Test your home for Radon Today!
About Radon

Radon in McLean Co.

Radon in Illinois

Our Task Force

FAQ

Order Test Kit

New Construction

Mitigation

Kid's Zone

Links

Contact Us

HOW TO TEST YOUR HOME

Everyone should test for radon in their home. Chances are you do not have a high level of radon.

You can't see radon, but it's not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in you home. All you need to do is test for radon. Testing is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.

There are many kinds of low-cost "do it yourself" radon test kits you can get through the mail and in hardware stores and other retail outlets. Make sure you buy a test kit that has passed U.S. EPA's testing program or is state-certified. These kits will usually display the phrase "Meets U.S. EPA Requirements."

If you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can hire a trained contractor to do the testing for you. Make certain you hire a state-certified radon tester. Call 1-800-325-1245 for a list of these testers.

There are Two General Ways to Test for Radon:

SHORT-TERM TESTING:
The quickest way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in you home for two days to 90 days, depending on the device. "Charcoal canisters," "alpha track," "electret ion chamber," "continuous monitors," and "charcoal liquid scintillation" detectors are most commonly used for short-term testing. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is less likely than a long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you need results quickly, however, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used to decide whether to fix your home.

LONG-TERM TESTING:
Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. "Alpha-track" and "electret" detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home's year-round average radon level than a short term test.

How To Use a Test Kit:
Follow the instruction that come with your test kit. If you are doing a short-term test, close your windows and outside doors and keep them closed as much as possible during the test. (If you are doing a short term test lasting 2 or 3 days, be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test, too.

  • You should not conduct short-term tests lasting just 2 or 3 days during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds.)
  • The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor).
  • It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed- away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls.
  • Leave the kit in place for as long as the package says.
  • Once you've finished the test, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package right away for study. You should receive your test results within a few weeks.