Home Radon Level Tests: A Comprehensive Guide

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of radium found in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into any building, including homes and schools, through cracks in foundations or gaps around pipes and many other small openings, which it uses as entry points to the building. Once radon gets inside the building, it can build up. The radon gas is odorless and colorless, which means that you cannot see or smell it.

Why Should You Carry Home Radon Level Tests?

Radon testing has shown to be a very effective way of detecting radon gas. Radon gas is a cancer-causing agent and can cause lung cancer and other respiratory issues if inhaled for long periods.

Can You Perform Home Radon Level Tests Yourself?

Yes, radon testing kits are now very simple to use and easy to understand, and they all come with instructions on how long they should be used for and what the homeowner should do after using the kit. Radon detectors can typically be purchased online or at home improvement stores so people can do their own radon testing in their homes.

How Do Home Radon Level Tests Work?

Testing radon levels in a home can be challenging because radon gas does not collect easily. In a radon test, a radon detector is used to measure radon levels in a building. The detectors use alpha particle detection technology, which measures the number of alpha particles emitted from radon decay products.

Where Should You Perform Home Radon Level Tests?

Tests should be conducted in the radon zone of your house. Here is a list of radon zones:

• Zone 1: Ground level and first floor only, or all first-floor rooms except kitchen, bathroom, and garage
• Zone 2: All second and part of third floors, or all first-floor rooms including kitchen, bathroom, and garage but not basement
• Zone 3: All of the third floor and most or all of the basement
• Zone 4: Crawl space

When Should Conduct Home Radon Level Tests?

It's important to note that radon levels are usually higher when people are not at home because radon gas accumulates when there is no ventilation in a building. It is, therefore, best to test radon levels during the day rather than in the evenings.

What Should You Do After Radon Testing?

Once radon testing has been completed, radon testers should be kept in the home for two days because the testing results may vary depending on ventilation. When radon test results are ready, they can then be recorded, and if radon levels are high, then radon mitigation systems should be installed by professionals.

Conclusion

Testing radon levels in your home is a great way to check radon zones. If radon testing isn't conducted properly, radon levels will not be accurate and may cause unnecessary concern for homeowners.

Contact a local radon test service to learn more.

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