Radon Testing
You can’t see radon, but it’s not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in your home. All you need to do is test for radon. Testing is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.
The amount of radon in the air is measured in “picoCuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.” Sometimes test results are expressed in Working Levels (WL) rather than picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) (4 pCi/L equals to 0.016 WL). New England Radon provides a low-cost “do-it-yourself” radon test kit that you can get through the mail or pick up from our office.
Testing for Radon:
The quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your home for two days. New England Radon provides either charcoal canisters or liquid scintillation vials. Both kits take an average of the radon levels in your home over a 48 hour period. Liquid scintillation vials weigh less than charcoal canisters therefore cost less to ship. Once received at the lab liquid scintillation vials need to be eluted over night before they can be tested. Canisters can be tested four hours after exposing them in your home.
How To Use a Test Kit:
Testing is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.
Follow the instructions that come with your test kit. Close your windows and outside doors and keep them closed as much as possible during the test. Heating and air-conditioning system fans that re-circulate air may be operated. Do not operate fans or other machines which bring in air from outside. Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating only for short periods of time may run during the test. Be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test. You should not conduct tests during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds. The test kit should be placed in the lowest livable level of the home (for example, the basement even if it is not frequently lived in). Do not test in your kitchen or bathroom. Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won’t be disturbed – away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls. Leave the kit in place for 48 hours. Once you’ve finished the test, reseal the package and send it back to New England Radon for analysis. Don’t forget to keep your Canister or Vial number to get your results. We post your results on our website the same day we receive your canisters and by noon the next day for vials.
