Clearing The Air: A Quick Guide To Home Radon Level Tests

Posted on: 21 March 2023

Being a homeowner comes with many challenges, but ensuring that every aspect of a house is regularly checked for problems should be high on the priority list. One of the most essential inspections to conduct is a home radon level test. Radon is a harmful gas that can build up inside a home or structure and lead to serious health issues, such as lung cancer. Since radon is odorless and colorless, it is difficult to detect the gas in a home without the help of a reliable testing process. Home radon level tests easily measure the amount of radon that is present in the air. Continue reading below for more information about how these valuable tests work.

1) Short-term home radon level tests

The most frequently used form of home radon level testing is the short-term test. Over a period of just a few days, a short-term home radon level test uses a special device to gauge how much radon is in the air. The device is usually a charcoal canister that gathers up the gas through the absorption process in an area of the home where radon commonly accumulates (living room, bedroom, or basement). Once the short-term test is finished, the canister is safely sealed and sent to a professional lab for evaluation. The lab generates a detailed analysis of the radon level in the home during the designated testing time. This is the fastest way to get a general idea of the overall radon levels.

2) Long-term home radon level tests

Unlike the relatively brief short-term test, a long-term home radon level test is in place for a more prolonged timeframe. Long-term tests often last for several months, but they can also run for a full year. A radon detecting device that has been outfitted with a powerful filter takes continuous measurements of the air quality when a long-term test is performed. A lab then calculates the data at the conclusion of the test and sends along the information to the homeowner. A long-term home radon level test can give a more accurate understanding of the radon level in the home because it measures even minuscule fluctuations in the amount of gas for a lengthy span of time.

3) Interpreting the results 

After a home radon level test is completed, the results from the lab need to be thoroughly assessed. For instance, if the test results indicate that the radon level is too high, the homeowner must take quick action to reduce any potential health risks. This could include creating better ventilation, sealing up all cracks in the home's concrete walls and foundation, and investing in a radon mitigation system. A homeowner should work with a professional inspector to confirm that the results are interpreted correctly and that the best mitigation strategy is established right away. 

Conducting a home radon level test every few years is an important step in making sure that any house is a safe place to live. An organization that specializes in home radon level testing (such as a pest control company) can help provide further guidance about choosing a test and assist a homeowner in scheduling a visit from a certified technician.

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