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Your home's indoor air quality is important — here's how to test and improve it

Date Published: 04/13/2020 [Source]

How to test radon levels

According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Another colorless, odorless gas, radon seeps into your home from building materials and rocks, soil, or water beneath your home. The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test the air in your home.

If the test shows high levels of radon, a qualified contractor can lower radon levels by using techniques to prevent the entry of radon into the home. Select a contractor with state certification and a guarantee to reduce radon levels to 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or below. The average indoor radon level in homes is 1.3 pCi/L.

There are two types of radon gas testing kits. One is a short-term initial measurement test that every homeowner should use. The First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit includes testing materials, detailed instructions, and the cost of laboratory fees to determine the radon levels. Results are sent within 72 hours after the kit is received by the lab.

If levels are high, the EPA recommends a long-term 90-day test like Accustar Alpha Track Test Kit AT 100. Radon levels can fluctuate depending on humidity levels and other factors. A long-term test will give a more accurate reading and can confirm initial short-term results. Any test result higher than 4 pCi/L should be corrected for the indoor air quality to be safe.