How to Check for Radon in Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Checking for radon in your home involves employing either a short-term or long-term test, followed by professional mitigation if levels exceed EPA action guidelines. This simple, often overlooked process can safeguard your family from this invisible, odorless gas that poses a serious health risk.

Understanding Radon: The Silent Threat

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, as well as through gaps around pipes and wires. Because radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, the only way to detect it is through testing. Chronic exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, surpassed only by smoking.

Why Test for Radon?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. The risk is present in all types of homes – new and old, well-sealed and drafty. The geology beneath a house plays a major role, but even neighboring homes can have drastically different radon levels. Therefore, testing is the only reliable way to determine if your home is at risk. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon.

Radon Testing Methods: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

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

Short-Term Radon Tests

Short-term tests are generally conducted over 2 to 7 days and provide a quick snapshot of radon levels. Common types include:

• Activated Charcoal Adsorption: These tests involve placing a container filled with activated charcoal in the lowest lived-in level of your home. The charcoal absorbs radon, and you mail the container to a lab for analysis after the testing period.
• Electret Ion Chamber: This test utilizes an electrically charged disk (electret) inside a small chamber. Radon ions neutralize the charge on the electret, and the change in charge is measured to determine radon concentration.

Short-term tests are convenient for initial screening, but their results can fluctuate due to weather conditions or seasonal variations. If a short-term test reveals elevated levels, a follow-up test – preferably a long-term one – is recommended.

Long-Term Radon Tests

Long-term tests measure radon levels for a period of 90 days or more. They provide a more accurate representation of your home’s average radon concentration over time, mitigating the impact of short-term fluctuations. Alpha Track Detectors are often used in long-term testing. These detectors contain a special plastic film that is etched by alpha particles emitted by radon. The number of tracks on the film indicates the average radon concentration during the testing period.

Long-term tests offer a more reliable assessment of radon exposure risk, making them ideal for informed decision-making regarding mitigation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Radon Test

Regardless of which type of test you choose, following these steps ensures accurate and reliable results:

1. Purchase a Radon Test Kit: You can purchase radon test kits from hardware stores, home improvement centers, or online retailers. Ensure the kit is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
2. Choose the Testing Location: Select the lowest lived-in level of your home. This is often the basement, but if your basement is unfinished and rarely used, test on the first floor. Avoid testing in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms, as humidity and ventilation can affect results.
3. Prepare the Room: Close windows and exterior doors for at least 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the entire testing period. This helps prevent drafts that could dilute radon concentrations.
4. Place the Test Kit: Position the test kit at least 20 inches above the floor and away from exterior walls, windows, doors, and heat sources. Do not place it in direct sunlight.
5. Follow Instructions Carefully: Each test kit comes with specific instructions. Read and follow them meticulously to ensure accurate results.
6. Record Testing Information: Note the date, time, and location where you placed the test kit. This information is required when you submit the test for analysis.
7. Mail the Test Kit: Once the testing period is complete, promptly mail the test kit to the designated laboratory for analysis.

Interpreting Radon Test Results and Mitigation

The EPA’s action level for radon is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your test results are at or above this level, the EPA recommends taking steps to mitigate the problem. Even levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L warrant consideration of mitigation, especially if you plan to live in the home for an extended period.

Radon mitigation involves installing a system to vent radon gas from beneath the house to the outside. This typically involves:

• Sub-Slab Depressurization: This is the most common mitigation method. It involves installing a PVC pipe through the foundation and connecting it to a fan that draws radon gas from beneath the slab and vents it outside.
• Soil Depressurization: Similar to sub-slab depressurization, but used when the foundation is not a solid slab.
• Sealing Cracks and Openings: Sealing cracks in the foundation and around pipes can help reduce radon entry, but it is often not sufficient as a standalone mitigation method.

It is crucial to hire a certified radon mitigation professional to install the system. A professional can assess your home’s specific needs and design an effective mitigation system. After mitigation, you should retest your home to ensure the system is working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radon

Q1: How much does it cost to test for radon?

The cost of a radon test kit varies depending on the type of test and the retailer. Short-term test kits typically range from $15 to $30, while long-term test kits can cost between $30 and $50. These prices usually include the lab analysis fee.

Q2: Can I perform a radon test myself, or do I need a professional?

You can absolutely perform a radon test yourself using a certified test kit. The instructions are straightforward, and the kits are readily available. Hiring a professional to conduct the test is also an option, but it is generally not necessary.

Q3: How often should I test my home for radon?

The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years, especially if you live in an area known to have high radon levels. You should also test after any major renovations or alterations to your home’s foundation or ventilation system.

Q4: Are some geographic areas more prone to radon than others?

Yes. Radon levels vary geographically depending on the underlying geology. The EPA has published maps indicating areas with higher potential for elevated radon levels. However, even within high-risk areas, individual homes can have vastly different radon levels. It is crucial to test your own home, regardless of your location.

Q5: Does radon only affect basements?

While radon is often found in higher concentrations in basements because they are closest to the soil, it can affect any level of your home. Radon can migrate upwards through the house, so it is important to test on the lowest lived-in level.

Q6: What should I do if my radon test results are borderline (slightly below 4 pCi/L)?

Even if your radon levels are slightly below the EPA’s action level, you should still consider taking action, especially if you plan to live in the home for an extended period. You can retest your home with a long-term test to get a more accurate average reading. You might also consider sealing cracks and openings in your foundation to reduce radon entry.

Q7: Can radon levels fluctuate over time?

Yes, radon levels can fluctuate due to factors such as weather conditions, seasonal changes, and changes in ventilation. This is why long-term testing is recommended for a more accurate assessment.

Q8: Is radon in well water a concern?

Radon can be present in well water, although it is typically less of a concern than radon entering the home from the soil. If you have a private well, you should test your water for radon. Special aeration systems can be installed to remove radon from well water.

Q9: Does opening windows reduce radon levels?

Opening windows can temporarily reduce radon levels by increasing ventilation. However, this is not a long-term solution. Radon will quickly build up again once the windows are closed. Mitigation is the only effective way to permanently reduce radon levels.

Q10: How long does radon mitigation take?

The installation of a radon mitigation system typically takes one day. However, the complexity of the installation can vary depending on the size and design of your home.

Q11: How much does radon mitigation cost?

The cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of the installation. The average cost ranges from $800 to $2,500.

Q12: Are there any government programs to help with the cost of radon mitigation?

Some states offer financial assistance programs to help homeowners with the cost of radon mitigation. Contact your state radon office or local health department to learn about available programs in your area.