FAQs About Radon Gas
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when the Uranium in natural stone decays. The gas decays into radon progeny which are radioactive metal atoms that get caught in our respiratory tracts during inhalation. Radiation emitted from the radon progeny causes lung cancer by damaging the cells in our respiratory tracts and lungs.
For additional information visit our About Radon page.
Radon gas is odorless and a test is the only way to detect the gas. The amount of radon in indoor air will vary depending on structural deficiencies, ventilation, and is influenced by the weather outside. Due to these factors, it is recommended that all dwellings, schools, and workplaces be tested for radon gas.
World Health Organization (WHO) states it is proven that radon, a Group 1 carcinogen, can cause lung cancer and Lung cancer kills more people than breast, pancreatic, colorectal, and prostate cancer COMBINED. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 21,000 people die from radon a year. It constitutes the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and in 2005 the Surgeon General of the United States issued a national health advisory.
Radon gas is odorless and a test is the only way to detect the gas. The amount of radon in indoor air will vary depending on structural deficiencies, ventilation, and is influenced by the weather outside. Due to these factors, it is recommended that all dwellings, schools, and workplaces be tested for radon gas. FAQs About Testing For Radon
Radon gas is odorless and a test is the only way to detect the gas. The amount of radon in indoor air will vary depending on structural deficiencies, ventilation, and is influenced by the weather outside. Due to these factors, it is recommended that all dwellings, schools, and workplaces be tested for radon gas. If you are unaware of your property’s radon gas levels then you should buy a short term radon test kit to know if your property is in danger.
If you have recently done a radon gas test or had to do a mitigation process to remove radon gas from your property then you may want a long term test kit to make sure you know how your radon levels fluctuate throughout the year and if you need to do any further removal.
The number of detectors needed varies based on the type of structure and the size of the structure being tested.
Residences
When testing a residence there are many factors to consider. How large is the home? How many floors does it have? Are there multiple areas that make ground contact? Which separate rooms are frequented heavily? It is recommended to place a test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, any additional level of the home that touches the ground, and any rooms that are frequently used and relatively closed off from the main portion of the level being tested. In most instances a test will be placed in the basement, any parts of the home on a slab or above a crawl space, and in any bedrooms, offices, etc. that are separate rooms in the basement or on the level being tested. It would take thousands of webpages to explain every home’s scenario and/or best testing location. If you have any questions about a specific area of your home contact your local department of health to see if they have any protocols for testing in your area and then contact us to assist you in determining the right kits for your residence. Click here for more about residential testing
Buildings and Schools
For buildings and schools, check with your local department of health for any regulations and consult the AARST-NRPP protocol for “Schools and Large Building Measurements”.
Multifamily Buildings
In multifamily buildings, some states require certification for testing and protocol in the AARST-NRPP document “Multifamily Building Measurement” should be followed.
The biggest difference is how long the tests last. While long term test kits are more accurate and give you a more exact reading, short term test kits will let you know much sooner if you have an issue with radon gas.
Having a short term radon test kit on hand and available is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your property against overexposure to radon.
Long term radon tests are more accurate and give you a better picture of what is happening with your air. The long term test accounts for daily fluctuations.
Detection is your number one weapon against radon exposure. The EPA recommends testing every 2 years in homes and even where a previously low level was found. If you are unsure of your property’s radon gas level, you should explore getting radon testing done immediately.
The World's Most Reliable Long Term Radon Detectors
Live a healthier and safer life knowing the levels of radon in your home. We’ve perfected the science of radon detection making it faster and easier for you to accurately measure your home or work.
Home Radon Testing is essential for every responsible residential homeowner. This is especially true if your house is set up in configurations that invite radon gas from outdoors. There is no way to completely avoid radon – it is a natural part of our world that is not going away. However, knowing your level can help make sure that the people in your home are kept safe from the deadly effects of this radioactive gas.
In addition to the required accreditations to operate nationally, Radonova's alpha track measurements are also ISO 9001, 14001 and ISO 17025 accredited by SWEDAC.
Choose Between the Following Long Term Radon Test Kits
| Radtrak² | Radtrak² / Rapidos Bundle | |
| Image |  |
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| Investment | $59.95 | $109.90 |
| Measurement Type | Long Term Test – Alpha Track | Long and Short Term Test – Alpha Track |
| Length of Test | 90-365 Days | Radtrak² 90-365 / Rapidos 10-90 Days |
| Value Proposition | Accurate | Immediate short term result with accurate follow up test |
| Shipping | Free 2-Day Shipping | Free 2-Day Shipping |
| Return Mailer | Included | Included |
| Return Shipping | USPS Paid Mailer Included | USPS Paid Mailer Included |
Radonova’s Long Term Radon Test
Radonova manufactures and analyzes alpha-track detectors which are some of the most accurate detectors on the market.
The best radon test kit is the one that is most accurate, sensitive, and can accommodate a longer exposure period. Inferior radon detectors may miss the smallest traces of radon, leaving you vulnerable to the health risks associated with radon exposure. A superior radon detector is also durable, reliable, and can remain in use for longer periods of time to obtain a more accurate average radon level. Such devices can only be produced using the most exacting manufacturing standards.
How does shipping work?
We will ship the detectors to you with instructions. Orders placed prior to 12:00pm CT ship same day (excluding holidays and weekends); orders placed after 12:00pm ship next business day. Once the testing is complete, mail them back to us with the prepaid label.
