How to Use a Radon Test Kit in Your Home

Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up to high levels in homes located in areas of strong concentration. High concentrations occur in all geographic areas, so the only way to find out if your home has a high level is to test. The health hazards can be severe–—radon is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find out if your home has been tested for radon previously. Check with the realtor who handled the purchase or with the previous owner. If you do not know if the house has been tested, you should test.

2. Purchase a radon test kit at your hardware store or building supply house. Make sure that you buy an EPA-approved test kit.

3. Leave all windows and doors closed (as much as possible) for at least 12 hours prior to using the test kit.

4. Place the test kit in the lowest level of your home (typically the basement). Place it centrally if possible, where it won't be disturbed, and 2 to 6 feet above the floor. Do not leave the kit in a kitchen or bathroom, near a heat source such as a stove or heater, or in a draft.

5. Leave the kit as directed (usually 2 to 90 days).

6. Reseal the kit after the specified period and send it to the lab as directed by the documentation.

7. Await notification of the results.

8. Retest if your result indicates a high level of radon. Consider having the retest done by an EPA-certified testing service.

9. Discuss the remediation options with an EPA-certified contractor in your area if the second test confirms the level.

Tips & Warnings

• Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). An average indoor level is approximately 1.3. The EPA suggests remediation in any home with a reading of 4 or higher.
• Correction of a radon problem will probably cost between $500 and $3,500, depending upon the house and the severity of the problem.
• A high or low level of radon in a neighbor's house does not necessarily indicate the same condition in your home. Testing each house separately is essential.

[1citygirl]

on 8/18/2008 Good article. Here is another article you might find interesting on purchasing a home test kit. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/826387/home_safety_buying_a_radon_detector.html?cat=6