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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.

What is radon? It’s a radioactive gas that naturally occurs in the ground, forming as uranium and thorium decay. It has no color or odor, so you don’t know if it’s seeping into your building’s foundation. Regular exposure to radon gas increases your chances of suffering from lung cancer. Radon testing measures the air inside your house for the presence of radon gas. If detected, the test will measure the severity of radon levels in your home’s air.

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.

Properties should ideally be tested for radon every 2 to 5 years or sooner when changes to the property structure or ventilation occur that might impact airflow.