Radon Testing

As a licensed Radon tester in the State of Illinois I can shed some light on testing your home/apt.

First and formost “Test the lowest level” what you want is to test the level that is in contact with the soil. Your highest concentration will be at this point, if this area is good (2pCi/L of lower)you know the upper floors will be even lower, as a norm in ten years of testing we have found that the next floor above the ground level floor is usually 40 to 45 percent of what is recorded in the lowest level.

Some very important things a person needs to know when doing their own radon test, first do not place the device(s) in areas of humidity or direct air flow. These areas should not be tested (bathrooms, Utility Rooms, mechanical rooms, ie. furnace waterheater etc. and NEVER test near a sump.)

Place the test device at least 3′ or more from windows or doors that open to the outside. Keep windows closed during the test period. Also place the device at a height of 20″ to 3′ from the floor (breathing zone).

Since these test devices are sent off to be anyalized here is a trick that you can use:

Start you test so that it will end on Monday AM, seal it up and take it straight to the PO. MAKE PERISHABLES ON THE BOX OR WHATEVER YOUR SENDING IT IN. It will go through the mail system faster that way. Remember radon is a radioactive element so it will begin to decay out so the sooner you get it to the lab the more accurate your results.

I would be more than happy to answer any questions if you want to email me at: les_mccalip@hotmail.com.

Good luck
Les

I just tested for radon. I bought the test kit at Home depot and the results came in at 0.01 which is virtually nothing. I would test you never know. Total cost $31

I didn’t think they had radon in the city. Also, I thought it’s usually an issue in the basement. The inspector has always done it for us (upstate), but I think you can purchase one at Home Depot. You would probably have to send out results.