Radon is an invisible gas that can be found in very small amounts throughout nature and even in your home. In most cases, the amount of radon is so small, it poses no significant threat to the health of the occupants of your home. However, radon levels in homes can be quite high due to several factors, including the soil content under the home, air exchange rates in the home, and HVAC usage to name a few. Radon gas is a known carcinogen and 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Many people unfortunately live for years in their homes without ever knowing the radon levels the occupants are regularly being exposed to. Exposing yourself and loved ones to high levels of radon gas is an unnecessary health risk. Using the best radon test kits available for periodic testing of radon levels in the home will ensure occupants are not unknowingly being exposed to this cancer-causing radioactive gas. It is recommended that homes be tested every 2-3 years, and if elevated levels are found, remediation actions be taken to reduce the concentration of radon gas levels in the home.

Understanding Radon Gas

Long-term exposure to naturally occurring radon gas can lead to lung cancer¹ as well as other health conditions that affect the respiratory system. High levels of radon in your home will dramatically increase your risk of lung disease². Made from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the soil (thorium, uranium, and radium), radon also has radioactive characteristics that increase its ability to create long-term health problems².

As the radioactive elements break down in the soil, radon gas is produced as a by-product and slowly begins leaching its way to the surface. If your home is above the rising gas, it will find a way to continue moving upward. This means that the gas will follow cracks, gaps, or small holes wherever they may lead, including into your basement, crawlspace, or your living area. The more gas that is released, the higher the potential concentration of radon in your home. The higher the concentration, the higher your risk of exposure as well as your risk of becoming ill.³ Radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer.

Using the best radon test kits available will allow you to identify any potential high-risk areas, and take immediate action so that you can lower your family's exposure to this dangerous gas. With the best radon test kits, you have the option to test for a short period of time, usually up to 3 months, or you have the option for long-term testing (lasting between 90-365 days). Some homeowners choose bundles that contain radon tests for both short-term and long-term exposure. Knowing your individual needs will allow you to get the best possible kit for your particular situation. Short exposure tests provide faster results, while longer exposure tests provide results that are more indicative of the actual average radon level in the home. It is common to perform a short term test to get an initial reading, followed up by a longer, more reliable test.

High Quality Radon Test Kits Are The Best Radon Test Kits

The best radon test kits are rated first and foremost on quality. To ensure the most accurate and reliable radon tests, the NRPP⁴ (National Radon Proficiency Program) acknowledges radon test devices and laboratories that have proven to meet their high quality certified radon professionals’ standards. The NRSB⁵ or National Radon Safety Board similarly acknowledges radon test devices and laboratories, and has a list of “evaluated and approved devices,” on its website. Radonova goes above and beyond required certifications and accreditations, and maintains several voluntary ISO accreditations for its alpha track laboratory and processes. The accrediting body is  SWEDAC⁶ (the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment). Sweden and the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) have come together to create a list of standards and protocols by which radon laboratories are evaluated. Both agencies work to verify quality standards on a wide variety of products, performing routine onsite audits of the laboratory. All of the equipment used is repeatedly checked and calibrated to achieve the highest level of accuracy at all times. Radonova voluntarily opts to be audited to the most stringent standards in an effort to ensure our laboratory and measurement services are always of the highest possible quality.

Every employee receives the latest possible training so that they can remain as competent and knowledgeable as possible at all times. Every product produced by Radonova is guaranteed to be of the highest quality to ensure that all of your results are as accurate as possible.

The Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation means that a laboratory has met the strictest standards when it comes to quality, compliance, and workmanship. When a company is accredited or listed by organizations like SWEDAC, NRPP, NRSB, and C-NRPP, it means that every aspect of its laboratory operation has been thoroughly assessed and evaluated and has met or exceeded standards that have been put in place throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. In order to maintain its accredited standards, an organization is continually monitored to ensure that its performance and quality never waiver from the benchmark standard that was met when earning their accreditation, including onsite audits. Radonova has continually worked to maintain the highest standards possible in the manufacture and analysis of radon detection products, and has earned accreditation with the most reputable and relevant organizations for radon measurement.

Radonova's Radtrak³ is a long-term radon test kit that is designed to collect and analyze data for a period of 90 days to 365 days. Daily fluctuations are captured throughout the measurement period and will provide readings that are the most indicative of your true average radon level. The device's ability to accurately monitor and collect daily readings reduces the risk of false or unreliable readings. Radon levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, week, season, and year. False readings on the high end can be costly in terms of taking preventive measures, but false readings that show low levels can be devastating to your health. It is essential that each and every reading be as accurate as possible. The longer the measurement the more reliable the result.

Radtrak³ detectors are manufactured to the highest possible industry standards. Each device is designed to continually collect and monitor radon exposure that can be analyzed by a state of the art laboratory. Once a device has been deployed, it immediately begins to collect data from the surrounding area. Because of the length of deployment, the Radtrak³ can detect and include seasonal changes as well. The long-term deployment also works to reduce the risk of false high or false low readings that may affect the outcome of your tests.

When you are ready to collect your Radtrak³ detectors, simply place them in the convenient mailer (postage has already been paid) and drop it off at the post office. Once the laboratory receives the package, they will analyze the devices and send the results to you in an email, as well as post to your RadOnline account. You will have all of the information you need to know your radon risk, whether or not your home is safe, or if follow up actions are necessary to lower your radon levels.

The best radon test kit bundles by Radonova include both short-term and long-term detectors. The Rapidos short-term detector is deployed for anywhere from 10 to 90 days, providing daily readings that are calculated to produce an accurate daily average. The Radtrak³ is a long-term detector that is designed to collect daily readings for 90 -365 days. The Radtrak³ will account for fluctuations in radon levels that are the result of seasonal changes, HVAC usage, air exchange rates, and other factors. This increases the accuracy and reliability of the final reading and will provide you with the information you need so you can take the appropriate measures.

By using both short-term and long-term detectors, you will be able to determine if radon gas is an ongoing problem in your home or business. Having both detectors in place gives you additional insight as to how radon levels change within your home during different times of the year. The bundles are also ideal if you want to ensure the most accurate readings possible. The short-term detector will provide more immediate feedback on your radon level and the time period it was exposed. Because long-term detectors are able to collect readings throughout the year, including during the changing of the seasons, the results will be more accurate and provide an average radon level most indicative of your true radon risk.

Whether you choose the Rapidos, Radtrak³, or a bundle, you can rest assured you are receiving the best radon test kits on the market. Every alpha track detector you purchase is NRSB, NRPP, and C-NRPP approved and has received the SWEDAC accreditation showing that it meets or exceeds international industry standards and guidelines.

Sources:

1. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon. United States Environmental Protection Agency , Dec. 2016, www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/2016_a_citizens_guide_to_radon.pdf
2. What Is Radon Gas? Is It Dangerous?” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 21 Aug. 2019, www.epa.gov/radiation/what-radon-gas-it-dangerous.
3. “Protect Yourself and Your Family from Radon.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Jan. 2020, www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/protect-home-radon/index.html
4. “Types of Certification.” NRPP, 16 Jan. 2020, nrpp.info/certification/types-of-certification/.
5. “Consumer Protection.” National Radon Safety Board, 28 Aug. 2018, www.nrsb.org/for-consumers/consumer-protection/.
6. “Radon.” Swedac, 6 July 2020, www.swedac.se/amnesomraden/radon/.