How long does it take to test for radon?
Short-term kits measure radon for 2–90 days for quick results. Long-term kits measure radon in your home for over 90 days and are more likely to tell you your home’s year-round average level.
How do you check for radon gas in your home?
To find out if radon gas is a problem in your home or office, you must conduct a radon test! The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit is the most accurate and reliable radon test kit available for checking the level of radon gas in your home or office.
How much does a radon gas test cost?
The Professional Radon Gas Test Kits – All you have to pay is the $40 lab fee when you return your detectors with the pre-paid postage envelope included in your kit. And you will receive your results within one week from when we receive your detectors. What is Radon?
What is the most accurate radon test kit?
The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit is the most accurate and reliable radon test kit available for checking the level of radon gas in your home or office. The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit provides two (2) desiccated, short-term detectors which allow you to conduct side-by-side testing in order to get the most accurate and reliable results.
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How long is a radon detector good for?
Long term testing is preferred (>3months, but annual is best), however short term testing can provide adequate results in real estate transactions.
Are store bought radon tests accurate?
"Short-term radon test kits are not effective in measuring radon gas exposure: Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 December 2019.
How often are radon tests wrong?
About 40% of the short-term tests incorrectly indicate that the radon level is below the Action Limit (“false negatives”). Although the home should be mitigated, the homeowner may feel confident that there is no radon problem. Even the 90-day radon tests show false negatives in two out of eight tests (or 25%).
What can throw off a radon test?
Turn off all air moving devices during the test. This would include ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, regular fans, HEPA or any other kind of filtering device that moves air. Do not operate fireplaces or heating stoves during the test unless they are your main source of heat.
What time of year are radon levels highest?
winterThe reason that radon levels in the home can be higher in the summer and winter is two-fold. During the winter, the air in your home tends to be much warmer than the outside air, and this temperature difference creates a vacuum within your home.
Where is the best place to put a radon test?
Place a radon detector in the breathing zone, 2-6 feet above the floor, and away from drafts, exterior walls, sumps, drains, windows or doors. Radon may enter a building through cracks in the foundation or through sumps or drains and will usually be higher near these entry points.
Are radon home test kits accurate?
Results presented in this report support EPA's position that radon testing devices provide accurate and reliable results and that EPA's measurement recommendations raise the probability that high homes will be identified and fixed.
Does running furnace affect radon test?
2 Winter is a good time to test for radon gas. Winter is a good time to test for radon because you are, in-most cases, measuring the worst case scenario for your home. With the hatches battened down and the furnace running, you are creating a scenario that can cause radon levels to be higher.
Which radon test kit is best?
The products below are the best radon test kits in their respective categories.BEST OVERALL: Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector.BEST VALUE: First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit.UPGRADE PICK: Airthings Wave Plus Radon & Air Quality Monitor.BEST SHORT-TERM: AccuStar Radon Gas Test Kit.More items...•
Does opening windows reduce radon?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
How do you cheat a radon test?
How To Pass A Radon Test: Tips For Reducing Radon In Your HomeOpen windows. By opening the windows, you increase fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of radon in the home.Install basement vents. ... Use fans. ... Create exits. ... Mitigation.
Will a dehumidifier reduce radon?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.
Are radon home test kits accurate?
Results presented in this report support EPA's position that radon testing devices provide accurate and reliable results and that EPA's measurement recommendations raise the probability that high homes will be identified and fixed.
Which radon test is the most accurate?
The Radon Eye RD200 tops our list for its fast, accurate readings. After setting up this radon detector, you'll get your initial reading within the first 10 minutes with a more accurate reading appearing within the next 60.
Do air purifiers eliminate radon?
The only effective way to remove radon Activated carbon adsorbs radon to some degree, but experts do not recommend using air filtration to remove radon.
Is it normal for radon levels to fluctuate?
Radon levels are constantly changing – hourly, daily, and seasonal fluctuations are all common. If you have tested multiple times and received back differing results, don't be too alarmed – this is common!
What does radon test mean?
What Do The Test Results Mean? Radon is measured in units of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in homes that have a radon level at or above 4 pCi/L of air. The lower the average pCi/L level in the air you breathe, the lower your risk of getting lung cancer.
How to determine if you are exposed to radon?
Testing your home is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are exposed to high levels of radon.
What should I do if my radon level is higher than 4?
What You Should Do. Higher than 4 pCi/L. Take a second test to make sure the first test results were accurate. You can use another short-term test, or you can use a long-term test. Contact a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system if: –The average of both short-term tests is higher than 4 pCi/L, or.
Do you have to test for radon in a basement?
If you are planning any major structural renovation, such as converting an unfinished basement area into living space, it is especially important to test the area for radon before you begin the renovation. If your test results indicate a radon problem, radon-resistant techniques can be inexpensively included as part of the renovation. Because major renovations can change the level of radon in any home, always test again after work is completed.
How to test radon gas?
Testing is easy! Simply place the two radon detectors in the lowest level of your home or office for a period of 96 hours to allow time for the detectors to absorb enough radon to be analyzed according to EPA standards. Seal the detectors with the enclosed caps, completely fill out the data card, and return the detectors to PRO-LAB® in the pre–paid postage envelope along with any required lab fee.
How long does it take to get radon test results?
