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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?
Because short-term radon test kits are the fastest testing method and the least expensive test kit option, real estate agents often use them to test homes before selling. However, radon levels can fluctuate over a short amount of time, so short-term test kits are not the most accurate testing method.
Can you fake a radon test?
While it is understandable that most people selling their homes don’t want to pay for home repairs, radon gas isn’t something to mess around with. 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 home radon detectors accurate?
A radon detector calibrated for home use should provide accurate and reliable readings, especially if the concentration level exceeds 4 picocuries. Most households have radon levels in the 1.5-2.5 picocurie range.
Are electronic radon detectors accurate?
Like the EcoQube radon monitor, the Radon Eye RD200 is also a smart radon detector. The detector uses a highly accurate detection circuit and ion chamber to detect alpha particles in the air. It then provides the first reading in less than 10 minutes after set up.
How do you skew a radon test?
Rain during the test period can skew test results—sometimes quite dramatically. This is because rain drives radon out of the ground, which results in a high radon level reading.
How do you beat a home radon test?
Therefore, to pass a radon test, you should avoid the use of forced air ventilation. You can also further reduce radon levels by pressurizing the basement of the house with a fan. Once the basement develops a positive pressure, the radon gas will have to find a different way to escape into the atmosphere.
How accurate is a 48 hour radon test?
Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time.
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.
Where should you place a radon detector?
Place a radon detector in the breathing zone, 2-6 feet above the floor, and away from drafts, exterior walls, sumps, drains, windows or doors. Radon may enter a building through cracks in the foundation or through sumps or drains and will usually be higher near these entry points.
How do you manipulate a radon test?
Some of these methods for how to pass a radon test include: Open windows. By opening the windows, you increase fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of radon in the home. Install basement vents. Use fans. Create exits. Mitigation.
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.
Do all homes have some level of radon?
The simple answer is “yes” – at least trace levels of radon will exist in every home. We also know that there are certainly areas throughout the U.S.A that have a significant radon issue, while others not so much. Any home can have a radon problem.
Does opening basement windows reduce radon levels?
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.
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.
Do people cheat on radon tests?
Most home inspections, about 90% will include a radon test. Some people end up buying a home with high radon unawares. Unfortunately more than a few times I have caught home sellers, realtors (usually the listing agent) and radon contractors cheating or fraudulently altering the radon test or test reports.
How do open windows affect radon testing?
Opening windows at the upper levels actually has the potential to increase radon levels during a short-term test. My scenario above is mostly in theory. In reality, if enough windows are opened, very small amounts of wind will be far larger factors than stack effect, and radon levels will probably decrease.
What should you not do during a radon test?
Three feet from doors and windows, away from heat source or humidity. Windows remain closed before and during the test. Maintain regular entry and exit through exterior doors. Maintain normal HVAC operation but no house or window fans.
How can I reduce radon levels in my home?
Other radon reduction techniques that can be used in any type of home include: sealing, house or room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation and natural ventilation. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction.
Does a dehumidifier affect radon testing?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Radon must be removed by a remediation method like active soil depressurization (ASD), which ironically has been shown to be even more effective at removing humidity from a home than a dehumidifier in the same EPA study.
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.
Do radon levels fluctuate during the day?
Radon levels are constantly changing – hourly, daily, and seasonal fluctuations are all common. Likewise, radon flows faster when there is a bigger difference in pressure between the high pressure soil and the low pressure air.
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.
