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There are two types of testing the home for radon
gas. Simply put, there is the short-term test and the
long-term test. Of course, the fastest method of
testing is with short-term tests. Short-term tests stay
in the home for two days to 90 days, depending on
which actual device is utilized. A short-term test is
less likely to tell you your year-round average radon
level than a long-term test should you require test
results quickly, the short-term test followed by
another a little while later will give this to you. This
may give you the indication of the radon level. Then
you can choose as to whether or not to take steps to
protect your home from radon.
Long-term tests are called such because they
remain in your home for more than 90 days. Two of
the main kinds of detectors commonly used for this
type of testing are alpha track and electret. With a
long-term test you get a radon gas reading that is
more likely to tell you your home's year-round
average level than with a short-term test. The radon
level is measured in picoCuries per liter of air, or
pCi/L. Some test results are expressed in WL
(Working Levels) rather than pCi/L (picoCuries per
liter) 4 pCi/L equals to 0.016 WL. The long term test
is obviously the most accurate and if the short-term
test has shown 4 pCi/L or higher, definitely follow up
with a second one or have a long-term test done.
There are many do it your self-test kits available.
Good test kits, when used properly, provide reliable
indications of radon gas concentrations during the
time that the kits are used. Good test kits are ones
that have successfully passed the EPA Radon
Measurement Proficiency Program and are marked
Meets EPA Requirements. Test kits are usually for
sale in hardware stores, supermarkets, and other
retail outlets, or through the mail or on-line for prices
from $10 to $45. If you are carrying out a short-term
test it is best to close your windows and outside
doors and keep them closed as much as possible
during the test. Actually it is advised that you should
close up you outside doors and windows for a
couple days prior to starting the test. You need to
note that it is not a good idea to conduct a
short-term test during severe storms. As soon as
the test time is complete, send the kit into the
laboratory indicated on the package.
gas. Simply put, there is the short-term test and the
long-term test. Of course, the fastest method of
testing is with short-term tests. Short-term tests stay
in the home for two days to 90 days, depending on
which actual device is utilized. A short-term test is
less likely to tell you your year-round average radon
level than a long-term test should you require test
results quickly, the short-term test followed by
another a little while later will give this to you. This
may give you the indication of the radon level. Then
you can choose as to whether or not to take steps to
protect your home from radon.
Long-term tests are called such because they
remain in your home for more than 90 days. Two of
the main kinds of detectors commonly used for this
type of testing are alpha track and electret. With a
long-term test you get a radon gas reading that is
more likely to tell you your home's year-round
average level than with a short-term test. The radon
level is measured in picoCuries per liter of air, or
pCi/L. Some test results are expressed in WL
(Working Levels) rather than pCi/L (picoCuries per
liter) 4 pCi/L equals to 0.016 WL. The long term test
is obviously the most accurate and if the short-term
test has shown 4 pCi/L or higher, definitely follow up
with a second one or have a long-term test done.
There are many do it your self-test kits available.
Good test kits, when used properly, provide reliable
indications of radon gas concentrations during the
time that the kits are used. Good test kits are ones
that have successfully passed the EPA Radon
Measurement Proficiency Program and are marked
Meets EPA Requirements. Test kits are usually for
sale in hardware stores, supermarkets, and other
retail outlets, or through the mail or on-line for prices
from $10 to $45. If you are carrying out a short-term
test it is best to close your windows and outside
doors and keep them closed as much as possible
during the test. Actually it is advised that you should
close up you outside doors and windows for a
couple days prior to starting the test. You need to
note that it is not a good idea to conduct a
short-term test during severe storms. As soon as
the test time is complete, send the kit into the
laboratory indicated on the package.