Convenient Home Kits to Test for Radon

Radon, naturally produced by the breakdown of uranium in the environment, can potentially cause a host of problems, the most notable of which includes lung cancer. Radon can exist in the soil on which you walk, the water your family drinks, and the air you breathe. Fortunately, there are easy and simple ways to test for radon in your home so that a problem can be remedied before it becomes an even more serious issue.

Short term radon tests remain in your home to continuously sample the air there for a period of two to ninety days. Because levels of radon can fluctuate over weeks, months, and seasons, it is best to either conduct two short term tests simultaneously and take an average or to administer two tests at once at different places on your property. The different types of short term radon tests include an electric radon detector, a charcoal canister, a charcoal liquid scintillation detector, and a continuous monitor. Ask a professional at your state radon office for information regarding which device best suits your home and circumstances.

Long term radon tests remain within the home for more than ninety days, sampling the air for a longer period of time than any short term device. The most common types of this test include the alpha track and "electret" devices. These tests are used to provide a more accurate year-round level reading of radon within a given environment. When using the device, do not operate fans or other ventilation machines unnecessarily, as these bring in fresh air from outside and can disrupt the accuracy of the reading. Allow the detector to remain in one place for the period of time specified on the packaging before promptly removing it and sending it back to the lab for radon level determination. Your results will be mailed to you within a matter of weeks, along with any information needed in order to take further steps if necessary.

Short term radon tests remain in your home to continuously sample the air