How To Beat Radon Test

What Is Radon?

Radon is a harmful, invisible gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can get into homes through cracks and gaps, and high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Since you can’t see or smell radon, it’s important to test your home with special kits to check if radon levels are high. If they are, you can install systems to lower these levels and keep your home safe.

Related Articles:

• How To Safely Dispose Of Asbestos And Stop Worrying
• Should I Buy A House With Bowing Basement Walls?

What Is Radon Test?

A radon test measures the levels of radon gas in your home, which is important because high radon levels increase the risk of lung cancer.

To conduct a radon test, various methods and devices are available.

Short-term tests, which typically take a few days to a week to complete, provide a snapshot of radon levels.

• Short-term tests typically last between 2 to 7 days and require closed house conditions. During this period, windows and doors should remain closed to ensure accurate measurements of radon levels. These tests are commonly used for initial radon screening or to identify potential issues that may require further investigation.

Long-term tests, on the other hand, provide a more accurate measure as they are performed over 90 days or more.

• Long-term tests span a longer duration, typically lasting three months to one year. Unlike short-term tests, they do not require closed-house conditions, allowing for better representation of radon exposure in real-life scenarios. These tests are often used in real estate transactions when there are concerns about the accuracy of measurements from short-term tests.

It is essential to test your home for radon, especially if you live in an area with known radon issues or are planning real estate transactions. Testing can be easily done using radon test kits or by hiring a professional radon testing company. By knowing the level of radon concentration in your home, you can take appropriate action to mitigate the risk and ensure the safety of your loved ones.

Preparing For Radon Test

By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your radon test will provide accurate readings and help you take the necessary actions to mitigate any radon issues in your home.

Cleaning The House Before Testing

For a clean testing environment, dust surfaces, vacuum floors, and carpets, and remove clutter to prevent obstruction during the test. Dusting removes particles, potentially including radioactive materials like radon, while vacuuming eliminates dust and dirt that could affect readings. Clearing clutter improves air circulation, helping the detector accurately assess radon levels.

Selecting The Right Location For The Test

When choosing a location for a radon test in your home, aim for areas where radon exposure is most accurately reflected. Opt for the lowest level of the home that is regularly occupied for at least four hours daily, since radon, being denser than air, accumulates at lower points. A basement used as a living space or the ground floor are ideal testing sites due to their frequent use. Testing in such locations ensures the radon readings are both accurate and representative of the spaces where your family spends significant time.

Ensuring Proper Conditions During The Test Period

During the radon test, it is crucial to create and maintain the proper conditions to obtain accurate results. Following specific guidelines will help ensure that the concentration of radon gas in your home is accurately measured.

• All doors and windows closed as much as possible during the test period. This prevents outside air from diluting the radon gas concentration, which could affect the accuracy of the test results.

• Seal any cracks or openings in doors and windows to further minimize the entry of outside air.

• Excessive humidity or moisture can also interfere with the accuracy of the radon test.

• Avoid using fans or other ventilation devices during the test period. These devices can alter the airflow patterns and disturb radon levels, compromising the accuracy of the test results.

By strictly following these guidelines and maintaining the necessary conditions, you can ensure that your radon test provides accurate readings. This information is crucial for understanding the level of radon concentration in your home and taking appropriate actions to mitigate any risks associated with high radon levels.

Reading, Recording, And Analyzing Results From The Test Kit

To accurately assess radon levels in your home, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a radon test kit. Begin by recording the start and end times of the test on the kit’s packaging to ensure the test duration is accurately noted. After completing the test, check the kit for numerical readings or color-coded indicators to determine the radon level.

Compare your results to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended radon levels, which are 2 to 4 pCi/L or lower. If your home’s radon levels exceed these guidelines, it’s critical to consider the installation of a radon mitigation system to lower the radon concentration in your home.

Retesting If Necessary to Double-Check Results

After conducting an initial radon test in your home, it’s critical to confirm the accuracy of the results with a retest, especially if the initial levels are near or above the recommended 2 to 4 pCi/L. Retesting is necessary to verify the initial findings and adjust for any home changes like renovations or new ventilation, ensuring your safety and informing mitigation decisions. The retest follows the same protocol as the initial one, ensuring you accurately assess and maintain safe radon levels in your home, safeguarding against health risks.

Contacting A Professional Radon Mitigation Company If Needed

If the results of the radon test in your home indicate high levels of radon, it is important to contact a professional radon mitigation company for assistance. Normally, the responsibility for having the home tested for radon falls on the buyer during real estate transactions.

In the event that high radon levels are discovered, either the buyer or the seller must seek radon estimates and take appropriate action to mitigate the issue.Research local companies with solid reputations and request estimates. Evaluate their qualifications, certifications, and track record in reducing radon levels effectively. Acting quickly to mitigate radon is essential for your family’s health and safety.

Solutions For High Levels Of Radon

If your home has high radon levels, immediate action is crucial to lessen exposure to this harmful gas. Begin by hiring a qualified radon mitigation contractor, who can evaluate your situation and seal your home’s entry points to block radon entry. A common remedy is installing a mitigation ventilation system, which uses pipes and fans to draw radon out of your home and replace it with fresh air, effectively lowering radon to safe levels. The contractor will design a tailored system, install it to create a radon-free environment, and ensure it complies with all regulations.

FAQs on Radon and Radon Testing

What is radon and why is it dangerous?

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is dangerous because long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. Since it’s invisible and has no smell, testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels.

How do I test my home for radon?

You can test your home for radon using either a short-term test kit for initial screening (lasting 2 to 7 days) or a long-term test kit for more accurate results (lasting 90 days to one year). Follow the kit instructions carefully, placing it on the lowest level of your home where you spend significant time.

What should I do if my home has high radon levels?

If testing reveals radon levels above the EPA recommended 2 to 4 pCi/L, you should contact a professional radon mitigation company to discuss solutions like installing a mitigation system to reduce radon levels.

What is a radon mitigation system and how does it work?

A radon mitigation system typically involves a sub-slab depressurization system that reduces radon levels by drawing radon from beneath the house and venting it outside, away from living areas. This system creates a vacuum under the slab, preventing radon from entering the home.

Can I install a radon mitigation system myself?

While it’s technically possible for a homeowner to install a radon mitigation system, it’s highly recommended to hire a qualified radon mitigation contractor. These professionals have the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure the system is designed and installed correctly for maximum safety and effectiveness.

How often should I test my home for radon?

The EPA recommends testing your home for radon at least every two years since radon levels can fluctuate over time due to changes in your home or environmental conditions. Additionally, you should retest after significant renovations, changes in living patterns, or if you’ve installed a radon mitigation system to ensure it’s working effectively.