Get matched with top radon detection and reduction specialists in Seward, AK

Radon is the number one non-smoking cause of lung cancer in the United States, but it can cause some other concerning side effects in the meantime. If you have a raspy voice, chest pains, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, or any of the above, don’t hesitate to perform radon testing and install a mitigation system as soon as possible.

It is possible to test for radon yourself using DIY radon test kits, but these at-home test kits should never be a replacement for professional radon testing. DIY test kits can provide some information about radon exposure in your house, but your indoor temperature and humidity can affect the results, as can improper usage of the test kit. You could save yourself some money by hiring a radon professional to begin with, and when it comes to your family’s safety, hiring an experienced professional to do the testing is usually the best option.

No level of radon is technically safe, but because it’s everywhere—even in the air outside—it’s impossible to avoid entirely. Instead, the Environmental Protection Agency encourages taking preventative measures if the levels of radon in your home rise above 2 pCi/L. (For reference, the average radon level in homes across the United States is 1.3 pCi/L.

A DIY kit can lessen the sting that comes with paying for a professional assessment, but these comprehensive tests are true lifesavers. Inspectors are more likely to catch all of the pollutants and hazards in your air. Plus, you’ll still need a professional to verify and act on your DIY test results. 

Some kits don’t include tests for certain air pollutants or only detect their presence, but not their levels (i.e., mold spores). If you’re willing to shell out money for a DIY kit, it’s usually better to stretch your budget slightly higher for a more detailed assessment.