Radon testing is a simple but important step in protecting your home and health. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, sump pumps, and crawl spaces. Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, testing is the only way to know if it’s present at unsafe levels.
The most common type of radon test is a short-term test. These tests usually last between two and seven days and are designed to give a quick snapshot of radon levels in your home. Short-term tests are often charcoal-based kits that you place in the lowest livable level of your house, such as a basement or first floor. During the test, it’s important to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible for accurate results.
Long-term radon tests are another option and typically run for 90 days to a year. These tests provide a more accurate picture of your home’s average radon level over time, accounting for seasonal changes. Long-term testing is especially useful if your short-term results are close to the action level.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action if radon levels are 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. If elevated levels are found, radon mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon in a home, often by venting the gas safely outside.
Radon testing is affordable, easy to perform, and an essential part of maintaining a safe indoor environment—especially when buying, selling, or living in a home long-term.
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