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Home Radon Detector Kits
Continuous radon detectors, long term radon kits, and short term radon kits. Scroll down for how to choose the best radon detector for you.
Constant Radon Detector
The Airthings View Plus is the best radon detector for homes because it measures levels continuously, all year long. Radon fluctuates a lot week to week and season to season, so it’s ideal to test longer than the 4 day short term kits. This also monitors VOCs, PM 2.5, CO2, humidity and temperature and connects to an app if you want it to. I use it in my own house. Made by CERN scientists, and RESET certified, this is one of the most accurate radon detectors available for residential spaces. Use code INTERIORMED-10OFF for 10% off.
Constant Radon Monitor with App
If you’re not interested in tracking everything in your air, it’s still important to use a radon gas monitor long term. This is a less expensive continuous radon detector than the View Plus. The Airthings Wave is also RESET certified, so you know it’s accurate. Put it on the lowest floor of your home and monitor radon levels through the app, getting notifications if they’re high. Use code INTERIORMED-10OFF for 10% off.
This is the best radon test if you’re looking for a fast, inexpensive screening option and aren’t as worried about long-term accuracy. Short-term tests are used over 4 days. A 2019 study from Canada found that 99% of short-term tests are inaccurate — not because of the kits, but because radon levels fluctuate day-to-day, and throughout the year. So, readings can be low when you test, but high the next month. Highly recommend pairing with a longer term kit for both immediate answers and more accurate ones. You can also get a radon detection kit at Home Depot or your local hardware store if you don’t want to order it online.
If you aren’t interested in year-round monitoring, this long-term radon test is easy to set up and takes 90 days. It is much more accurate than a short-term radon detection kit, and is the second-most inexpensive option. You can get this along with a short term kit for both immediate answers and more accurate answers. You can also get a radon detection kit at Home Depot or your local hardware store if you don’t want to order it online.
Ultimately, just get any kit that works for you and test! You can literally save a life.
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More About Radon and Home Radon Testing
What is radon?
A radioactive gas, Radon is continually released by the igneous rock that lies under the foundations of 7 million homes in the US. As it rises, it becomes trapped in high concentrations in the basements and first floors of homes. Radon can also find its way into the water supply and can be released through steam inside your home while showering, doing the dishes, or the laundry. The fix is easy— a Radon release tube or Radon-resistant ground covering. But, you have to test your home to know it’s there.
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, causing 21,000 deaths per year in the United States. There is increasing evidence it is associated with increased risk of childhood leukemia, as well. Finally, some epidemiological evidence shows that exposure during pregnancy is associated with cleft lip and palate in the baby.
Where is radon most commonly found?
The most common source of radon is granite and other types of stone (limestone, shale) in the bedrock under homes. This map of the United States shows the radon risk for your zip code, based on the type of rock underlying your neighborhood, and the radon incidence in homes near you.
The most common place for it to be found is in the lowest level of your house, typically the basement. Some does rise to floors above the basement, as well.
Radon also comes from burning natural gas (gas stove, furnace) and, if radon is present in your water supply, can be released into the air during showering and other hot water usage.
What about radon coming from granite countertops?
A small amount of radon can come from granite countertops, but the EPA has officially declared this a much lower concern than the possibility of radon coming from the rocks underneath your home.
How much radon is too much?
There is no safe level of radon exposure. The official guidance by the EPA is to strongly consider having radon mitigation done if your readings are between 2-4pCi/L, and to definitely have it done if levels are above 4pCi/L.
How do I know if my house has a radon problem?
The zip code guidance is a good starting point, but radon can be anywhere. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you have to test for it.
Are radon detectors accurate?
It depends what type you use:
Short-term radon test kits (usually used when buying a new home) are an important first step, but are the least accurate overall. Over 4 days, the kit picks up on the radon levels present on the lowest floor of your home. Unfortunately, a 2019 study from Canada found that a whopping 99% of short-term tests are inaccurate! This is because radon levels fluctuate day-to-day, and throughout the year.
90-day tests are more accurate, and can be used after you’ve moved in to a new house, or if it’s been a few years since you’ve tested.
Continuous radon monitoring shows you how levels change season to season and is the most accurate of the three options for this reason.
Why is radon becoming a more common problem?
As homes are being built with more square footage, and therefore more ground coverage over Radon-containing rock, Radon is becoming an increasingly common problem. And, with the tightly-sealed nature of energy-efficient, climate-controlled homes, Radon has less chance to escape.
How much does installing a radon mitigation system cost?
Depending on where you live, typically between $700-$1,300 as of 2024. Please don’t let this cost deter you from testing! The cost of cancer treatment is much higher. There are also some financial assistance programs for radon mitigation; see here.
Can I get a radon test kit for free?
Some states and counties offer free short-term test kits! It depends on your area’s risk and available funding. Check out the American Lung Association’s page on how to get one.
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