Increase in radon level w/ control system already in place: Dangerous?

Question

I'm about to purchase a house that has a radon control system in place. The owner tested it in 2003, after the system was installed, and the level was 0.6 (very good). I just had another test done as part of my home inspection, and the levels came back as 1.7 / 2.0 (from two basement locations). I know this is still quite under the 4.0 level of "acceptability," but my concern is the three-fold increase over the last 4 years. Could it continue to increase at this rate? If so, is it a matter of getting a bigger & better system? It's a small house (950 ft2) and the inspector's opinion was that it's a good system for a house that size. (If it had been 2.0 from the start, I wouldn't feel concerned, but the increase has me worried.) Any experiences or knowledge of this would be welcomed - Thank you!

Answer 1

One thing you probably will not be able to find out is how the 0.6 level was determined. What kind of test? Where it was taken in the basement? What was the level to start with? Basement conditions,etc.
Radon levels do fluctuate from day to day. A decrease in the systems reduction rates could be attributed to sealing issues near the vent pipe(s) entry into the concrete floor. This would lessen the fans ability to reach across the entire basement square footage. If sealing is not a problem then a second suction point or branch off of the present system would definitely lower the level somemore. Or adding a larger fan is another option.
In my experience, unless you have some serious cracks that are growing in the concrete floor the radon level will not continue to climb.
I think a 1.2pCi/L rise in your level is not worrisome and if does rise more your system can be optimized and easily kept below 1pCi/L. The best way to assess your level, if you buy the home is to do a long term test of 30 days to a year to get a better look at your average levels over the long haul.
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Answer 2

Check if the house has been renovated and sealed since the 2003 test. If it has been renovated and sealed, there may be less outside air exchange in the basement which would account for the increased radon level.

Answer 3

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