Types of Testing

• Short Term Test
• 90-Day Test
• Long Term Test

Measuring Radon Options

1. Hire a professional.  Certified measurement specialists are maintained and listed by the state of NC at www.ncradon.org as well as the National Environmental Health Association at www.radongas.org.
2. Purchase a test kit at a home improvement store and follow instructions.
3. Order a test kit for FREE!  Contact your local health department, local Agriculture Extension Office, or the NC Radon group at www.ncradon.org for a test kit.

Measuring Radon

Radon can be tested for you by a professional or you can purchase a kit at a home improvement store and do it yourself.  Also note that many health departments provide radon test kits for free.

Short Term Test

“Certified” Short Term Radon Measurements call for a minimum of a 12 hour period of closed house conditions before the test starts and then the test runs for a minimum of 48 hours under closed house conditions. "Closed House conditions" means that ???

Short term testing is any test that is less than 90 days. Most short term tests are 2 to 4 day tests.

The test report should give you the following information:

• Radon levels in picoCuries per liter

• The dates of the test and the address of the building tested.

• A description of the device used and serial number.

• The name and RMP identification number of the organization and individual placing and retrieving the device and the organization analyzing the device, if they are different.

• A statement concerning any observed tampering or deviations from the required test conditions.

• Where the device was placed in the home.

• Weather conditions during the test (environmental conditions may affect test results).

 90-Day Test                                                       

The 90-Day test is recommended for those who would like a more accurate reading of the level of radon in the home.  Due to weather conditions and other environmental factors that cannot be controlled, a 90-day test will provide an average over time that can show the fluctuations in radon levels.

Long Term Test                                                  

The long term test is similar to the 90-day test except that the long term test does not require closed house conditions.  You can leave the windows open, come and go as you please without worrying about affecting the test results.  Like the 90-day test the long term test provides an average over the period of the test and can show peaks and valleys in the levels of radon in your home at different times and during varying weather conditions.

Ready to test?  Contact Steve to schedule a test.