Aug
09

How to Test Your Home for Radon Effectively

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, accumulating to dangerous levels if left unmonitored. Because radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, testing is the only way to know if your home is safe. Here’s how to test your home for radon effectively to protect your family’s health.

Why Testing for Radon Is Important

Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing every home, regardless of location, because radon can be present in new or old structures, with or without basements.

Types of Radon Tests

  1. Short-Term Radon Test Kits
    These are the most common and affordable options. Short-term kits are placed in the lowest lived-in level of your home for 2–7 days. After exposure, you send the kit to a lab for analysis. They provide quick results and are ideal for initial screening.
  2. Long-Term Radon Test Kits
    Long-term tests measure radon levels for more than 90 days, providing a more accurate picture of your home’s average radon levels throughout different seasons and conditions.
  3. Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs)
    These are electronic devices used by professionals to give hourly radon readings over several days, offering detailed data and immediate results.

Steps to Test Your Home Effectively

  1. Choose the Right Test Kit
    Purchase a test kit that is EPA-approved or state-certified. Follow the instructions precisely to ensure accurate results.
  2. Place the Kit Properly
    • Test in the lowest level of your home that is regularly used.
    • Keep it away from drafts, exterior walls, high heat sources, and bathrooms to avoid inaccurate readings.
    • Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor.
  3. Maintain Closed-House Conditions
    For at least 12 hours before and during the test, keep windows and doors closed (except for normal entry and exit) to simulate average indoor conditions.
  4. Send the Kit for Analysis Promptly
    After the exposure period, seal the kit as instructed and mail it to the laboratory immediately to ensure valid results.

When to Retest

If your radon levels are close to or above 4.0 pCi/L (the EPA’s recommended action level), conduct a follow-up long-term test to confirm. Seasonal variations can affect results, so testing in different times of the year ensures comprehensive monitoring.

What to Do if Your Radon Levels Are High

If tests show elevated radon levels, contact professional radon mitigation services. These specialists install systems such as sub-slab depressurization, which ventilate radon from beneath your home and expel it safely outside, reducing levels effectively and protecting your household.

Integrating Radon Testing with Other Home Health Services

While focusing on radon testing, consider scheduling other essential services like rodent control inspections. Just as radon enters through small cracks and openings, so can rodents, compromising your home’s air quality and structural integrity. Combining these services ensures your home remains safe, healthy, and comfortable year-round.