Testing for radon is important, especially if you have never tested for radon before, you are buying a new home, you have made major structural renovations to your home or if you've just installed a new heating or central air conditioning unit. Also, it is recommended that every home be retested for radon every 2 - 5 years.
Short-term:
These tests measure radon levels for 2-7 days and are often used to make an initial assessment of radon levels inside a home. Remember to follow the instructions that come with the kit!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh267JVrwV3CBCzTu8VvUmFg4eu8zp-323ACt9pfN5BbcZeJ0LTdOG19mY4IBVE1LZy6WEshrnS-aeoILZLLXAW0cLkxdHBU7RQBxKZZ-bxVLkqgs4yNgyG2MdoKMOSxsUyEDTE86GCY9U/s400/Untitled6.png) |
short-term test |
Long-term:
These tests determine the average concentration for a minimum of 90 days. Long-term tests are the best way to estimate the average amount of radon in a home during the year, so they are often used for retesting a home if the initial, short-term test results in a value of over 4 pCi/L. Again, remember to follow the instructions that come with the kit!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFF4VOEMaquwla9Eegy42QPkngHyGNog7exn7e0kVNST5qMtRDcvf0i8MNB11aXi_iPve_sy7-R2zHoLuwOZFyw9g5MDsyGZlwgaj9D-dqPcydUKw7AJ9TUMbQGIWZWo8xgUMR5kkpO0/s400/alpha-track-radon-test-kit.jpg) |
long-term test |
Radon test kits usually cost between $5 and $25 dollars, depending on the type of kit (short-term tests are generally less expensive than long-term tests) and can be purchased at many hardware or home supply stores.
images from
http://weheartminnesota.com/2011/06/22/radon-the-invisible-gangsta/ and
http://www.radonzone.com/alpha-track-test-kit.html
information from
http://www.health.state.mn.us/