Radon is invisible and odorless, so testing is the only way to know if your home has it.
Exposure to high levels of radon poses serious health risks.
Testing for radon indicates if your home’s radon levels are within acceptable safety limits.
Grandbrothers / Getty Images
Do-it-yourself tests are inexpensive and easy to deploy.
Radon is found everywhere, but some places have more of it than others.
The charcoal canister method tests for radon over a short period, usually two to seven days.
The film (or alpha track) method runs from three months to a year.
Areas of Washington, Oregon, Southern California, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas test the lowest.
Why It’s Important to Test for Radon
Elevated levels of radon can cause lung cancer.
At 20 pCi/L, that number doubles.
About 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year can be traced to radon exposure.
That’s more cancer-related deaths than all other types of cancer except for lymphoma and leukemia.
In other words, 90-percent of the people who contract lung cancer due to radon also smoke.
What Are Unsafe Levels of Radon?
Radon can come throughcracks in floorsor walls, suspended floors, construction joints, or spaces around service pipes.
At one time, it was believed thatgranite countertopscontained enough radon to pose a health risk to users.
Both are do-it-yourself tests that are inexpensive and easy to do.
So, 0.4 pCi/L is considered the base level.
During this time, the charcoal absorbs radon gas from the air.
The test must follow a strict schedule, during which data is recorded on the sampler and datasheet.
Short-term radon tests produce relatively fast results.
Charcoal-based radon test kits cost from $18 to $60.
Radon levels fluctuate from season to season and even from day to day.
Alpha track radon test kits cost $30 to $40 each.
National Radon Program Services offers subsidized alpha track kits for $27 each, all costs included.
Continuous radon monitors have passive diffusion chambers that collect and test the air.
Continuous monitors begin at around $1,000 and are most often used commercially for activities such as home inspection.
Lower-cost monitors that connect to a smartphone start at about $200.
If not, a radon test should be performed and results returned before the closing date.
Improve Ventilation
Improve ventilationby opening windows and doors more frequently.
Use kitchen andbath exhaust fansmore frequently.
In most cases, this will be in the basement or crawl space.
A fan is typically installed on the vent pipe to help exhaust the radon gas to the outside.
On average, a professionally installed radon mitigation system will cost from $800 to $1,300.
During a radon test, do not disturb the sampler.
Health Risks of Radon.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
What Is Radon?U.S.
What is radon and how are we exposed to it?International Atomic Energy Agency.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are Granite Countertops Radioactive?
Are the Levels Dangerous?United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Radon Test Kits Available for Purchase.
National Radon Program Services.
How Often Should I Test/Retest My Home for Radon?United States Environmental Protection Agency.
