Short Term Radon Test Kit
Charcoal Radon Test Kits

The quickest way to test for radon is with a short term charcoal radon testing kit. A short term radon test kit remains in your home for three to seven days. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short term radon gas test is less likely than a long term alpha track test kit to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you need results quickly, however, a short term test followed by a second short term test may be used to decide whether to fix your home.

These short term radon testing kits use a container that contains a quantity of granular activated charcoal. The charcoal absorbs the radon gas entering the canister from the surrounding air. At the end of the radon gas test period, the canister is sealed and sent to the laboratory in the pre-paid mailer for analysis.

Note: If buying/selling a home, the EPA generally recommends taking two short term tests at the same time/same place to measure radon, taking the average of the two.

The Short Term Radon Test Kit has the following features:

• Fast, free shipping
• Highly proven — over 2.0 million sold since it's development
• Very easy and simple to use
• 3 to 7 day test (your choice)
• Meets EPA radon proficiency program requirements
• Laboratory analysis fees are included in purchase price (no hidden fees)
• Fast lab turnaround, the kits are processed the same day they are received
• Pre-paid return mailer included
• Complete radon test report by fax, mail, or email

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The EPA Recommends the Following Testing Steps:

The amount of radon in the air is measured in "picoCuries per liter of air," or "pCi/L." Sometimes test results are expressed in Working Levels (WL) rather than picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) (4 pCi/L equals to 0.016 WL).

Using a short term charcoal radon test kit, if your result is 4 pCi/L or higher (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher) take a follow-up test (Step 2) to be sure.

Follow-up with either a long term test or a second short term test:

• For a better understanding of your year-round average radon level, use a long term alpha track radon test kit.
• If you need results quickly, use a second short term charcoal radon test kit.

The higher the result of your initial short term radon test kit, the more certain you can be that you should take another short term test rather than a long term follow-up test.

If your first short term test result is several times the action level - for example, about 10 pCi/L or higher - you should take a second short term test immediately.

If you followed up with a long term alpha track test kit: Fix your home if your long term test result is 4 pCi/L or more (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher).

If you followed up with a second short term radon test kit: The higher your short term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is 4 pCi/L or higher (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher).

General EPA Recommendations Regarding Short Term Tests

• Carefully follow the instructions that come with radon test kits.
• Close your windows and outside doors and keep them closed as much as possible during the test.
• Be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning the test.
• You should not conduct short term tests lasting just 4 or so days during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds.
• The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor).
• It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom.
• Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed - away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls.
• Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.
• Maintain closed-house conditions during the entire time of a short term test, especially for tests shorter than one week in length.
• Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, operate only air-conditioning units which re-circulate interior air.
• If a radon-reduction system is in place, make sure the system is working.
• Once you are finished, follow the directions for sending the test back to the laboratory.
• If an elevated level is found, fix the home. Contact a qualified radon-reduction contractor about lowering the radon level. EPA recommends that you fix the home when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.