It's easy to test your own home for radon.

Radon test kits, are all you'll need to test your home.

Decide on whether you want a short term or long term test. A short term test is from 3 to 7 days. A long term test is from 90 days to one year. Although many people opt only for the short term test, we recommend to add the long term test given that radon fluctuates continuously, hourly, daily and even seasonally. Since your risk is dependent not only on the level of radon but also on your exposure over time, a long term test gives you a more accurate picture of your actual exposure over time. Also, if your home is large, plan 1 kit for every two to three thousand square feet.

For the optimal test - we recommend this: Use both short term and long term test kits. The short term will give you results right away so you'll know if immediate action is warranted and the long term kit for your overall exposure. Our recommendation for the long term test is to do one for six months during the warm months and one for six months during the cold months for a complete picture of what's going on. You do not have to keep your home closed or obey closed house conditions for a long term test.

Read this for interpreting your test results.

.


Rules for an accurate short term test.

Instructions for how to use the radon test kits will come with them. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to the following guidelines.

General EPA Recommendations Regarding Short Term Radon Testing

  • Carefully follow the instructions that come with radon testing kits.
  • Close your windows and outside doors and keep them closed as much as possible during the test.
  • Be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test.
  • You should not conduct short term radon testing lasting just 4 or so days during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds.
  • The radon test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor).
  • It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed - away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls.
  • Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.
  • Maintain closed-house conditions during the entire time of a short term test, especially for tests shorter than one week in length.
  • Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, operate only window air-conditioning units which re-circulate interior air.
  • If a radon reduction system is in place, make sure the system is working.
  • Once you are finished, follow the directions for sending the test back to the laboratory.
  • If an elevated level is found, fix the home. Contact a qualified radon reduction contractor about lowering the radon level. The EPA recommends that you fix the home when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.

© 2006 Radon Professional Testing, LLC