Introduction
Radon is said to cause lung cancer among non-smokers. Moreover, radon has affected over 21,000 people and 2900 deaths among people who have never smoked. Scientists have researched to find a link between exposure to radon gas in the home and significant problems related to health like lung cancer.
Furthermore, this blog will act as a step-by-step guide for testing radon levels, and you will know about how to test for radon.
How to Test for Radon
Choosing the Right Radon Test Kit
There are different types of radon testing kits available on the market. Let’s brief you on the types of kits available:
- Short-term kits: they are ideal for screening and quick results.
- Long-term kits: they give you a detailed analysis of the level of the radon collected over an extended period, making them convenient for a detailed assessment.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Test Radon Levels
Detailed instructions on how to properly set up and conduct a radon test:
- Providing information that may invalidate your result results
- Set the test for a minimum of 48 hours.
- Remove and discard cardboard insert
- Seal shit the kit
- Send the kit to the lab for testing.
For most homes, two test kits should be used. One should be placed in the living room while another in the bedroom, meaning on the ground and the first floor. The purpose is to test the place where you spend most time. Using manufacturer guidelines is mandatory so that they ensure safety. Avoid accidents, and so it complies with legal regulations.
Interpreting Radon Test Results
- Understanding Your Test Results
The good range for the radon test should be less than 50 bq/m3. Whereas a fair level or acceptable radon level is between 100-150 Bq/m3. Poor levels or dangerous levels are if levels are more than 150 Bq/m3.
If the test results show poor results, you should seal the foundation crack and reduce the level of radon that can enter. Try installing a soil reduction system known as a vent pipe or fan system. Create a gas permeable beneath, and you can also install plastic sheeting.
- When to Re-Test
If the radon level is higher than 4 pCi/L, you should mitigate radon in your home. However, take a second test to confirm the accuracy of the test.
What to Do If Your Home Has High Radon Levels
- Immediate Steps to Take
Sealing cracks in the foundation is the basic part of the approach to reducing radon. It limits the flow of radon in your home and makes it more cost-effective.
- Long-Term Solutions
Radon mitigation is venting radon out of your home. While your home might require a solution, radon gas is collected beneath slabs and vented out of the exterior of the home. The average cost for radon is around $1000.
How Often Should You Test for Radon?
- Routine Testing
The purpose of radon testing is to reduce the radon in your home. Long-term monitoring of gas level changes over time helps you understand the gas levels over time.
Conclusion
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that seeps into homes through cracks in foundations. By conducting radon tests, individuals can reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer. To learn more about radon tests, visit DSM Radon.’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How accurate are home radon test kits?
About 40% of short-term tests show the radon level is below the limit. However, these tests might show false negatives when the results are not.
- Can I test for radon myself, or should I hire a professional?
The radon testing company would assure your test results, whereas a DIY kit might not give you the best results.
- What factors affect radon levels in a home?
Radon levels are related to temperature, humidity, and speed.
- How much does it cost to mitigate radon?
The price range depends on several factors, like the size of your home, the system, and the location, ranging from $1,000 to $1000.
- Is radon a problem in new homes?
Radon is actively found in the basement of the older building where radon is actively found. However, in newer homes, there also remains a risk of radon in your homes, which is harmful to you and your family.