Get matched with top radon detection and reduction specialists in Gibson, LA

DIY radon detection is possible using over-the-counter test kits, but professional testing can provide more accurate assessments, especially in cases of high initial readings.

The short answer is no, air purifiers do not help with radon. While they certainly can improve the air quality of your home, they only clean pollutants from the air. Radon is radioactive, and it isn’t affected by the same filtration systems that handle other airborne particles, like dust and mold. The only thing that works is a radon mitigation system.

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

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.