What is the recommended action if radon levels are found to be elevated during a short-term test?

When elevated radon levels are found during a short-term test, the recommended action is to conduct a follow-up test. This is critical because short-term tests can sometimes yield variable results due to factors such as weather conditions, the building's ventilation status, or the time of year. Conducting a follow-up test ensures that the readings are accurate and consistent over a longer period.

A follow-up test can confirm whether the initial test result was a true indication of problematic radon levels within the environment, necessitating further action, or if it was an anomaly. If elevated radon levels are still detected after the follow-up test, this is when mitigation strategies would ideally be implemented to reduce radon concentrations in the home or building.

Other options may not adequately address the issue of radon exposure, thereby failing to ensure the safety of the occupants. For instance, ignoring the results would leave occupants at risk without taking appropriate precautions. Immediate mitigation without confirmatory testing may lead to unnecessary costs and interventions if the first result was inaccurate. Finally, testing only if there is a complaint does not follow best practices, as radon can exist at harmful levels without any immediate health complaints from occupants.