Does Your Home or Building Need Radon Testing? Bluetooth connectivity allows the data to be retrieved from the Radon Eye app, where ten-minute intervals of information are updated into a helpful graph. According to the EPA, 1 out of every 15 U.S. homes has radon levels above the recommended guideline of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) and recommends that all homes should test for radon, regardless of geographic location. It is a real health deathtrap and according to Environmental Protection Agency, radon results to over 21,000 deaths annually, and ranks second after cigarette smoking in causing lung cancer. How do I know that my radon system is working? A long-term test result is more likely to tell you your home’s year-round average radon level than a short-term test. decay from radon and polonium damages lung tissue and causes lung cancer. Testing for Radon is simple, and the sure way to keep you and your family safe at home. The Corentium Home Radon Detector is one of the first continuous radon test kits to use batteries, making it completely independent from outlets. Radon gas is a naturally occurring byproduct produced by the deterioration of uranium in igneous rock and soil. If they are high, steps for remediation should be taken and a radon detector installed. 1.6 to 2.0 vs 4.0 picocuries per liter of air Lowest in NY State basement air measurements , , + sources are dangerous when they are inside your body. The Safety Siren Pro4 Series Electronic Radon Detector from Family Safety Products is the first company on the market to design a radon gas detector for use by the homeowner. After two to four days, seal it up and send it to the lab. It enters the home through cracks in the foundation, slowly building up until it becomes hazardous to your health. If you would rather test your home for radon … It’s a little scary to think about the fact that 1 out of every 15 homes has radon levels above the recommended amount. The best way to see if your home is a high risk area for radon, is to consult the EPA Radon Zone Map: EPA Radon Zone Map. This is famed for being the first ever digital radon… If it's still high when they test then you need to install a system to remove it. It gives you the ability to test for overexposure in real time. The Radon Eye Monitor is available from Amazon for about $153. Electronic monitors that measure radon in the air are another option. In general, 10,000 pCi/L of radon in water contributes roughly 1 pCi/L of airborne radon throughout the house. Unfortunately, its effects are undetectable until that moment that uncontrolled damage is done. Active radon test kits are more complex and can range from battery-powered units you attach to the wall to smart home-compatible units that require a fully integrated set-up before use. Passive radon detectors are generally very easy to set up, with most having instructions that specify a temporary location for them to sit during the allotted time period. No matter what type of radon test kit you purchase, you want it to be a high-quality product. Shop radon detectors and a variety of electrical products online at Lowes.com. Accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when testing radon levels in your home. If you’re looking for more than just a simple radon test, continuous air monitors like this are amazing for all-around protection. Their installation can be difficult, as each manufacturer has its own setup specifications. This simple charcoal radon test kit includes the laboratory fee for most states (excluding New Jersey) at a very affordable price. Smart home-compatible detectors will require a level of technical know-how for ongoing use. You plug the cord from the cylinder into the wall and leave it on a flat, open surface in the area of the home you want to test. The harmful gas can cause minor symptoms like ongoing headaches or could even have a lethal effect, due to its cancer-causing properties. These readings can also be generated through a self-inspection report without the need to worry about lab fees, and the device begins working within 24 hours of activation. The EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon contains helpful information for real estate transactions. Test results are expressed in picocuries of radon per liter of water (pCi/L). If a person spends more than four to six hours a day in any given area, consider placing a detector nearby. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Since radon is found in all 50 states, it is wise to test your home. Radon detectors, or digital radon test kits, are the most expensive type of radon testers on the list. It is unavoidable, hence the need for a radon detector, as its colorless, odorless and invisible, only through monitoring will you be aware of the levels in the air. Your email address will remain private, we do not spam. Have you used a radon test kit? Why Do You Need a Radon Detector? Wave was created to allow homeowners to take control of their radon levels. Every home needs a radon detector. If you do not have a basement, just make sure that you put it on the lowest level of the house. The EPA does not regulate or qualify specific radon test products, it has established minimum accuracy performance criteria. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas typically found in basements or areas of a home that are beneath the ground. Radon exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. The EPA suggests a radon removal system be installed for any radon level reading higher than is considered acceptable. Depending on the country, acceptable radon levels vary. The charcoal device absorbs radon gas over two to 90 days and is then sent to a lab for results. The house should be tested at least every two years. When the liquid level drops, the system isn’t working. Because radon is odorless and colorless, it’s impossible to know if your home or office is contaminated unless you have a radon detector. Radon is 1 of the most important components in our indoor air quality and the only way to know if you are exposed to radon is to measure daily. After sending the test kit to the lab, you can expect results to be available online within a few days. Exposure to radon gas it the second-leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking) in the United States. This type of device is more accurate than the short-term