How to Test for Radon in Your Home

HOW TO HOW TO Test for Radon Test for Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that can move though cracks and holes within a home, causing it to become trapped inside. If radon levels become too high, it can pose serious health concerns. Approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are caused by radon exposure , making radon second only to smoking for lung cancer deaths. Radon is a radioactive gas that can move though cracks and holes within a home, causing it to become trapped inside. If radon levels become too high, it can pose serious health concerns. Approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are caused by radon exposure , making radon second only to smoking for lung cancer deaths. Why test for radon? Why test for radon?

1. Short-Term Radon Test 1. Short-Term Radon Test Depending on the test you choose, you’ll need to leave it out in your house for between 2 and 90 days. The test is sent to a lab for processing. If the radon levels in your home are at or above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), contact a radon mitigation company. Depending on the test you choose, you’ll need to leave it out in your house for between 2 and 90 days. The test is sent to a lab for processing. If the radon levels in your home are at or above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), contact a radon mitigation company. Our Recommendation: First Alert Radon Test Kit at Amazon Our Recommendation: First Alert Radon Test Kit at Amazon *BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

2. Long-Term Radon Test 2. Long-Term Radon Test A long-term test provides a more complete picture of seasonal changes in radon levels. Long-term tests often consist of polycarbonate sheets that are left in the lowest level of the home for more than 90 days. The alpha particles emitted by radon gas leave tracks behind on the sheets. More alpha tracks signal higher levels of radon in the home. A long-term test provides a more complete picture of seasonal changes in radon levels. Long-term tests often consist of polycarbonate sheets that are left in the lowest level of the home for more than 90 days. The alpha particles emitted by radon gas leave tracks behind on the sheets. More alpha tracks signal higher levels of radon in the home. Our Recommendation: Ecosense Radon Detector at Amazon Our Recommendation: Ecosense Radon Detector at Amazon

3. Continuous Radon Test 3. Continuous Radon Test Another way to test for radon gas and track the air quality in your home is to use a digital radon monitor. These monitors measure the alpha particles in the air using a special sensor. They continuously take readings and display pCi/L readings on a screen. Another way to test for radon gas and track the air quality in your home is to use a digital radon monitor. These monitors measure the alpha particles in the air using a special sensor. They continuously take readings and display pCi/L readings on a screen. Our Recommendation: Airthings Radon Monitor at Amazon Our Recommendation: Airthings Radon Monitor at Amazon

4. Well Water Radon Test 4. Well Water Radon Test Radon can build up in well water. When you use well water in your home—particularly heated well water—the radon can dissolve and move into the air. This can lead to temporarily higher radon levels when large quantities of water are used, such as when taking a shower. Radon can build up in well water. When you use well water in your home—particularly heated well water—the radon can dissolve and move into the air. This can lead to temporarily higher radon levels when large quantities of water are used, such as when taking a shower. Our Recommendation: Pro-Lab Radon Water Test at Amazon Our Recommendation: Pro-Lab Radon Water Test at Amazon

5. Radon Mitigation 5. Radon Mitigation If the radon level in your home is at or above 4 pCi/L, you should consider contacting a licensed radon mitigation professional . Professionals can assess your home’s structure and foundation to decide the ideal type of radon mitigation system for your property. If the radon level in your home is at or above 4 pCi/L, you should consider contacting a licensed radon mitigation professional . Professionals can assess your home’s structure and foundation to decide the ideal type of radon mitigation system for your property.

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