Why should I Test for Radon?

First of all, What is Radon? Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that is made by decaying uranium.  Radon is found in just about all soil but it’s only dangerous when it reaches a certain level.

Radon seeps into homes through the pores in the concrete of the basement or through cracks in the walls and floors. 

The radon air gets trapped making levels in some home very dangerous and has been said to be a cause for lung cancer. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that lung cancer caused by radon kills about 21,000 Americans each year. 

No matter what the age of the home is or where it’s located it can have radon exposure.  It all depends on how the foundation reacts with the soil. Your neighbor may not have a high reading when they test their radon but that doesn’t mean you won’t.  Like I said it’s all about how your house interacts with the soil below. Radon tests are typically taken in the lowest livable space in the home for the most accurate reading.

There are 3 types of tests for radon air.  One is a short term test second, which is a long term test and third is the continuous test.  The short term test is great for quick results needed like when you are purchasing a home and takes 48-72 hours.  The long term ranges from a 90-day test to a year-long test. The last one is a continual test which is an electronic test that is plugged into an outlet and continually tests the air. 

The EPA recommends that if you perform a short term test and the results are 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher that you have a long term test is taken to get a true result. If the results are higher there are ways to mitigate it.

If you live in New Hampshire we are known to have high levels of Radon. Learn more about Radon testing in New Hampshire.