How to Test for Radon: Protecting Your Home and Business
Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can infiltrate buildings through openings in foundations, becoming a health risk over time.
Exposure to high levels of radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Given its invisible nature, the only way to ensure safety is through testing.
In this article, we guide you on how to test for radon in both residential and commercial settings.
Testing for Radon in Your Home
Testing for radon in your home is straightforward and vital for ensuring your living environment is safe. Here are the radon testing steps we recommend following:
Choose the Right Test Kit
The first step is to choose the right testing kit to detect radon levels in your living space. A variety of radon test kits are available, including short-term and long-term kits.
Short-term kits, usually left in place for 2 to 7 days, offer a quick snapshot of your radon levels. Meanwhile, long-term tests last for up to a year and overall provide a more accurate annual average.
Place the Test Kit Correctly
Now that you’ve selected your radon testing kit, you’ll need to position the kit in the lowest level of your home. You should avoid kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms since the higher presence of humidity will effect the results. Also, make sure that the kit is placed away from drafts, high heat, and external walls.
When conducting the test, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, check with your local radon technicians.
Send the Kit for Analysis
Following the radon testing period, seal the kit according to the instructions and send it to a laboratory for analysis. You’ll receive your radon level results, which will guide your next steps.
Your radon technicians can also conduct the radon test and analysis for you.
Testing for Radon in Your Business
Radon testing in a business environment follows a similar protocol but usually involves multiple test kits to account for the larger space and varied usage patterns across different areas of the building.
Here’s how to conduct the test:
Conduct a Site Assessment
To conduct a site assessment on your business or commercial premise, you will identify the most frequently occupied areas of your business and plan to place test kits in these zones.
For the site assessment, you should focus on ground-level spaces or basements.
Deploy Multiple Test Kits
Depending on the size of your business premises, you may need several test kits to get an accurate reading.
Ensure they are placed according to the same guidelines as residential testing, avoiding external influences that could skew results.
Professional Consultation & Mitigation
Considering the complexities of commercial buildings and the potential for larger scale exposure, consulting with radon mitigation professionals for testing and interpretation of results is advisable.
To perform a radon testing and mitigation service, you’ll want to contact local air quality professionals who you trust.
Modern HVAC: Your Fox Valley Radon Testing Experts!
Ensuring the safety of your home or business from radon is vital, and catching radon levels early on can make mitigation more straightforward and give you a peace of mind.
Modern HVAC offers an easy and reliable solution with the AprilAire radon test kit, designed for swift and efficient radon testing and mitigation. We provide AprilAire short-term radon test kits for accurately checking radon levels to ensure your environment is safe from harmful radon exposure.
After testing, our team is ready to discuss the results, addressing any concerns you may have and exploring further options. For more information on radon testing and its importance, or to discuss your radon testing needs, contact Modern HVAC today!
Reach out to us online or call us at (920) 733-4713 to speak with a professional about radon mitigation solutions for your home or business in the Fox Valley area!