Types of Radon Tests

The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L. The average level of radon found in outside air is about 0.4 pCi/L. According to the U.S. Congress, indoor radon levels should be no more than outdoor levels. Most homes today can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below. There are two different types of tests used for testing radon:

• Short-term - The quickest way to test is with a short-term test. Short-term tests stay in your home for anywhere from two days to 90 days, depending on the device. The most commonly used detectors for short-term testing are charcoal canisters, alpha track, electret ion chamber, continuous monitors, and charcoal liquid scintillation. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test will not give you the year-round average radon level that you can get with a long-term test. However, for quick results you could use a short-term test and then follow by a second short-term test to decide whether or not to fix your home.

• Long-term - Long-term tests stay in your home for more than 90 days. The most commonly used detectors for long-term testing are alpha track and electret. With a long-term test you are more likely to get a reading that tells your home's year-round average radon level than with a short-term test.