How long does it take to process my test?
Upon receiving your test, our laboratory will complete processing within a few business days.
Do you have Short term radon test kits?
Yes! We have highly rated short term radon test kits.
Compare Radonova to Alternatives
| Other Alternatives | Radonova | ||
FREE 2-Day Shipping  All orders ship on the same business day if ordered by 12:00pm CST. Orders placed after 12:00pm will ship next day. Excludes weekends and holidays. |
No | Yes | Orders ship same day, when placed by noon CST, via FedEx 2-Day |
| Return Shipping | Varies | Yes | Convenient Return Options |
| Analysis and Reporting | Varies | Yes | No additional fees to include when returning tests for analysis |
| ISO 17025 Accredited Lab | No | Alpha Track Detectors | Additional, voluntary accreditation proving competence, quality and accuracy |
High Quality is our number one concern and the measurements we perform are of the highest quality available.
No Hidden Lab or Shipping Fees are a part of our process. We will have your results to you in a couple of business days.
We are the only Radon Testing Laboratory in America certified to this international standard for Alpha Track measurements.
Looking to test long term? See Our Rapidos Short Term Radon Test Kit
Why Choose Radtrak²® Long Term Radon Test Kit?
Radonova is a global leader in radon detection theory, equipment, and research. The Radtrak² is our flagship long term Radon test kit is capable of testing your home or office for Radon over a long period of time. With ultra-high accuracy over a prolonged period of time, you will gain a full and clear perspective on the risk of Radon exposure in your location.
About the Radtrak²® Long Term Radon Test Kit
The Radtrak² is a high quality, long-term alpha track Radon detector which provides prolonged detection and measurement over 3 months and up to one year. It is the most thorough and accurate occupational Radon dosimetry monitoring service available on the market today.
The Radtrak² offers an exceptionally large range of Radon detection and measurement at levels as low as 0.4 pCi/l up to 650 pCi/lover a period no shorter than three months. The Radtrak² Radon detector is composed of a high tech film element located in a pod composed of special anti-static plastic which enables Radon gas to enter via diffusion. When Radon gas enters the detector, it marks or leaves ‘tracks’ on the film chip inside During analysis, a state of the art image scanner reads the chips and calculates a total radon concentration.
Why Long Term Radon Detection is Ideal
The EPA categorizes counties according to the risk of radon exposure over time in accordance with long term detection data.
EPA Radon Data is categorized by state and county as follows:
- Zone 1 (RED): Counties with a predicted average indoor Radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L
- Zone 2 (ORANGE): Counties with a predicted average indoor Radon screening level ranging from 2 to 4 pCi/L
- Zone 3 (YELLOW): Counties with a predicted average indoor Radon screening level falling below 2 pCi/L
The Radon exposure threat assessment for each county and region is only the best available estimate for each location. If you examine the EPA’s map, you’ll notice that each region is defined according to county lines and state boundaries. Naturally, Radon gas is not limited by the borders of states and counties. This means that if you live near the border of a zone marked in yellow, you may, in reality, be in a zone with a high or moderate risk of Radon exposure.
What’s more, Radon levels can change over time. The level of risk for Radon exposure in a given area can change after a seismic or severe weather event. Radon levels can increase or decrease in a given area for other reasons as well, which can be difficult or impossible to predict.
According to Science Direct, a Swedish study from 2004 reported that Radon exposure in a given location coincided with specific geological conditions. These conditions include exposed rock with high levels of radium and highly permeable sediments. If you live in an area with a large amount of exposed rock, you can expect your risk factor to be higher. However, permeable sediments within the soil can be harder to detect. In addition to this, measurements in homes were elevated in cases where poor indoor ventilation was present and where the foundation of a building was cracked or permeable.
As stated, Radon gas cannot be detected without the proper equipment. This means, while it is easily remedied when detected, cases of non-detection pose a great risk to the occupants of an unmonitored building.
What is a long term radon test?
A long term radon test is the best and most accurate way to monitor the radon levels in an area. Radonova’s Radtrak² uses a method known as "alpha track detection" to measure the amount of radon gas that is in the air over extended periods of time (from 3 months to one year). Alpha particles will hit the coated chip in your long term detector, creating surface level marks or ‘tracks’. For analysis, you send your test back to a lab to measure these tracks and determine the radon level that is in the tested area.
Long term radon tests last longer (typically 90 to 365 days). Testing over a longer duration helps account for daily fluctuations and variables in radon testing.
How much does a long term radon test kit cost?
Long term radon test kits are usually more expensive than short term test kits. However, the longer the period of time that you test for radon, the more accurate your readouts will become.
Which radon test kit is best?
There are several different types of test kits for residential testing. The QuickScreen (2-4 days) or Rapidos (10-90 days) tests are best for short term radon detection while the Radtrak² is best for accuracy over a long period of time. Other factors to consider when choosing a test are, if this is the first test or if a mitigation system to reduce radon levels has ever been installed.
Are home long term radon test kits accurate?
Long term radon test kits are the most accurate way to measure the levels of radon in a home. While testing over a short period of time gives you a quicker result, it does not account for radon’s daily fluctuations.In addition to an extremely accurate device, Radonova is also an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory for radon measurements.