Your professional laboratory test results will be mailed to you within one week of receipt, indicating the exact radon level in your tested area. For real estate transactions, an express service is also available, results within 48 hours (2 business days) of receipt, call PRO-LAB® for details.
What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth’s suface. Though you cannot see,smell, or taste radon, it is there and may be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon gas.
How Does Radon Get Into My Home Or Office?
The greatest concentration of radon is usually found in the lowest level of homes or offices. This is because radon is found in the soil and rocks beneath the foundation. If you have dirt floors in the basement, cracks in the foundation, or openings from a sump pump hole or drain, radon is likely to build up quicker and in higher concentrations. Radon can also enter your home or office through your water supply (i.e. shower, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.). If your home or office uses well water, we suggest testing with our professional Radon in Water Test Kit.
How to find out if radon is a problem?
To find out if radon gas is a problem in your home or office, you must conduct a radon test! The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit is the most accurate and reliable radon test kit available for checking the level of radon gas in your home or office. The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit provides two (2) desiccated, short-term detectors which allow you to conduct side-by-side testing in order to get the most accurate and reliable results.
How to reduce radon levels in home?
There are ways to reduce the level of radon yourself or by a trained professional. Costs should run between $500-$2,500 depending on the seriousness of your problem. Start by doing the following and then contact your State Radon Office or EPA Office for additional information on reducing Radon in your home or office: 1 Seal or caulk areas of entry such as cracks, holes and openings; 2 Keep vents to crawl spaces open; 3 Minimize time spent in low areas such as your basement; 4 Increase the circulation of outside air into your home or office; 5 Discourage cigarette smoking in your home or office.
How to contact Pro Lab for radon testing?
If you have any questions, please call PRO-LAB® at 954-384-4446 to speak with an environmental testing specialist. Radon Gas Short-Term Instructions.
How long does a whole house fan need to be on before testing?
A whole house fan can be installed in the ceiling of a home or building and its primary function is used as a cooling device. This fan must not be on 12 hours prior to the testing and during testing.
Do you need a radon test for real estate?
Some states require a licensed radon professional to perform the test for a real estate transaction. If you’re a professional radon tester please contact the Radon office in the states where you are testing in to see what radon testing protocols or regulations you need to follow.
Do I need to fill out a radon test?
Do I need to fill that out? No, if you are a homeowner and you are testing your own home. Yes, if you hired a certified Radon technician to perform the Radon test for you. The technician should fill in the technician’s name and certification number. Some states require a licensed radon professional to perform the test for a real estate transaction.
How long does it take to test for radon?
Short-term radon test kits, as the name implies, are kits that you set up and leave for anywhere for 24 hours to a week (check the kit’s documentation). Long-term test kits can require a significantly longer time to run — sometimes up to several months. While these types of kits are rarer than the short-term ones, they can give you better results as to actual radon levels.
How long does it take to get radon test results?
Now that you’ve moved ahead with your radon testing project, you don’t want to find yourself waiting around forever for results. A 72-hour turnaround is generally a decent average for lab work.
What do you do if you test positive for radon?
Now what do you do? If your kit covers all the bases, the documentation that shipped with it should offer ideas on how to proceed. If not, start searching for a local state-certified radon mitigation contractor. Like other contractors you would hire for your home, these are highly trained and state-certified professionals who can help you reduce your radon level by up to 99%.
What to do if your radon test is positive?
Now what do you do? If your kit covers all the bases, the documentation that shipped with it should offer ideas on how to proceed. If not, start searching for a local state-certified radon mitigation contractor. Like other contractors you would hire for your home, these are highly trained and state-certified professionals who can help you reduce your radon level by up to 99%.
What is radon made of?
Radon can actually be produced from the breakdown of several different radioactive metals, including radium, thorium, and uranium.
What is a 2 individual radon test?
2 individual radon tests make it easy to measure different sections or levels of the home for differences in radon. Comes with quick label results turnaround.
Who can help you find a radon mitigation specialist?
Organizations like the National Radon Safety Board can help you to find a radon mitigation specialist near you.
How long does it take to get a radon test kit?
Test Kits are mailed through USPS several times each week and typically take 7-10 days from order time to arrive at your address. Alpha Energy Labs--who supplies our short-term radon test kits--is now open and fully operational and is able to receive ...
Who supplies radon test kits?
Alpha Energy Labs--who supplies our short-term radon test kits--is now open and fully operational and is able to receive and process test kits, with COVID safety protocols in place. Lab analysis times have returned to normal. See the link to Alpha Energy's website for more COVID updates: https://www.doctorhomeair.com/covid-19-2/.
How long do test kits last?
Long-term test kits expire 3 years from date of manufacture. (Date is printed on the back of shrink-wrapped test kit.) Short-term. Test Kit.
How much does a long term test kit cost?
Long term test kits (3-12 months) are $25, which includes all costs. Just follow the instructions on the package and return the kit to the manufacturer for analysis at no extra charge.
How long does it take to get a test kit back after it's been returned?
Test kits returned in good, unopened condition within 30 days of purchase will be refunded the purchase price less a $5 per order restocking/processing fee
Why are test kits not supported?
Test kit purchases from individuals outside the United States are not supported/accepted by our system due to shipping costs and time delays which can impact the analysis process of the test kits.
Who encourages all homeowners to test their residences for radon gas?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages all homeowners to test their residences for radon gas.
