Radon Testing

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that has very serious consequences to humans if it is breathed in at high levels and for an extended period of time.  In fact, scientists say that radon is the second cause of lung cancer behind smoking.  Since radon is hard to detect, it’s very important that everyone do radon testing on their own homes to be sure of its presence.  There are two basic ways to perform radon testing: short term and long term.  The short term method involved purchasing a simple, at home testing kit that can be found at many retailers nationwide, or online.  The test consists of a canister that needs to be placed near the foundation of the home, since radon is found in the soil.  The canister then sits for anywhere from two to 90 days, and needs to be placed in the lowest level in the home.  If you have a basement, this is an ideal location.  Be sure to put the radon testing device in an area that can be sealed by closing doors and windows in order to get the most accurate results.

Long term radon testing is much more involved and usually requires the assistance of a professional.  This test involves using the radon testing kit,  but it must be left in place for more than 90 days.  The testing itself is simple, but it’s the final results that may need to be analyzed by someone who is familiar with radon and how it operates.  Whether you choose a short or long term radon testing method, it’s important to know about the potential presence of this harmful gas in your home so you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.  By knowing where the radon is and whether or not the levels are harmful, you can have peace of mind and know that you’re protected from this silent killer.