Radon gas can occur naturally in any building throughout North America, and if left unchecked it can be incredibly hazardous to yours and others’ health. Services are available to reduce radon levels in your home or install a system to control it. You can figure out when to call them by using a home radon test. Here is a quick guide to the different types of home testing kits and which option you should choose:
Test Kit
This inexpensive one-off test will give you a radon level reading from a period of 3 to 7 days. You simply perform the test as instructed, mail it to a lab for analysis, and you will receive the results back in a few days. This is ideal if you are purchasing a new home or staying somewhere temporarily and need to figure out the average radon levels. These tests aren’t as accurate as long-term tests, but they will give you a good snapshot of the average radon levels in a home or building.
Home Radon Detector
This is a more expensive and robust kit that will allow you to check and monitor both long-term and short-term radon radiation levels. Somewhat similar to a carbon monoxide detector, it is installed in the home and displays a reading of either the last 7-day average or a long-term average of radon levels. It can even sound off an alarm when radon levels are too high, indicating when it is time to call for radon mitigation.
The home radon test you choose will depend on your needs and budget. But no matter what option you choose, be sure to call for a specialist immediately if the levels displayed are over the recommended, and your home or building will be kept safe and healthy.
