Radon Testing Steps and Guidelines

Radon Testing Steps:

EPA recommends the following steps

1. Take a short-term test. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a follow-up test (step 2) to be sure.
2. Follow up with either a long-term or a second short-term test.
3. If you followed up with a long-term test: fix your home if your long-term test results is 4 pCi/L or more. If you followed up with a second short-term test: the higher your short-term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is 4 pCi/L or higher. 

Radon Testing Guidelines: 

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends keeping the following guidelines in mind when testing for radon

• Time of year - the amount of radon is usually highest during the heating season.  Long-term tests should span both the heating and non-heating seasons.
• Weather patterns - short-term tests should not be conducted during severe weather or unusually high winds.
• Test location - test the lowest level of the home that is regularly used.
• Disturbances - place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed.  Also, place the kit away from drafts, high heat, high humidity and exterior walls. Test kits that are disturbed or moved during a test may provide inaccurate results.
• Timeliness of analysis - once you've finished, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package. Results may be inaccurate if the kit isn't sent as soon as possible after you've completed the test.