Radon test
Short answer
Place a DIY radon test kit on the lowest livable level for 2–7 days, mail it in, and mitigate if results exceed 4 pCi/L; repeat every two years.
Why It Matters
Radon is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Levels vary by home and over time.
Materials
- DIY radon test kit (short-term, 2–7 day type)
- Prepaid return mailer (typically included with kit)
How to Do It
- Buy a short-term DIY radon test kit from a hardware store or online retailer.
- Identify the lowest livable level of your home, such as a finished basement or first floor if there is no basement.
- Place the test kit in that space according to the kit instructions, keeping it away from drafts, exterior walls, and high-humidity areas.
- Leave the kit undisturbed for the full recommended duration, typically 2 to 7 days.
- Seal the kit and mail it to the laboratory using the prepaid return mailer included in the kit.
- Review your results when the lab returns them. If the radon level exceeds 4 pCi/L, contact a certified radon mitigation contractor to address the issue.
Related Tasks
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