How do you know if you have radon in the house?

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1. 1Step 1: Take a short-term test.

   • Below 4 pCi/LEven if your test result is below 4 pCi/L, you may want to test again sometime in the future.
   • At or above 4 pCi/LIf your result is at or above 4 pCi/L, take a followup test to be sure.

2. 2Step 2: Follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test.

   • Long-term testFor a better understanding of your year-round average radon level, take a long-term test.
   • Second short-term testIf you need results quickly, take a second short-term test. If your first short-term test result is more than twice EPA's 4 pCi/L action level, you should take a second short-term test immediately.

3. 3Step 3: Decide whether to fix your home.

   • After a long-term testFix your home if your long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or more.
   • After a second short-term testConsider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is at or above 4 pCi/L.

The Citizen's Guide says short-term tests remain in your home for two days to 90 days, depending on the device, and long-term tests for more than 90 days. Place the kit in the lowest lived-in level of the home, at least 20 inches above the floor, in a room used regularly but not the kitchen or bathroom, and for a short-term test close your windows and outside doors. EPA's Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide says all radon tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours. You should receive your test results within a few weeks, the Citizen's Guide says.

CDC says to test your home if it has never been tested or radon levels are unknown, when preparing to buy or sell, before and after any renovations, and before making any lifestyle changes that would cause someone to spend more time in the basement or lower level. Step by step: how to test for radon.

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2 pCi/L

4 pCi/L

00 Bq/m³274 Bq/m³4148 Bq/m³6222 Bq/m³8296 Bq/m³10+370 Bq/m³

• Below 2 pCi/L (below 74 Bq/m³)Below both of EPA's guidance levels.
• 2 to 4 pCi/L (74 Bq/m³ to 148 Bq/m³)EPA recommends considering a fix when the level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
• At or above 4 pCi/L (148 Bq/m³ and up)EPA recommends fixing a home when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher.

EPA recommends fixing a home when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher. EPA recommends considering a fix when the level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The Citizen's Guide says that if a short-term result is 4 pCi/L or more, take a follow-up test to be sure, and that the average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L. The radon level interpreter reads a result for you.

The Citizen's Guide says there are many kinds of low-cost do-it-yourself radon test kits, and that if you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can hire a qualified tester. It suggests first contacting your state radon office about a list of qualified testers. CDC says your state radon office can give you information on where to get a test kit, and that your state may offer free or discounted test kits.