How to Detect Radon
According to the American Lung Association, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. is exposure to radon gas. This radioactive gas has no color, taste or smell. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately one in 15 U.S. residences is estimated to have high radon gas levels. Though radon gas can cause problems in any type of building, the EPA cautions that for most Americans the greatest risk for exposure is at home, where the most time is typically spent. Testing is the only way to detect radon gas and to assess your risk from exposure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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General Information
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Get informed about what a high radon gas level looks like. Radon gas levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air, (pCi/L). Approximately 0.4 pCi/L of radon is present in the outside air, according to the EPA. The estimate for the average indoor radon level is around 1.3 pCi/L, according to the EPA. The EPA says there is no level of radon gas that is considered safe for humans to breathe. The organization recommends that homeowners fix residences where the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.
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Determine how you want to go about testing for the presence of radon gas in your home. You can choose to test your residence yourself using a consumer radon testing kit, or you can hire a reputable radon testing company. Radon testing kits are often available at hardware and home improvement stores. You can contact your local state or tribal radon office in order to get a list of qualified testers in your area.
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Test for radon. If you hire a radon testing company, the work is done for you; you merely need to wait for the test results. If you do it yourself, you need to carefully follow the instructions that come along with the testing kit.
Short-Term Tests (Two to 90 Days)
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Close all windows and outer doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test, if the short-term test will last for only two to three days. The EPA recommends outside doors be kept shut as much as possible during the test. There are a variety of consumer radon tests available from various manufacturers. Because of this, the testing length and instructions may vary from test to test. Carefully follow the instructions that come with the testing kit you are using.
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Place the test kit in the lowest occupied level of the building. For most, this will be either the basement or the first floor.
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Check to make sure the kit is placed at a minimum of 20 inches above the ground. According to the EPA, the kit should be positioned away from exterior walls, drafts, high humidity and high heat. Make sure the test is undisturbed, but otherwise go about your day normally during the testing period.
Long-Term Tests (Over 90 Days)
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Decide if a follow-up test is needed if the initial short-term test result showed a radon gas level 4 pCi/L or higher. A long-term radon test will give you a more accurate year-round average of radon gas levels in your home, according to the EPA.
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Consider visiting your doctor if your home is found to have elevated radon levels. As with smoking, inhaling radon gas increases your chances of developing lung cancer, but does not mean you will develop the disease.
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Reduce the elevated levels of radon in your home if the average of your two short-term test results is 4 pCi/L or higher or if the long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or higher. According to the American Lung Association, indoor radon levels can be reduced through home repairs such as sealing cracks and changing the air ventilation.
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Tips & Warnings
For more information about radon, you can call the following hotlines:
National Radon Hotline: 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236)
National Radon Helpline: 1-800-55RADON (1-800-557-2366)
National Radon Fix-It Line: 1-800-644-6999
Do not place radon detection kits in the bathroom or kitchen.
Do not test for radon levels during severe weather conditions, particularly during periods where high winds are present, as this may skew your test results.
