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.

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.