Q: How often should I get radon testing done in my home?

• <div><p>You should have a professional test for radon every <b>two to five years</b>. A good rule of thumb is to get testing done every five years if you&rsquo;ve never had an issue before and every two years if you have. You may also want to schedule testing if you notice symptoms of radon exposure or if you do intermittent DIY radon testing and notice changes in your levels between tests. If you have an active radon monitor, you can schedule testing if you notice levels increasing over time.</p></div>

Question 1

What would cause radon in a house?

Accepted Answer

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The natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water can cause radon to appear in a home. The gas seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors, as well as through gaps around pipes or construction joints. Radon levels are influenced by soil composition, building materials, and ventilation. Poorly sealed or airtight homes can trap radon, allowing it to accumulate.

Question 2

Is it worth it to get radon testing done?

Accepted Answer

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It is worthwhile to get radon testing done, especially if you haven’t in the past and don’t have active radon monitoring set up in your home. According to the American Lung Association, radon is a potential issue in all states, and testing is the best way to determine if it’s a current problem in your home. Radon testing includes professional tests that determine ongoing radon levels in your property, and it usually includes a mitigation protocol to help you decide what measures to take to protect your home and household members.

Question 3

How often should I get radon testing done in my home?

Accepted Answer

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You should have a professional test for radon every two to five years. A good rule of thumb is to get testing done every five years if you’ve never had an issue before and every two years if you have. You may also want to schedule testing if you notice symptoms of radon exposure or if you do intermittent DIY radon testing and notice changes in your levels between tests. If you have an active radon monitor, you can schedule testing if you notice levels increasing over time.

Question 4

How do I know if I have a radon problem?

Accepted Answer

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The only way to determine if you have a radon problem in your home is to have professional testing done. You can buy DIY radon test kits, but these are sometimes inaccurate in certain temperatures and humidity levels, and they don’t paint the entire picture in terms of your radon exposure. Scheduling testing once every two to five years is best. You can also look out for the following symptoms, which, according to the American Cancer Society, are symptoms of radon exposure:

Shortness of breath
Cough
Tightness in the chest
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness

Shortness of breath
Cough
Tightness in the chest
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness

Question 5

Is it okay to live in a house with radon?

Accepted Answer

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Ideally, no one will live in a house with elevated radon levels, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of serious health issues like lung cancer. However, homes with radon can be made safe through mitigation systems, such as active soil depressurization. Testing for radon regularly and addressing high levels helps ensure a safe living environment.