How to test your home


Radon testing is a quick & easy way to ensure your family's safety.


Not to mention, it's a responsible choice! Educating yourself on the adverse effects of high Radon levels, along with testing your home enables you to take the proper steps to resolve a potential health hazard.

3 Ways to test your home for Radon


Short-term Testing (air): Short-term Radon testing is done for a 48 to 96 hour period. This is the fastest way to test for Radon levels. It is recommended that you perform two short-term tests, since Radon levels may vary daily or seasonally. If you test for two days on the weekend, your reading levels may be lower as you will most likely be in and out of your home more frequently than during the weekdays. On the weekdays, while you and your family are at school or work, Radon levels will build since your home's doors and windows will most likely be shut tightly.

Long-term Testing (air): Tests lasting for 90 days to one year can give you the most accurate readings by revealing the average Radon level in your home over a long period of time. Long-Term Testing Instructions

Radon in Water Testing: Radon in water testing is a very easy procedure. Let the water run for approximately 3-5 minutes. Fill the test vials with a sample of the water to be tested. Send them into our lab. Radon in Water Test Kit Instructions

How to Use Your short-term Test Kit: Below are the dos & don'ts of conducting your short-term Radon test:

DO:



  • Follow the instructions that come with your Radon test kit.

  • Close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before you begin your test.

  • Place your test kit in the lowest living area of your home.

  • Put the testing device in a frequently used room like a bedroom or den.

  • Leave the test kit in place for the full length of time that the package instructs.

  • Enter the time & date that you re-sealed the test units.

  • Send your test kit to the lab specified on the package immediately after the test period is complete.


DO NOT:

  • Leave doors or windows open in any part of the house during the test period.

  • Conduct your test during periods of severe storms or high winds.

  • Place your test kit in a bathroom or kitchen.

  • Disturb the test kit once it has been placed.

  • Place near furnace, water heater or other air moving units.

  • Place in high humidity areas.

  • Place near exterior doors or windows.

  • Place in crawl space or other area that is not inhabitable without renovations.

  • Leave kitchen or bath exhaust fan or whole house fan running during the test period.

  • Procrastinate sending the kit back to our Lab.


The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the USA) recommends the following considerations in ensuring your safety against Radon:



  • Step 1: Conduct a short-term test. If your returned results read 4 pCi/L* or higher, take a second, follow-up test.

  • Step 2: The follow up test should be taken immediately if your short-term test is 10 pCi/L* or higher. If not, you may follow-up with a second short or long term test.

  • Step 3: If you followed up with a long-term test, fix your home if your reading result is 4 pCi/L* or more. If you followed up with a short-term test, the higher the results, the more certain you can be, that you should fix your home. It is recommended that you fix your home if your average between the two tests is 4 pCi/L*or more.


* pCi/L: Radon levels in the air are measured in "Pico Curies per liter of air" or "pCi/L".