How to Test Your Home for Radon

When it comes to radon mitigation in Colorado Springs, between one-third and one -half of the homes have radon levels in excess of the EPA recommended action level of 4.0 picoCuries (pCi) of radon per liter of air. If the radon levels in your house are high, you can take measures to fix it. Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer and the risk is higher for people that smoke.

There are two main types of radon testing kits. Short-term tests take anywhere between 2-90 days. It is recommended that you start with a short term test. Long-term tests measure radon levels for 90 days to one year.

• You can buy test kits at hardware stores, home improvement stores or online. You can also order a test kit over the phone by calling the Nation Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).
• Test for radon at the lowest level of your home where people spend time. If you use part of your basement for a living space, test there. If you only use your basement for storage, you can test the first floor.
• If your home tests at a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, you’ll want to take steps to lower the levels.

The amount of radon in the air is measured in pCi/L or picoCuries per liter of air. The average indoor radon level is estimated to be ~1.3 pCi/L. Most health authorities will tell you 4.0 pCi/L of radon is the cutoff point between acceptable and unsafe.

Radon levels in the home can change over time. A long-term test is the best way to know what the radon levels are over time. If 2 radon test kids show the radon levels in your home to be 4 or higher, you should hire a radon mitigation specialist to get the radon to a safe level.