is not a boundary between risk and no risk. [Primary source](https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-epas-action-level-radon-and-what-does-it-mean).

### Active soil suction

An active soil-suction system uses a fan and piping to draw soil gas from beneath the home and discharge it outdoors. The fan must run continuously during normal operation. Radon measurements, not a running fan alone, assess the indoor concentration. [Primary source](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf).

### Manometer and warning device

A liquid manometer indicates pressure difference, not radon concentration. Check the system warning device regularly and follow the installer's operating instructions. A changed reading is a reason for assessment, not a diagnosis of a specific defect. [Primary source](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf).

### Retesting a mitigated home

EPA recommends retesting a home with a radon reduction system at least every two years. This is radon testing, not a universal two-year visual-inspection schedule. Respond to operating warnings without waiting for the routine retest. [Primary source](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf).

### Renovation and testing

CDC recommends testing before and after renovations and before changes that increase time spent on a lower level. Keep these testing triggers separate from routine equipment checks. [Primary source](https://www.cdc.gov/radon/testing/index.html).

## Clarifications and disclosures

### One business, not multiple offices

This website is operated by Air Sense Environmental. Its geographic focus describes service areas, not separate offices or independent businesses.

### Expert identity is not a review certificate

Jake Lusby is the owner and named radon professional. His Illinois IEMA Mitigation Professional license RNM20232346 is listed under Jacob Lusby. A byline or identity profile does not establish that he personally reviewed every page. [Primary source](https://public.iema.state.il.us/Radon/Home/LicenseIndex?Employer=Air%20Sense%20Environmental&LicenseTypeID=0&CountyID=0&SearchString=&PageSize=20).

### Confirm the written scope

Follow-up radon testing is recommended after mitigation. Confirm its provider, price, timing and scope in the written estimate; it is not automatically included. Confirm electrical work and warranty terms rather than assuming a blanket inclusion or performance guarantee.

### Equipment instructions and local requirements

EPA says electrical connections for active systems must follow local electrical codes. The actual fan model, installation instructions and jurisdiction determine the applicable installation details; general guidance is not a universal outlet, circuit or fan-orientation specification. [Primary source](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf).

### Illustration and authorship disclosure

Blog posts prepared with AI assistance carry a disclosure. Images labeled as AI-generated illustrations are not photographs of customer projects or evidence of a local installation. These reference notes were also prepared with AI assistance and do not claim independent expert review.

## Questions and corrections

For questions about a statement, include the page URL and the statement when contacting Air Sense Environmental. No response-time commitment is stated. [Contact](https://stcharlescountyradon.com/contact/).