A home radon test kit can help you detect the presence of radon in your home. Why does this matter, though?
Radon: what is it?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It’s the result of decaying uranium under the earth’s surface, and cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Those qualities make it particularly difficult to find out if there’s radon in your property or not.
Effects of radon
Exposure to radon can get radioactive particles into your lungs with every breath you take. As these particles break down, they expose your lung tissue to radiation, causing damage that could take the form of lung cancer. Long-term exposure will eventually lead to death.
Types of test kits
There are 2 kinds of test kits you can go for: long-term and short-term tests. Short-term tests last for about 2 to 7 days while long-term tests require 90 days or more.
Re-test
If you get a level 4 or higher, do the test again, as suggested by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion or ODPHP. Don’t rush through it. If you do, that could compromise the test results. Use a long-term home radon test if you have the time to make sure the results are accurate.
Hire pros
If you’re worried you’re doing something wrong, hire a professional contractor to conduct the test. With the assistance of a professional, you won’t have to lose sleep, thinking you skipped vital steps or that there’s something you’re missing out on. A qualified contractor will go through the steps, be thorough and answer any questions you might have. That’s going to put your fears and worries to rest.
Get help
If your home tests positive for dangerously high radon levels, then finding a radon mitigation service should be your next priority. Look for a certified radon technician to perform this for you.
