Client Communication and Reporting
What you must understand
Reports must be clear, accurate, and complete: device type, placement, test dates, closed-house conditions, results with units and uncertainty, comparison to the action level, and limitations (short-term vs. long-term variability). Explain what radon is, that it is common and manageable, and that results vary seasonally and with weather. Avoid jargon; use plain language and visual comparisons. Discuss next steps: retest (long-term or confirmatory short-term), mitigation by a qualified professional, and post-mitigation verification. Maintain confidentiality and provide records on request. Address client anxiety with facts, not alarm. Document any deviations from protocol and their effect on confidence. Follow up on questions and provide written recommendations.
Traps
Questions reward reports that omit uncertainty or limitations, or that overstate a single short-term result. Don't promise a specific post-mitigation level without verification. Avoid recommending mitigation solely on one borderline short-term test without discussing options.
Worked example
A 48-hour test reads 5.1 pCi/L. Report: device, dates, closed-house confirmation, result with uncertainty, exceeds 4 pCi/L action level, recommend confirmatory test or mitigation consult, note seasonal variability. Rule of thumb: state the number, the context, the comparison, and the next step.