How is radon tested?

WHAT DOES YOUR INSPECTION TEST RESULTS MEAN?

There are multiple ways to test for radon, but the two most common are charcoal kits, and continuous monitoring devices. Charcoal test kits can be purchased from your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Amazon, or you could hire a professional to use a continuous monitoring system. One of the most common systems is the Sun Nuclear 1027.

Of course, there are positives and negatives to both. First let’s look at the Test kits that can be purchased. The main benefit of the charcoal test is the cost. You can purchase a kit starting from under $15. The process to test is relatively easy with step by step instructions provided. After the charcoal packets have been placed out for 48 hours, simply seal them up in the return bag that came with your kit and send it to the lab in the mail. Within 5-7 business days, you will receive the overall results of the levels within your home.

This is great for someone who is testing radon levels within their own home, however, it may not be the best option for a real estate transaction. Charcoal tests are very accurate, but the results can be tampered with. How would you know the seller didn’t tamper with the charcoal packets or place them outside? Were they removed and placed with brand new ones? To ensure that you are protecting yourself or your family this test may not be the best option for you.

A continuous monitoring test can bring you peace of mind during the Real Estate transaction. The downside to testing with this device is it is a bit more expensive. Testing costs typically range from $150.00 to $200.00, but there is an upside. The device will give hourly readings of the radon levels and will tell you if the levels spiked above 4.0 pCi/L. A charcoal test can only give an overall average. It can also determine if and when someone potentially has tampered with the device. It will also let you know if there was a power outage or if the continuous monitor was unplugged, but devices typically have a backup battery in them. The results are also immediately available after pulling the data from the device. You don’t have to wait for lab results, meaning you can move on with your home purchase.

The data from a continuous monitoring test can ultimately help you better understand the radon levels within your home and how they can fluctuate. It is also recommended that you hire a professional that is certified and recognized by your State, NRPP, or AARST. This ensures that you have hired someone how has been trained on how and where to test for Radon.

For further information on Radon and how it can effect your home, please visit NCRadon.org.

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