What is the minimum required deployment period for short-term testing to ensure valid sampling?

The minimum required deployment period for short-term radon testing is indeed 48 hours. This duration is essential to ensure that the measurement captures the variations in radon levels that can occur over time and to attain a reliable average.

Testing for less than this period could lead to inaccurate results due to fluctuations in radon concentration that might not be accounted for. The 48-hour guideline helps to standardize the testing process, allowing for consistent and valid results necessary for making informed decisions regarding radon mitigation.

In this context, the focus is on validity and reliability of the sampling, emphasizing the importance of allowing enough time for the test device to adequately represent the radon levels in the environment. This period is set to balance practical considerations with the need for accuracy in measuring radon levels.