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Use a radon test kit or hire professionals to conduct a detailed assessment of radon levels in your home.

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.

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

A radon test has no effect on humans—only the radon in the air does. The test does not redistribute the radon that is already present so yes, it’s safe to be around the testing kit even if it isn’t safe to be in the room itself. The test absorbs and measures the radon, but doesn't absorb enough of it to make the room any safer.