How To Check Your Apartment For Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of cancer. You can't smell, see or taste radon gases but it might be present where you live. We will show you how to see if there is a dangerous amount of radon in your apartment.
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You Will Need
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Step 1:
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Lock Down
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Close all of your exterior doors and windows 12 hours prior to test.
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Step 2:
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In The Zone
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Find a place in your apartment where you spend a lot of time. Do not use a kitchen or bathroom. You will need a surface area about 20 inches above the floor.
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Step 3:
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Test Kit
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Open your kit. You will probably need your scissors to get it open.
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Step 4:
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Product Placement
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Put the test vials in your test zone about 6 inches apart. Unscrew caps from test vials.
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Step 5:
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Hurry Up And Wait
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Wait a minimum of 48 hours but no more than 96 hours for your vials to take a sample of your air. Do not disturb the vials or open any windows.
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Step 6:
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Put A Lid On It
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Put the caps on the vials, fill out the data card and put everything - including a lab fee if necessary - into the envelope provided by manufacturer of your kit.
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Step 7:
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Mail Away
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Mail your test vials within a day, if possible, for the most accurate results.
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Step 8:
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Read The Results
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The lab will either mail you your results make them accessible online. The most important thing you will need to know is that radon is measured in Pico curies per liter of air. If your results come back 4 Pico curies or higher, buy another kit and redo the test.
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Step 9:
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Get Radon Active
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If the results from your second test come back 4 Pico curies or higher, consult the Environmental Protection Agency for information on how to either interpret your results, find a professional to test your home, or information on how you can reduce the amount of radon in your building.
