How to Check for Radon? A Comprehensive Guide

Checking for radon is a straightforward process crucial for safeguarding your health and the well-being of your family. The best approach involves purchasing a readily available radon test kit or hiring a certified radon mitigation professional to conduct the assessment, depending on your preference for DIY or professional services.

Understanding Radon and Why Testing Matters

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s a Class A carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S.

The problem is that radon can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, or through gaps around pipes and wires. Because you can’t see, smell, or taste it, the only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it. The EPA recommends that all homes, regardless of location, be tested for radon. Elevated radon levels have been found in every state.

Methods for Radon Testing

There are two main types of radon testing: short-term testing and long-term testing.

Short-Term Radon Testing

Short-term tests typically remain in your home for 2 to 7 days. They are a quick and inexpensive way to determine if you might have a radon problem. These tests use either passive devices (like charcoal canisters or alpha track detectors) or active devices (which require electricity and continuously monitor radon levels).

• Charcoal Canisters: These are widely available and relatively inexpensive. They are exposed to the air for a specified period, and then sealed and mailed to a lab for analysis.
• Alpha Track Detectors: These detectors also collect radon particles over a short period.
• Electret Ion Chamber Detectors: These devices measure the voltage change caused by ionized radon gas.

Important Note: Short-term tests provide only a snapshot of radon levels at a particular time. Radon levels can fluctuate significantly due to weather conditions, ventilation, and other factors.

Long-Term Radon Testing

Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. They provide a more accurate average radon level because they account for these fluctuations. Long-term testing uses alpha track detectors.

The EPA recommends following up a short-term test with a long-term test if the initial result is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher. If a long-term test result is between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigating radon levels.

DIY Radon Test Kits vs. Professional Testing

You can choose to test for radon yourself using a DIY test kit purchased from a hardware store, home improvement store, or online. These kits typically cost between $10 and $30. Alternatively, you can hire a qualified radon mitigation professional to conduct the test. Professional testing can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the testing process.

DIY Radon Test Kits

• Pros: Affordable, convenient, and relatively easy to use.
• Cons: Requires following instructions carefully, ensuring proper placement, and mailing the sample to a certified lab. Results can take several weeks to arrive. Can be influenced by tampering if not properly monitored.

Professional Radon Testing

• Pros: Accurate and reliable results, conducted by trained and certified professionals. Can include continuous radon monitoring. Provides expert advice on mitigation strategies if needed.
• Cons: More expensive than DIY kits. Requires scheduling an appointment.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget, time constraints, and comfort level with DIY projects. If you’re unsure about the process or prefer to have the assurance of professional expertise, hiring a qualified radon mitigation professional is the way to go.

Steps for Conducting a Radon Test

Whether you choose a DIY kit or professional testing, following proper procedures is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Here are the general steps involved:

1. Close Windows and Doors: For at least 12 hours before and during the test, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. This helps to create a closed-house condition, which is necessary for accurate radon measurement. Avoid operating fans that exhaust air to the outside.
2. Place the Test Kit: Follow the instructions that come with your test kit carefully. Typically, you’ll place the test kit in the lowest livable level of your home (e.g., the basement) in a frequently used room, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and exterior walls.
3. Leave the Kit Undisturbed: Once placed, do not move or tamper with the test kit.
4. Record the Start and End Dates: Keep a record of the date and time you started the test and the date and time you ended it.
5. Mail the Sample (If Applicable): If you’re using a DIY kit, seal the sample as instructed and mail it to the certified lab for analysis.
6. Review the Results: Once you receive the results, compare them to the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Radon Testing

Q1: What is the EPA’s action level for radon?

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are 4 pCi/L or higher. Mitigation is strongly recommended if levels are above this threshold.

Q2: How often should I test my home for radon?

The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years. If you have made any changes to your home, such as renovations or foundation repairs, you should test again, regardless of when you last tested.

Q3: What happens if my radon test results are high?

If your radon test results are 4 pCi/L or higher, you should contact a qualified radon mitigation professional to discuss mitigation options.

Q4: What are some common radon mitigation techniques?

Common radon mitigation techniques include soil suction (subslab depressurization), which involves creating a vacuum under the concrete slab of your foundation to draw radon gas away from your home, and sealing cracks and other openings in your foundation.

Q5: Does radon testing require special equipment?

DIY radon test kits provide everything you need to perform the test. Professional testing utilizes calibrated instruments for accurate measurements and continuous monitoring capabilities.

Q6: Can radon levels vary in different parts of my home?

Yes, radon levels can vary in different parts of your home. This is why it’s important to test in the lowest livable level of your home, as radon tends to concentrate there.

Q7: Does my new home need to be tested for radon?

Yes, even new homes can have elevated radon levels. Construction materials and soil conditions can contribute to radon intrusion.

Q8: Can I test for radon myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

You can test for radon yourself using a DIY test kit, but hiring a professional ensures accurate results and expert guidance on mitigation if needed.

Q9: Are all radon test kits the same?

No, radon test kits vary in terms of sensitivity, duration, and the type of detector used. Choose a kit that is certified by a reputable organization and follow the instructions carefully.

Q10: Can weather conditions affect radon test results?

Yes, weather conditions can affect radon levels. During periods of low atmospheric pressure or cold weather, radon levels may be higher.

Q11: Is radon testing required when selling a home?

Radon testing requirements vary by state and local regulations. Check with your local real estate board or health department to determine the specific requirements in your area. It is always a good idea, regardless of local law, to test before selling.

Q12: How long does it take to mitigate a radon problem?

Radon mitigation typically takes one to two days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of your home.