kits because it allows for a larger data set to be collected and reviewed, instead of the results being swayed by radon spikes, unpredictable highs or lows in radon levels that can cause false test results. Another style of long-term radon test kit is the ongoing test kit or radon detector. Before buying, check out the answers to some of the most common questions people have about radon test kits below. Is this — like me — all news to you? How accurate are radon detectors? Do I Need To Seal My Basement Floor? Radon detectors typically feature a digital display and will continuously test the air in the home, displaying results regularly, without the need to send the kit to a laboratory. I heard that only if you have basement then you need a radon detector.It depends also whether you are living in area that prone to cases of radon emission.Could you please through some light on this. 3,318 Reviews. This consumer oriented digital radon detector allows the homeowner to monitor the radon level in their home with an easy-to-read illumated digital display. Radon fans don’t run forever (typically 7 to 10 years), so you need a warning device to tell you when it stops working. Have you tested for radon? The alpha-track radon test kit—and long-term testing method—tests levels of radon by means of polycarbonate plastic sheets that the homeowner places the test kit in the lowest livable level of the home. It is usually best if you get two radon detectors to install in your house. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit, RD1. Radon fluctuates daily so continuous monitoring is necessary to understand your long-term exposure and gain full-time peace of mind. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Radon can enter a structure through the ground and walls of a basement. •To test for radon yourself, you must first get a … Keep the following considerations in mind when selecting the best radon test kit for your specific circumstances. About 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Once it’s set up, the monitor will continuously test the air for radon, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), humidity levels, temperature, and air pressure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), naturally occurring radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. alone – second only to cigarette smoking among causes of lung cancer. If time permits (more than 90 days), long-term tests can be used to confirm initial short-term results. It forms when uranium decays, and then it seeps out from rock formations and certain building materials. The detector after some time (3 months is recommended) has been sufficiently exposed to the fluctuating levels in your home. We recommend the SafetySiren Pro4 Radon Detector as a long-term solution for testing in your home, especially if … If you have a basement, that would be the ideal location for one. Long-term radon test kits, as the name suggests, are designed to test the home over a longer period of time. For definitive results, long-term testing is necessary. You can also hire a professional to test your home for radon. Test kits include a radon detector that you simply place in your home. A radon detector is a device used to detect the presence and amount of radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that’s undetectable by humans. The Radon Eye Radon Reading Monitor takes 30 independent counts of pCi/L levels within a single hour. Alpha-track test kits have a plastic film that becomes marked by alpha particles that strike it. These test devices cost more and take longer, but they are the most accurate radon test kits available. Long Island sand does not have this problem. When it comes to your safety and health, radon detectors are just as important as smoke detectors or combustible gas monitors. It can be used in temperatures from 0 to 104 degrees F, so even if power is off in the home, Radon can still be detected and measured. What Cracks in the Basement Floor Really Mean, 10 Factors That Make or Break the Value of Your Home, 7 Irresistible Outdoor Living Trends for 2015, 10 Things You Never Knew Your Real Estate Agent Can Do for You. It uses the same radon sensing technology that is found in professional grade products used by radon mitigators and home inspectors. Small and Compact This highly portable radon detector can be taken anywhere to get reliable readings. Short Term Radon Test Kit. Radon test kits use several different methods to test the air in your home for elevated radon levels. Testing your home for radon gas will help you determine the amount of radon you may be breathing. Within 72 hours of lab receipt, the results are emailed directly to you. Testing your home for radon is as simple as opening a package, placing a radon detector in a designated area, and after the prescribed number of days (usually 2-7 days), sealing the detector back in the package and mailing it to a lab for evaluation. Photo by WPB Radon Active radon test kits, like digital radon detectors, can be very easy to use once installed. Radon gas emits alpha particles, which create tracks on the sheets. He recently bought an older home to remodel, so it may be beneficial for him to hire a company to look through the house and check for excessive amounts of radon. The device is portable and can be placed in any location you want to test. Not all situations require the same solution. The longer period of time a radon test kit is able to test the home, the more accurate the results will be, as longer testing allows you to determine the average level of pCi/L in your home without the influence of random positive or negative spikes. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. The DEP also offers additional testing for … The detector is designed to test the air inside a building and provide a readout of radon levels. Once the alpha-track radon test kit has been in place for the manufacturer’s suggested time period, the homeowner removes it and sends it to a lab for testing. Sale. