- Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. When soil and rocks underneath your house radioactively decay, radon is released. Radon can seep through the ground into the house. It also enters the home through the water supply, cracks between waters pipes and space in your home's walls. Since radon is odorless and invisible, it can easily affect your household without you knowing it. Luckily, radon testing can detect radon levels. If you have high radon levels, you can take precautions to seal your house and ensure that up to 99 percent less radon gets into your house, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
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To test for radon, you can rely on at-home test kits that you send away for professional readings or you can schedule a tester to perform the test for you. Most at-home kits can be found at hardware stores and various online retailers. Regardless of the method you use, tests will take into account pCi/L (pico curies per liter of air). Named after French chemist Marie Curie, pCi/L indicates the number of radioactive atoms in the air. Some of the common self-testing methods include passive tests that don't require a power source (charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers and charcoal liquid scintillation) and others that require a power adapter. In general, self tests are left in the home for up to 90 days. Make sure your windows are closed so your reading is accurate.
Shorter term tests that take two to three days will require additional preparation. Test during times with temperate climate conditions. Heavy winds can blow atypical amounts of radon into the home. Also, any open windows and door will create false radon readings. Thus, for short tests in which each hour is weighted most heavily in the reading, keep your home sealed for 12 hours before the test.
Since radon occurs at the highest levels in rooms closer to the ground, test the lowest regularly used room in the house (not including a bathroom or kitchen). Place your item in a neutral location, at least 20 inches off the ground, away from any the elements, including dampness or drafts.
Once your test is completed, mail the test to the lab for analysis (as indicated by your kit). If you are worried about your ability to complete the home test, you can contact your state radon office for a professional test. A professional tester will use similar items that measure pCi/L to establish the peak radon levels in your home. -
Those who want a more foolproof radon reading should utilize long-term testing techniques. Alpha track and electret detectors are used for periods longer than 90 days. Long-term tests' lengthier sample times will determine your home's year-long radon average. Since radon levels vary depending on factors such as external weather and heater use, long-term testing is more accurate that short-term testing. The EPA also recommends long term tests for any home that shows an initial reading of 4 pCi/L or greater on the initial short-term test. If the long-term test also gives a reading of 4 pCi/L or greater, you will need to take steps to protect your home from radon exposure. Your state radon office and the EPA website will give you techniques to seal your home. The EPA estimates that the average home can be reduced to 2 pCi/L with the proper home protection methods.
For people purchasing a new home, make sure radon testing is completed before you commit to the home.
