Are radon home test kits accurate?
Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time. A new study finds the only reliable way to measure exposure to radon gas is with a long-term testing kit, 90 or more days. Researchers placed two test kits, a short term (five-day) and long term (90-day) in the same homes.
Do at home radon tests work?
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. The longer the test, the better the results will reflect your home and lifestyle.
Can you fake a radon test?
Tampering with a radon testing unit during a home sale is fraud, and can lead to lawsuits even years after you sell the home.
Are short term radon test kits accurate?
Short-term radon tests are susceptible to spikes in radon levels that can skew the average. Because of this, they are considered the least accurate test option.
How often should radon be checked?
every two years
If you’re wondering how often you should test for radon, here are the facts. To provide peace of mind, 2the EPA recommends testing your home after any lifestyle changes, renovations and every two years as part of routine home maintenance.
What are radon test kits for?
The First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit detects dangerous radon gas in your home, work, or institution. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause lung cancer, and can be found in basements, drains, crawl spaces, and other areas below ground.
How does radon test kit work?
Radon tests work by counting or tracking the amount of radon in the air. Charcoal devices absorb radon so that the radioactive particles can be counted at a lab for accurate radon level estimates. Alpha-track test kits have a plastic film that becomes marked by alpha particles that strike it.
Do open windows affect radon testing?
It is important to note that when testing a home for radon, the home must stay closed up. If any doors or windows to the outside are open, the test will be invalid.
Does opening a window reduce radon?
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. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.
How do radon test kits work?
What is a radon test kit used for?
A radon test kit collects radon gas or radioactive particles so they can be measured. This sample is used to estimate the total amount of radon in your home’s air.
Is radon only in the basement?
Basements aren’t the only place you can find radon. This is a common assumption since radon is most commonly found in basements. Unfortunately, it’s also very wrong. Radon gas can be found anywhere in any home, not just in the basement.
What equipment is needed for radon testing?
Radon testing equipment is divided into two categories: Passive Devices and Active Devices. Passive Devices – Passive radon testing devices do not need power to function. They include radon detectors such as charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, and electret ion chamber detectors.
Should I test for radon during my home inspection?
When you decide to have a home inspection, testing for radon gas should be a priority. According to the World Health Organization and the EPA, Radon gas is a health hazard. This means if the home you are looking to purchase tests elevated, the seller will be required to install a radon mitigation system to reduce the radon concentration levels.
How do you test for radon gas?
Radon is impossible to detect by mere sight or smell. But there are several simple, cost-effective ways to effectively check radon levels in your house. A small, puck-like device can be placed in a basement, where radon gas is known to gather. After about 90 days, the device can be sent into a lab for testing.
Are radon tests reliable?
Radon levels are intermittent from day to day due to changes in weather, soil conditions, encapsulation, wind, and more. This is why even the short term test kits will remain in your home for a few days. The results become more precise and reliable if there’s more data to evaluate and average out.