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Do you cognise ifradon gasis present in your home ? Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is naturally found in tracing amounts within the air . These shadow amount are n’t anything to be concerned about , as the throttle spread quickly outside . However , as theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA ) excuse , radon gas can impersonate a serious health headache indoors .
The gas can move though initiation cracks and other kettle of fish within a home or building , have it to become trapped inside . If the radon level become too high within a structure , it can stick serious wellness concerns . Approximately 21,000 lung cancer decease each year are due to radon vulnerability , making radon second only to smoking for lung cancer death .
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Learning how to test for radon can help you identify whether this invisible gas is lallygag in your household and threaten the health of anyone living under your cap . Even if you have one normal radon test , you should retest every 2 years , as radon spirit level can waver . fortuitously , if radon gas is detected in your plate , there are measures you’re able to take to improve the indoor air quality of the home andmanage radon layer .
Tools & Materials
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
When conducting a atomic number 86 test , it is crucial to follow the maker ’s instructions for exam placement , timing , and other factor . Here are some ecumenical pointers on test emplacement :
STEP 1: Set up a short-term radon test.
A brusque - termradon test kitcan give you prompt information about whether radon gas is present in your abode . Depending on the test you choose , you ’ll require to leave it out in your house for between 2 and 90 days . After the required amount of time has passed , the run can be sent back to a lab for processing . The results of the trial will then be send back to you . If the radon level in your home base are at or above 4 pCi / L ( picocuries per liter ) , contact a radon extenuation caller .
While unretentive - terminal figure atomic number 86 tests deliver the fastest results , they are not always the most precise choice . Radon stratum can vacillate over time , so the recitation you get over just a few days may not be reflective of the level of radon present in your home at other time during the yr .
Our testimonial : First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit at Amazon for $ 13.58This testing outfit includes all the materials and science laboratory fees you ’ll require to conduct a home plate atomic number 86 test . An EPA- and NRPP - certified lab analyzes the result and emails you a summary within 72 hours of receive the mental testing .
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STEP 2: Measure radon levels with a long-term test.
According to theCenters for Disease Control(CDC ) , long term atomic number 86 testing is more likely to provide you with accurate results . Because of fluctuations in radon tier , allow for a examination kit out for more than 90 days , as is ask with long - term tests , will take into account seasonal changes in radon grade and deliver a more complete picture .
Many long - term Rn tests practice alpha - trailing to valuate atomic number 86 levels . The tests consist of polycarbonate sheet that are leave in the basement ( or lowest tier ) of the home . The alpha atom emitted by radon gas leave tracks behind on the sheets . After the testing time period is thoroughgoing , a lab will analyze alpha tracks on the sheets . More alpha rails signal mellow levels of radon in the home .
Depending on where you live , you may be able to quest a free radon trial run kit from your province radon office .
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Our Recommendation : Ecosense RD200 Radon Eye Home Radon Detector at Amazon for $ 167.00This recollective - terminus test outfit updates radon issue every 10 second and stores a year of information , allowing you to make headway a full picture of your home ’s levels . With the Bluetooth connectivity , you could supervise radon levels from your smartphone .
STEP 3: Continuously test for radon with a monitor.
Another elbow room to test for radon gas andtrack the airwave lineament in your homeis to utilize a digital radon monitor . These varan valuate the alpha speck in the airwave using a particular sensor . They continuously take readings and display genuine - time pCi / L readings on the screen .
Many continuous tests offer Wi - Fi connectivity , allowing you to unite them to your smartphone . This allow you to welcome notification and alerts if radon stage are too high .
Our passport : Airthings 2989 Radon Monitor at Amazon for $ 199.99This continuous radon proctor use Wi - Fi to send off alerts , graphs , and additional information to your smartphone . In addition to monitoring radon levels , it also quantify temperature and humidness .
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STEP 4: If you have a private well, test your water for radon.
Well pee can also contain radon . Radon can be found secret , which can cause it to work up up in well water . When you use well water in your home — in particular heated well water — the radon can dissolve and move into the tune . This can top to temporarily higher radon levels when large quantities of water are used , such as when pack a shower , running the dishwasher , or cleaning a incumbrance of laundry .
If your drinking weewee comes from a reservoir , lake , or river , it is less likely for radon to be present in the body of water . Because these water sources are exposed to the melodic phrase , the absolute majority of the radon gets released into the atmosphere before the water enters your home .
Our Recommendation : Pro - Lab Radon Water Test Kit at Lowes for $ 9.71Collect a pee sample distribution with this test kit , then send it to be analyzed using EPA - sanction lab method . You ’ll receive results from the run within a calendar week of it being received by the lab .
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STEP 5: Consider mitigation for high levels of radon.
If the radon level in your family is at or above 4 pCi / L , you should believe contacting a licensedradon extenuation professional . professional person can assess your place ’s structure and foundation to decide the idealistic case of radon extenuation organisation for your property .
Once set up , the mitigation system will remove zephyr from the land and send it outside the plate . The radon extenuation professional you charter should also assess the foundation and seal any wisecrack or openings to further deoxidise the amount of radon flatulence that is capable to enroll the nursing home .
Final Thoughts
Radon in a home can pose a serious threat and increase the chances of developing cancer . Testing for radon floor can alert you to a possible threat and enable you to hire a professional to mitigate to prevent or reduce hazardously in high spirits levels .
Remember , long - full term test are seen as a more precise index number of radon levels because they take fluctuation into account . However , a inadequate - term trial run can attend as a good starting point togive you quick insight , such as when you ’re considering purchasing a home .
FAQ About Testing for Radon at Home
If you still have some unanswered questions about radon trial run , such as how often to test for radon , whether it is better to hire a professional to conduct a Rn test , or why radon levels may vary , confer the FAQ below .
Q. Is it safe to use a DIY radon test kit?
Yes , DIY radon test kits are secure to use . A farsighted - term trial is more likely to provide accurate upshot that take fluctuating radon levels into account than a short - full term run would be .
Q.Why do radon levels vary within homes?
Radon level can fluctuate based on temperature , humidity , rain or snow , nothingness speeds , the amount of ventilation in the family , and a variety of other factor .
Q.Can radon levels change over time?
Yes , it is potential for radon levels to change over metre . The radon degree in the soil beneath a house can increase , head to raise grade within the home . Over clock time , it is also possible for more radon to accumulate in a family , leading to an increase in interpretation from one year to the next .
Q.What is the recommended length of time for a radon test?
The recommend radon examination time can vary based on manufacturer . myopic - condition mental testing typically take between 2 and 90 days , while long - terminus tryout will be left out for more than 90 days .
Q.How often should I test for radon in my home?
consort to the EPA , you should try out radon stratum in your home every 2 years .
Q.Should I hire a professional to conduct a radon test in my home?
While you may direct a radon test on your own , a train professional person may be able to get more accurate results . A professional will also be able to aid you understand the test results and determine whether mitigation is necessary .
The prices list here are exact as of publication on 12/16/22 .
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