Radon is a type of a radioactive gas which is naturally produced when uranium is broken down in the ground. It is not easily detectable since it is impossible to see, taste or even smells it. Radon is normally diluted so it might as well be of little concern but it is always advisable to measure it. Some people might wonder, why do it?

Why you should Measure Radon in Your Home

In places that are confined, like your house, radon should be tested to prevent it from accumulating to higher levels which can be dangerous. The presence of radon in your house will increase your chances of developing lung cancer which is highly fatal. Actually, it comes second when it comes to the causes of lung cancer, after smoking. This risk of developing this undesirable disease highly depends on the radon’s level in your house and the time of exposure. Whether or not you are a smoker also matters.

This is how serious it can get. I bet you do not want to pave your way to an early death when you know that there is something that you can do about it. You can measure radon using radon testing kits and detectors.

How to measure radon using radon detectors

There are so many ways to measure radon in your home , but how to do it with radon detectors is the question. Various types of these detectors are easily available in hardware stores.

Things that you should do when carrying out the test

When using radon detectors to measure radon in your home, there are things that you should do to ensure your safety and to get accurate results.

1. Close all the windows and doors apart from the normal entry and the main exit.

2. Switch off fans or any other machine that normally allows in air from outside. You can, however, use small exhaust fans which only operate for a short time.You should put the detector in a place that it will not be disturbed. This could be three feet away from doors and windows that are facing the outside, 20 inches – 6 feet above your floor and a distance of four inches from any other object whatsoever. There are also places that you should avoid placing your radon detector.

Places that you should not place your radon detector

You should not place radon detectors in kitchens, laundry rooms or bathrooms since the humidity in these locations may alter the way the detectors function.

It is also very possible for places like floors, wall cracks, and crawl spaces to cause a high reading that is false, so it is advisable to avoid them.When the test has been completed, place the detector in a package, and this should be accompanied by other paperwork. You can then send it to a radon measurement laboratory after you have sealed it. You should expect the results as soon as after ten days, but it can take two weeks at most.Measuring radon in your home is quite easy, and it is something that can be done by anyone. You only have to be careful to avoid getting false results.

You can order radon detectors and buy radon testing kits from Radonova UK. For our Scandinavian customers please visit radonova.no instead.

United Kingdom

RPmatters Plymouth Science Park 1 Davy Rd Plymouth PL6 8BX

Norway

Postboks 2

2712 Brand