Can short-term measurements be used to estimate a year-long radon average?

Short-term measurements are typically used to assess radon levels over a shorter time frame, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. However, they do not reliably provide an accurate estimate of the annual average radon level in a given location. This is primarily because radon levels can fluctuate significantly due to various factors, including seasonal changes, weather patterns, and building occupancy.

Long-term radon monitoring, which involves measurements taken over an extended period (usually several months to a year), is necessary to account for these variations and accurately reflect the annual average concentrations. Consequently, while short-term measurements can indicate potential radon presence and urgency for remediation, they are insufficient as a sole method for estimating a year-long radon average. Understanding these dynamics in radon behavior emphasizes the limitations of short-term assessments.