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. ... A lot of tests include paid postage for sending the detector back to … The clear digital display shows on-screen readings of both long- and short-term radon levels to identify temporary fluctuations, but without allowing them to impact overall averages. You… Sylvane’s Top Space Heater Picks for the New Year, Travel Air Purifier Options: Enjoy Clean Air During Holiday Travel, The O2 Flow: FAQs About the Wearable Air Purifier Mask. Do you have a radon detector? These test kits are great for set-it-and-forget-it users. I'm curious to hear about your solutions to the great big problem that is radon gas. Radon is also the No. The Corentium Home Radon Detector by Airthings will provide you with detailed information about radon levels in your home. Only a radon test can indicate the levels of radon. 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. If they are high, steps for remediation should be taken and a radon detector installed. 5 Radon (Rn) is formed from the radioactive decay of uranium-238 in rock and soil, mostly granite. Alpha track and electret ion chamber detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. One style is a single-use device collected at the end of the usage period and sent to a laboratory for testing. Radon is a product of decaying radioactive elements like uranium. It is battery-operated and can easily be mounted on the wall. The smart home integration requires a more technical set-up than most radon test kits, however. The Corentium Home Digital Radon Detector by Airthings is a simple and easy to use radon gas detector. The products below are the best radon test kits in their respective categories. The best radon test kits alert you to the presence of this carcinogenic gas by detecting radon levels over a few days, a few months, or through ongoing radon detection in your home. This short-term test kit uses activated charcoal to absorb radon and its byproducts over a time period of 48 to 96 hours. You must then send these test kits to a laboratory to have the results calculated and returned to you. Hello Dean, I agree. Along with user reviews from Amazon and … You can zoom in on your state and down to the county. When moving to a new home, it is wise to have the property tested to determine radon levels. Radon test kits are generally used by opening a sealed package, leaving the test kit exposed to the air for a certain amount of time, and then sending the test kit to a laboratory for results. The first thing you should understand is that there are currently no national or state radon laws that require testing in homes. A radon detector, which is a small device, will be left in the home for at least 48 hours, but it can be left for several days or even a month or two. The U-tube is only designed to indicate that the system is actually on and at what pressure. No, the U-tube on the radon system does not indicate radon levels. You need to place them in a specific location to test the air and then send them to a lab for results. Staying Safe When it comes to your safety and health, radon detectors are just as important as smoke detectors or combustible gas monitors. Even though toxic radon exposure is most common in the Northern, Midwestern and Southwestern states – radon may reach hazardous levels in any state depending on where your home is located. Putting one in the main traffic area of the house, like a living room, is usually a good idea. Radon Eliminator Is Here To Help; What Is Radon? The lab fees and shipping costs are sometimes included with the product you purchase, so be sure to understand whether you will need to pay the fees. If they are in the "unsafe" zone, or close too it, you should hire a professional Radon firm to come out and do a second test and assessment. A smarter radon detector. First of all, radon is a radioactive gas that is formed during the decay of radioactive elements like uranium. Best Budget: Kansas State University Radon Test Kit. Radon is produced from the natural breakdown of the uranium found in most rocks and soils. First Alert RD1. The EPA Radon Zone map is color-coded into zones based on predicted radon concentration and shows areas down to the county level in every state. An alternative to your father hiring a company to check homes, would be for him to have a hand-held Radon detector like the Airthings Radon Gas Monitor, which is battery powered and can give readings in as little as 24 hours. Higher levels of alpha tracks indicate high levels of alpha particles and radon. 7 Health Hazards Lurking in Your Basement, Solved! A tasteless, odorless, colorless gas, radon cannot be identified with the mouth, nose, or eyes, so one way, without hiring a professional, to know if you’re at risk of radon gas exposure is by using a radon test kit to measure the levels in your home. These tests are the cheapest and quickest options for measuring radon levels in your home, but they are also the least accurate because they are susceptible to spikes in radon levels and interference during shipping for lab tests. A radon detector can be used in a private home, institution or place of business. The reasoning behind this is because radon levels tend to fluctuate each day, which means that a longer test can offer more accurate results. The Corentium Home is a portable lightweight radon detection device that provides accurate results within 24 hours. •Testing for radon is easy to do, and takes very little time. Then take the other radon gas detector and install it as close to the ground as you can in your house. There are several time-tested products that meet or exceed this criteria. Because areas under your home are normally the first place radon gas will accumulate, you should consider placing one radon detector for every 2000 uninterrupted sq ft, and in frequently occupied rooms. My father buys homes, renovates them, and sells them for a profit. They will be able to provide an estimate for installing a radon mitigation system that will continually remove the excess radon from around your home. One option is a liquid-filled manometer ($10 to $30 online) mounted on the PVC pipe. •You can test for radon yourself. Difficult-to-use kits can produce results impacted by user error, whereas easy-to-use kits will provide more accurate readings. Where I live, the probability of there being Radon in my home is high and I have more than one detector keeping track of Radon levels. The AccuStar Radon Gas Test Kit is perfect for real estate agents who are in regular need of short-term radon test solutions for their clients. If the radon level is low in the air, there is no need to test your water. The Corentium Home was developed by in-house CERN scientists with the average homeowner in mind.