Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. You should perform the test on the lowest floor of your home that you spend time in. If you have a basement and you spend time there, test in the basement. Otherwise, test on the first floor in a bedroom or spare room.
Download the Radon in Idaho brochure to learn more about radon and how to test your home. For other languages, please click here.
Types of Tests
Radon levels can vary season to season and highest levels are generally found in the winter so it is best to do a short-term test in the winter or a long-term test for the full year.
1) Short-term
A short-term test provides a quick radon value within a brief period of time (typically 3-7 days).
2) Long term
Long-term tests are typically placed in the home for up to a year. Long-term test kits give a better estimate of the amount of radon in your home throughout the year.
Where to Get Tests
Idaho residents can order a reduced price radon test kit from Air Chek. Test kits can also be purchased from a local hardware store, home improvement center, or other retail outlets.
You can order a test kit from Air Chek by:
You may also choose to have your home tested by a professional. Nationally-certified mitigation professionals can be contacted by visiting the National Radon Proficiency Program and the National Radon Safety Board. You can locate a certified radon service provider by typing in your state or zip code in the search bars.
Interpreting Radon Test Results
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air or pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. This can be done by installing a mitigation system. You may also want to test your home again to confirm your levels or to determine a year-round average.
The risk associated with radon depends on the amount that you are exposed to, the length of time that you are exposed, as well as other factors such as if you smoke. See the risk charts below.
Test Results & Recommended Actions
