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Although DIY radon kits are a great approach to get started learning about the radon risks in your house, they’re much less conclusive as professional tests. Long-term radon kits are somewhat more accurate. For instance, you may buy an activated charcoal DIY Radon Test kit from a neighborhood hardware shop.
Are home radon tests reliable?
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.
Can you do a radon test yourself?
You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. from a hardware store. Or you can order one by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) or going to the National Radon Program Services website (http://sosradon.org/test-kits). Set up the testing device to check the air for radon.
Can radon tests be inaccurate?
The short answer is yes, as errors can happen with any type of test, but the likelihood of a wrong radon level reading changes greatly based on a variety of factors.
How accurate are digital radon detectors?
The Pro boasts an impressive 7% accuracy after 24-hours and less-than-5% after a week. All Airthings detectors have been tested directly against the AlphaGuard reference device. Because it’s a professional detector with high accuracy and sensitivity, it is the gold standard to which radon detectors or tests are held.
What are the symptoms of radon in your home?
A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning. Persistent cough. Hoarseness. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Coughing up blood. Chest pain. Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Loss of appetite.
How do you test for radon in your home?
The only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test it. To test your home for radon, you can purchase a test kit at some hardware stores or online from several organizations that are working to reduce radon. You can also hire a certified professional to perform a test for you.
How much does a radon inspection cost?
The average cost for testing for radon ranges from $125 to $350, with most homeowners paying $200 for an installed continuous radon monitor.Radon Testing Cost. Radon testing prices National average cost $200 Average range $125-$350 Minimum cost $15 Maximum cost $400.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.
Are 2 day radon tests accurate?
Short-term radon test kits are not accurate enough for big decisions about radon mitigation. Repeat the tests or use a long-term test kit to provide a better picture of the real radon level in your home.
How often do radon tests fail?
Statistically speaking, 1 in 100 homes will fail even after installing a radon system. Although that can sound alarming, there are some common reasons this can happen. Water: It’s the easiest one to understand. A home that has a high water table, or is known to easily flood can and often will be tougher to mitigate.
What affects radon test results?
Rain, thunderstorms and high wind can also have an affect on radon testing results. Radon readings have been known to go down when the outdoor wind speeds increase during periods of high humidity. When the seasons change such as fall to winter, radon testing can be affected.
Are portable radon detectors accurate?
The Corentium Home is a portable lightweight radon detection device that provides accurate results within 24 hours. You can view results easily with its built-in LCD screen without the need of any external devices. This allows you to conveniently monitor radon levels in your surrounding environment.
Which radon test is most accurate?
Our Top Picks BEST OVERALL: Corentium Home Radon Detector. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit. UPGRADE PICK: Airthings Radon & Air Quality Monitor. BEST SHORT-TERM: AccuStar Radon Gas Test Kit. BEST LONG-TERM: Radon Eye Radon Reading Monitor.
What is a safe reading for radon gas?
What constitutes an acceptable or safe radon level? According to the EPA, the maximum “acceptable” level of radon is 4.0 pCi/L, but even that level is not “safe”, per se. The EPA strongly recommends you consider radon mitigation between levels 2.0 and 4.0.
What does radon do to your body?
When you breathe in radon, it gets into the lining of your lungs and gives off radiation. Over a long time, that can damage the cells there and lead to lung cancer. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
Where in a typical home would radon be found?
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well- sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Where is radon most likely found?
Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.
How do I get rid of radon in my home?
Radon levels can be reduced by sealing off major openings between the home and the ground, such as basement floor drains. This image describes how a floor drain trap can reduce radon entry.
What are acceptable radon levels in a home?
EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocurries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
How long does it take for radon to affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop. Early signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: persistent cough.
