If you breathe in Radon, it will decay into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs and cause lung cancer.In the USA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and claims as many as 21,000 lives each year.You can enter your home through porous building materials if you have a leak in your foundation.You can reduce the health risks to your family by learning how to test your home.
Step 1: Purchase a testing kit.
You can buy low-cost do-it-yourself radon test kits from a local hardware store or online.You may be able to get a reduced price or free kit from the state public health department.There are two types of radon air tests, short- and long-term.Short-term tests are the most convenient.Depending on the device, they measure levels for between two and seven days.Short-term testing should be used by homeowners.For 90 days to a year, long-term tests measure radon levels.Seasonal or year-round average levels of radon are reflected in the results of these tests.Professionals should do long-term testing.Make sure the test kit you get meets the EPA's requirements.
Step 2: The doors and windows should be closed.
To get an accurate sample of the air in your home, you'll need to close all of your doors and windows.It is advisable to close them at least 12 hours prior to the beginning of the testing period.Fans that re-circulate air in your home may be used while you are out of town.Don't use fans or other machines that bring in air from the outside because it can ruin your results.During storms or when it's really windy, you shouldn't conduct short-term testing.Wait for the weather to calm down.
Step 3: There is a place to position your kit.
The lowest level of your home is where the test kit should be placed.If you don't have an underground basement, this could mean either the basement level or the first floor.Pick a room that you use frequently, such as the living room, playroom, office or bedroom.Don't put the testing kit in the kitchen or bathroom because humidity and fumes can affect the results.The testing kit should be positioned at least 20 inches above the floor in any room you choose.It needs to be away from drafts, high heat, humidity and exterior walls.
Step 4: The material should be left in place.
After reading the instructions, take out the material that's radon sensitive and position it for the specified time frame, typically between two to seven days for most short-term kits.Special charcoal canisters, liquid scintillation vials, and continuous radon monitors are used in short-term test kits.If you have any type of material in your kit, take it out of the package and put it on the table.To get the best results from your kit, place the liquid scintillation vials about 6 inches apart on the table.
Step 5: Mail the test material away.
After the specified time frame is over, put the tops back on the canisters or vials and seal them tightly.Once resealed, send it via registered mail to the lab specified on the package.Send your package to the lab after the testing period is over for the most accurate results.Don't wait more than a day or two.You should receive your test results by regular mail and email within a few weeks.You can check your results online with most labs.The results may look complicated, but remember that radon in the air is measured in picoCuries per liter of air or pCi/L.
Step 6: Use an electronic monitor.
An electronic radon monitor in your house is an alternative, although they're typically used by testing professionals, and the price reflects this.If the slots on the device are not blocked, electronic radon monitors can be placed face-up on a stable table.You can see the readings from a digital display if you have an electronic detector.You will be able to read the results immediately after the testing period has ended, which is an advantage of using an electronic monitor.It doesn't need to be sent to a lab for analysis.The price is the main disadvantage.The units are marketed for professional use.It's not meant to replace the more traditional methods in most cases.
Step 7: If you want to test your home, hire a professional.
You can hire a qualified tester to do the testing for you.Email an online training program if you want to get a list of qualified testers.It will be more expensive than doing it on your own, but you will have peace of mind that it's being done correctly.Long-term testing should always be done by a professional.An advantage of getting your home professionally monitored is that the testing team can recommend an experienced crew to fix the problem.Even very high levels can be reduced to much safer levels with some reduction systems.
Step 8: Understand the results.
The amount of the radioactive gas in the air is measured by the number of PicoCuries per liter of air or pCi/L.The average indoor level of radon is 1.3 pCi/L, whereas it is typically found in the outside air.The cutoff point for acceptable and unsafe is 4 pCi/L.There is a margin of testing error if you want to know if your home is above or below 4 pCi/L.The reason to do more testing is if the reading is over 3.5 pCi/L.There is a risk of lung cancer and other lung diseases if you have a reading below 4 pCi/L.
Step 9: If levels are high, you should do another short-term test.
If the results are close to or over 4 pCi/L, then you should take action.The first thing you should do is to do a short-term test in your home, which should be made by another manufacturer.If you want to use a different testing medium, switch from liquid scintillation to charcoal canisters.Change the variables and see if you get the same results.There is a 50% chance that the year-round average in your home is below 4 pCi/L if the average of your two short-term test results is around 4.1.
Step 10: If levels are still high, you should get a long-term test done.
You should get a long-term test if the levels in your home are still high.Getting a qualified professional involved is likely a much better idea due to what's at stake (your health and/or the cost of fixing the problem).A long-term test is the most definitive way of knowing your health risks because your home can change from month to month and season to season.If the long-term test shows that the levels are 4 pCi/L or higher, then you should make a plan to fix your home.If the problem is found to be over 2 pCi/L, it's a good idea to fix it.Most modern homes can be reduced to a level of 2 pCi/L or below.