Radon – a word that you’ve probably heard before- is a highly toxic, nearly impossible to detect gas. It slips past most chemical tests because it doesn’t react with other gasses, matter, or substances, which makes it “silent but deadly”.
Deadly? Yep! Radon is a common cause of death, as it impacts the body in a variety of negative ways. But where does radon has come from? The infographic below shows how Radon gas can creep into your household.
So, what test kits are the best for detecting this harmful chemical and what should be considered when making a test kit purchase? We have the answers below.
Contents
First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit
- The simple and safe way to test for radon
- Listed under the EPA Radon Gas Measurement Proficiency Program
- Includes test materials and lab fees, excluding NJ state fees
- Results are emailed within 72 hours of lab receipt
- Recommended for use only within the United States
The First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit is an easy way to check the radon levels within your home, office, or any other space that you frequent. This handy radon detector kit includes a set of simple instructions and a prepaid envelope for shipping your finished test to the lab for analysis. The test is easy to use, requiring only the initial setup and time to do its work.
For a quick solution, results are emailed to you within only 72 hours.
Pros:
- Quick turnaround time for results
- No shipping costs to pay
- Instructions are easy to follow
- Can be used almost anywhere
Cons:
- Single test
AccuStar Radon Test Kit
- Easy-to-use device with fast test results
- Used to screen home for levels of Radon Gas
- Accurate test kits from AccuStar provide certified results
- Ideal for assessing the performance of a Radon Mitigation system
- Ideal for assessing the performance of a Radon Mitigation system
The AccuStar radon test kit is a great way to gauge how well radon mitigation has been working or to simply assess the levels of the gas within the home. It can be used in the office, at home, and virtually anywhere else that radon may be present. Using the test is simple and can be done by following the instructions included with the device. The test is a single use test and has the lab fees associated with it included in its price. It ships via USPS and warrants quick, accurate results straight to your email.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Quick shipping for speedy results
- Versatile in terms of where it can be used
- Selling price includes lab fees
Cons:
- Temperature and condition sensitive
Kiddie Radon Gas Detection Kit
- Mail in radon test kit and analysis for residential and general use
- Professional analysis detects cancer-causing colorless tasteless radon gas seepage
- Meets state and Environmental Protection Agency requirements
- Includes activated radon sampler tray and return mailer envelope for professional lab analysis
- Analysis included, no additional fees to pay except New Jersey residents EPA charges $10
The Kiddie radon detector kit is a hassle-free system that makes it easy to test for harmful levels of radon. Included with the detection test is a no-nonsense information card about radon and the test. Also included is a prepaid bubble mailer so that shipping your finished test back is easy and convenient. To test for radon, all you have to do is place the sampler bag in a chosen area for three days. Then, simply mail the bay using the enclosed envelope. Alpha Energy Laboratories will do the testing for you and send the results back to you via mail. The test is EPA registered as effective and safe for home use. Although, it can also be used in other enclosed spaces such as the office or garage. The cost of the test includes the shipping and lab fees.
Pros:
- Bubble mailer to keep the test safe during shipping
- All-inclusive selling price
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- A lot of paperwork associated with test
Considerations In Choosing A Radon Test Kit
Long or short term testing
You can get radon testing kits that can be used once or that can be used multiple times. When making a decision, be sure to pay attention to how many times your kit can be used or how many tests are included because, chances are, if you do a test once, you’ll want to do another one at some point.
Results turnaround time
After being used, radon test kits must be sent away to be analyzed. Your result will then be processed at a professional lab and mailed back to you. While we like to think that these labs are on the ball with processing results, this isn’t always the case. So, you should make sure that your kit’s lab has a good turnaround time. On average, 72 hours is reasonable.
Price
Prices will differ depending on the type of kit you get. Generally, the one time use kits will be cheaper than those designed for long term use. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one time kits are cheaper, though, because unless you’re testing and then selling your home, you’ll probably need to buy multiple single use kits if you opt for this route.
Ease of use
Since you’ll be setting up and placing your own radon test, it’s important that the test you choose is easy to use. Its instructions should be clear and easy to understand, with steps that are easy to follow. Tests with complicated steps are less likely to be used correctly.
Reason for testing
As we mentioned above, you could be testing your home for a number of reasons. The two most popular reasons are regular, preventative testing and testing to improve the listing price of your home. This factor should play into the purchase decision.
Testing your home to improve its sale price might only require a single test, while testing to keep your home safe is more likely to require numerous tests.
These two reasons for testing will decide on whether you need a single use or a long term radon test.
Proper Usage
To get accurate results, radon tests must be conducted the right way. Here are a few common usage related issues people have with their radon kits.
Fill out date information
On top of most radon detection devices, there are boxes that you can write in. Generally, these are for you to write the date that you start the test and the date that you end the test. Filling out this information can be useful the analysts who are to analyze your kit.
Once you’ve decided on a testing location and gotten your test in place, do not move it. Moving the device is a common mistake that people make, and by doing this, many people sabotage their results. Once the test is placed, it should remain in the same spot until it is over.
Conclusion
For many households, radon tests are a must. If your household is one of these, consider the tests mentioned above – but make sure you use the test correctly.