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Our team highly encourages homeowners to perform a radon test , particularly if you’re building or buying a home . All homeowners should take this important safety measure, as radon exposure can have hazardous consequences. This guide explains the health risks of radon exposure, prevention measures, and how to inspect your home.
Radon (Rn) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in soil and water, particularly groundwater. While only a small percentage of radon originates from drinking water , according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers especially. The only way to know if there’s a harmful amount of radon in your home is to perform a radon test. For optimal results, the test must be performed according to the test manufacturer’s instructi ons. It must be stressed that a ny home can have a harmful radon level, defined as a level of radon that’s hazardous to your physical health. The EPA recommends that all homeowners test their homes for radon ; however, some homes are more likely to have harmful radon levels than others. Your location determines how likely your home is to have a high radon level. The EPA website provides a map of radon zones by state and county. Level 1 or 2 is considered high. Neighborhoods within a county can have a higher or lower radon level than is indicated on the map. Another factor is that soil under your home could have been obtained from an area with high levels of radon. These variables underscore why the EPA recommends testing all homes. In the video below, This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor talks about radon testing, safe levels, and mitigation with home technology expert Ross Trethewey.
Certain states require home buyers perform a radon test when they purchase their home. In fact, m any home inspectors, especially those in high radon areas, provide radon tests as an added service. Consider performing a radon test even if you did not do so when you bought your home, particularly if you live in a Level 1 or 2 area. You can test your home for radon yourself or hire a professional. After your radon test, you don’t need to test again if your home has a non-harmful radon level and you don’t make significant changes to your property. If your home does show a harmful level of radon, there are several effective mitigation options. Perform another test right after your radon mitigation , and then every few years following. This ensures the radon reduction system is functioning properly.
Passive devices for radon detection include alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. After using one of these methods, the passive device is returned to a laboratory for analysis. You can purchase charcoal canisters for short-term use through the National Radon Program Services website. These and other DIY tests are easy to use and affordable, costing $10–$50. However, they’re less precise and can produce inaccurate results due to improper test conditions or the weather.
Requiring power to function, active devices include different types of continuous monitors and continuous working level monitors. Active devices should be operated by trained testers, and these tests often cost more than passive testing. Active devices are usually intended to be used for three months to a year before being returned to the providing laboratory for analysis. They’re more precise and read out variations in radon levels throughout the test period.
Radon tests are not always 100% accurate. These factors can cause inaccurate results:
