How to Check for Radon in Your Home

Any home may have high levels of radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas deriving from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. Because radon is a health hazard with high concentrations known for causing lung cancer, it is important for homeowners to test their homes for this element. An estimated one out of 15 homes has elevated radon levels, according to the U.S. EPA. The only way to check for radon in your dwelling is to use a radon test kit.

Things You'll Need

• EPA-approved short-term radon test kit

Instructions

1. Pick a day to test your home that is not excessively windy, or with the chance of a severe thunderstorm. Adverse weather conditions may result in inaccurate readings.

2. Close your windows and doors at least 12 hours prior to testing. Try to keep them closed during the testing days. Also, make sure you do not operate any fans that bring in air from the outside. However, you may use heating and air-conditioning fans that recirculate the air.

3. Place the test 20 inches above the floor in the lowest lived-in level of the home. This is often the basement if frequently used, or a room in the first floor. Do not use the kitchen or bathroom, but any other room that is used on a frequent basis, such as a bedroom, living room or playroom, is acceptable. Keep away from drafts, excessive heat, humidity and exterior walls.

4. Keep the test kit in the room for as long as the instructions suggest. Generally, short-term radon tests take anywhere between two to 90 days to test the living area. Reseal the package when finished and mail immediately for analysis. You should expect the results back within a few weeks.

5. Evaluate the test results. Radon is measured in "picocuries per liter of air," abbreviated as pCi/L. A reading of 4 pCi/L or higher means you have elevated radon levels in your home. However, the EPA recommends taking a follow-up test using either a long-term test or a second short-term test.

Tips & Warnings

• The average indoor level of radon is estimated by the EPA to be about 1.3 pCi/L.

• If your home has high levels, you can invest in a ''soil suction radon reduction system.''

• If you are planning to sell your home soon, you should have your home tested.

• You can have your home tested by hiring a qualified radon test company.

• Even if your test results are below 4 pCi/L, you should retest your home at a later time.

• Smoking along with exposure to high levels of radon increases risk for lung cancer.

References

• EPA: A Citizen's Guide to Radon
• CDC: It's Radon Action Month