Testing is easy with the right kit and proper instructions. Radon Testing Colorado Springs can be conducted anytime, but the best results are obtained during the heating season and real estate transactions.

Close all windows during short-term tests and avoid operating whole-house fans that recirculate air. Place the test device in the lowest level of the home where people spend most of their time.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil. It can then escape into the air and get trapped inside homes, schools, and offices. When radon levels are high, people are at higher risk for respiratory problems.

There is no safe level of radon exposure, and the EPA recommends taking action when concentrations reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or above. A short-term test can give you an idea of radon levels in your home, but long term testing is needed to accurately determine year-round averages.

It is also important to consider a radon test for any new construction or renovation projects. Even a well-built home can have elevated radon levels, especially if the foundation is on loose soil. In these cases, a radon mitigation system will be necessary to prevent dangerous levels of radon from building up in the living area.

Most people are unaware that radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that can cause health problems over time. It is especially dangerous for children, as it can cause a variety of respiratory issues. These can include coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pains, and even lung cancer.

In addition to affecting the indoor air, radon can seep into water sources and increase toxicity. This is why it is recommended to have your water tested for radon, especially if you are on a well or have a shallow water source.

There are a number of different types of radon testing devices that can be purchased at local hardware stores or online. Some of these are very simple to use and will monitor radon for a period of about 3 months. However, it is often best to have a professional conduct the testing and provide you with accurate results.

A professional inspector will place a device in your home, which is designed to monitor radon for about 48 hours while reducing interference or measurement noise that can affect the results. The professional can then provide you with a report and, depending on the situation, may be able to offer guidance on how to fix any radon issues found in your home.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can be found in homes and other buildings. It is a dangerous radioactive gas that can damage the lungs, resulting in lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is a major health threat to people who smoke or are exposed to high levels of radon.

The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon. A home can be tested with a simple kit purchased from a hardware store or certified radon measurement professional. You can find a certified tester by calling your local Radon Information Center or checking the Internet. The kit is placed in the lowest level of the house that is occupied, preferably in a room where people spend most of their time, such as a living room or bedroom. The test is conducted for 48 hours, and the results are sent to a lab for analysis.

A long-term test, which takes a year to complete, is also available. This type of test helps to determine a person’s average yearly exposure. It is generally used as a follow-up to a short-term test and can be conducted either in the home or in a laboratory with a portable device.

Test results are usually mailed to the homeowner within a few weeks. They are then compared with the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If the test result is above this level, it is recommended that a home be fixed to reduce radon levels.

When a person’s yearly exposure is above the action level, health risks are significantly increased. People with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or emphysema, are especially susceptible to radon’s health effects.

Although no medical tests are available to detect radon in the body, there are symptoms that can be observed. These include shortness of breath, coughing, a hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Talk to your physician about radon and the risk it poses to you.

Radon is a very dangerous gas and can lead to lung cancer. It’s impossible to know if you have elevated levels without testing your home. If you do, there are simple steps that can be taken to fix the problem.

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that all homes be tested for radon. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to protect your family from this serious health threat.

There are several different types of radon tests available for your home. The simplest is the short-term test, which is usually an activated charcoal-based or electret ion device that will measure your radon level for up to seven days. A long-term test is a continuous monitor that will be placed in your home for over 91 days, giving you a more accurate picture of average radon levels.

You can purchase a radon test kit at your local hardware or home improvement store for about $20 to $30, or you can hire a professional. It is important to follow the instructions on the kit carefully, as the conditions in your home will impact the results of the test. You should also be sure to close your windows and doors during the test (except for normal entry and exit). If you operate your HVAC system, make sure it is set to recirculate air.

Radon levels fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to perform more than one test and to perform them at different times of the year. The winter is a particularly good time to test because temperatures are cooler, which can help reduce radon levels.

If your radon test result is above 4 pCi/L, you should take steps to fix the problem. Contact a certified radon mitigation business, and they will determine the best way to lower your radon level.

The good news is that if you fix your radon level, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting lung cancer. If you are thinking about buying a new home, be sure to have it tested for radon. Although the risks are less in homes built with radon-resistant features, it’s always a good idea to test any home.

If a home has radon levels above 4 pCi/L, it is recommended that a mitigation system be installed. Radon exposure is a health risk and can lead to lung cancer. The EPA recommends reducing your risk by having your home tested for radon. If the test results indicate high radon concentrations, a professional can install an exterior mitigation system to pull radon from your home and vent it to the outside. The system will also seal any holes and gaps that allow radon to enter your home.

When a contractor performs radon testing, they will use a short-term or long-term radon tester to measure the radon concentration in your home over a period of time. A short-term test takes three to seven days and is the more popular option for homeowners. A long-term test can take up to 90 days and measures your radon levels over the course of an entire year.

A radon testing kit can be purchased at a hardware store and used by a homeowner or a professional inspector. When using a kit, it is important to follow the instructions closely. The testing device should be placed in the lowest living level of your home, such as a basement, and the windows should be closed for the duration of the test.

We always recommend hiring a professional to perform radon testing. They will know exactly where to place the testing device and can check other areas of your home for possible radon entry points like unfinished basements, sump pumps, and construction gaps. They will also know how to properly interpret the results and can recommend any additional services needed to reduce radon in your home.

In addition to radon testing, we also recommend having your home tested for mold and other environmental concerns. Having your home tested before you put it on the market can help speed up the process and give you peace of mind as a new homeowner.

If you have a radon mitigation system in place, it is important to test your home regularly for radon. It is recommended that you test your home in winter, as radon levels are typically higher when homes are heated.