Do-It-Yourself Radon Testing

Modern building practices have created homes with significantly better energy efficiency over the last 30-40 years. However, improvements to insulation materials and weather tight construction have increased the effects of indoor air pollution on the health of families across the country. One of the biggest dangers from indoor air pollution comes in the form of Radon.

Radon is a color-less, odor-less gas which is produced by the natural decay of soils containing uranium. The gas rises through the soil and seeps into cracks or spaces in a building foundation, basement, or crawl space. Air quality can be significantly compromised by radon pollution, and the U.S. Surgeon General has recognized radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking.

The U.S. EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon and abatement measures be taken if test results exceed 4 pCi/L (or 0.016 WL). There are two main types of radon tests--short-term and long term. Short-term tests are recommended as a first step in the assessment process and are easily managed by the do-it-yourself homeowner.

Short-term test kits can be found at home improvement stores and online for between $40 and $80. Standard procedures require that the testing receptacle be removed from the packaging and placed in a high-traffic area of the home on the lowest level of occupied space. The kit receptacle should be located approximately 20 inches from the floor and left to absorb air flow in the house for 2-30 days. The receptacle is then mailed to a lab for results. In the case of elevated levels, a second short-term test is usually recommended before mitigation actions are considered.

There are several home improvement steps that a do-it-yourself homeowner can take to decrease radon levels in the home, including: apply sealant or caulk to areas of entry such as cracks or holes; open crawl space vents; and use fans or ionizers to increase the air circulation through your home. More involved procedures may require the help of a radon mitigation professional. For more information contact the U.S. EPA or your state radon office.