As more Canadian homeowners become aware of radon, homeowners are finding out that there are two possible ways to go about testing their homes for radon. The first option is to use a radon test kit – usually shipped as a DIY package where the homeowner is responsible for deploying the detector as per instructions, completing the data forms and shipping the radon detector to a lab for analysis. The other option is to hire a radon measurement professional who performs the whole test for you, albeit at a higher cost.
“How should I go about testing my home for radon?”
“Should I hire a radon professional or use a DIY radon test kit?”
“Are the radon kits accurate? What is the difference?”
These are probably the most common questions we get as radon professionals. Given that radon awareness is still catching up in Canada, there is not a lot of information out there to properly inform homeowners enough to place them in a better position to make this decision.
Firstly, your decision to test your home is the most important thing in this discussion! Everyone is encouraged to consider testing their home, regardless of how they go about it.
If your car has a problem, how would you go about fixing it?
To begin with, lets consider how we get to fix stuff in our cars. Some of us are entirely comfortable searching on Google or YouTube for DIY videos on how to replace a cabin air filter in a car. Some go this route because they love fixing things. For some it is about saving money. However, there are some who will prefer the peace of mind that comes with getting a mechanic to do it well. While it is probably going to be more costly, one is assured that it will be done right by the mechanic.
Of course numerous other factors may come into play such as the type of job in question, the financial status, trustworthiness of the professional and so forth. In addition, those choosing to go the DIY route have to put in some time to learn the parts and process and also accept some risks inherent with if they do not do the job right.
This analogy applies to radon testing. Choosing whether you want to test your home via a DIY radon test kit or by hiring a professional is essentially a similar proposition to consider, as you would with any car job or reno.
Getting Certified Radon Professional help is a straightforward option – however more costly
Choosing a a radon professional to conduct the radon test is more costly than getting a DIY radon kit but it is the more straightforward choice; find a list of certified professionals in your area, make a few calls, book an appointment and let them do the work and provide you the results.
On the other hand, there is more to learn and understand in order to properly conduct a DIY radon test. Here are some factors to consider and some answered questions.
Choice of Detector
Radon levels can fluctuate greatly within a short period of time. Health Canada recommends a long term radon test lasting at least 91 days, as the recommended way to obtain a reliable average measurement upon which radon mitigation decisions can be made. However, there are some situations, for instance during a real estate transaction, where a short-term radon test may be more appropriate. Even short-term tests have to be taken over a minimum 48-hour period.
If your goal is to test your home to determine if you need to fix it for radon:
- Choose a kit that includes a long-term radon detector (can be deployed for at least 91 days)
- Verify all the costs involved (e.g. some include lab analysis fees in the cost upfront, while some charge an extra fee at the time the detector is sent to the lab)
- Verify lab processing times and how you will receive your report
If your goal is to test a property before a real estate transaction, it is best to hire a radon professional to do it because accurate short-term tests have to be conducted under controlled conditions. In addition getting a third party to conduct the test will bode well with buyers and sellers who value objectivity. Keep in mind that Canadian guidelines still do not recommend making radon mitigation decisions based on a short-term test.
Are Radon Detectors accurate?
DIY radon detectors typically come in the form of small passive devices sent by mail. The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) has approved the following technologies as reliable for DIY long-term radon testing devices:
- Alpha-track technology: these detectors use a plastic film that is etched by the alpha particles, radioactive by-products from radon decay. Once in the lab, these tracks are quantified using specialized computers, and factoring in the time of exposure to give the radon level.
- Examples: Radtrak2, Accustar AT-100
- Electret-ion technology: these detectors have a teflon film primed to a certain voltage. Radon decay reduces the voltage on the film. This reduction in voltage, in addition to the time of exposure and removing the effect of background radiation, are used to calculate radon levels. Specialized equipment is needed to use this system. You are probably going to find this being used by radon professionals than DIY-ers.
- Examples: E-PERM (used mainly by radon professionals)
These are the two main technologies behind approved long-term devices in Canada. Most DIY radon kits based on these technologies have been shown to be capable of reliable and accurate measurements even when the test is conducted by non-professionals.
Process of conducting a DIY radon test kit
The instructions for your specific DIY radon test kit will typically have similar recommendations for radon detector placement to those suggested by Health Canada. Here is what you can typically expect once you order your DIY kit:
- Read the instructions fully before opening the kit components
- Select a level of your home to conduct the test. Choose the lowest level of your home that is or could be used regularly now or in the future. For many homes this would be the basement.
- Find an appropriate room to place the detector. This should be a room where occupants of the home spent a reasonable amount of time. The bedroom, family room, play area, or exercise room are a good option. However, closets, utility rooms, kitchen or bathroom or any area with high humidity should be avoided.
- Place the detector at least 3 feet from the floor, 20 inches from the ceiling, 16 inches from exterior walls and 8 inches from other objects. This will allow normal airflow around the detector.
- Avoid placing close to vents, windows and any other place where there is direct contact with blowing air or heating.
- Record the start date and time on the data sheet or web portal.
- Set a reminder for when to complete the test (at least 91 days recommended)
Wrap up the test after the testing period (at least 91 days)
- Collect the detector and place it in the secure envelop provided by the kit provider
- Record the end date/time on the data sheet or web portal.
- Complete other pertinent information about the test on the data sheet or web portal (email, start/end dates, detector serial number)
- Ship the detector as soon as possible to the lab
Results report will be sent by email indicated in the data sheet or test document or through a web portal provided by the kit provider.
Note: the company selling the kit may not necessarily be the same company that will perform the analysis. Lab analysis is conducted by the manufacturer of the kit. This is where the kit would be sent for analysis. The manufacturer’s address for returning kits would typically be included in the kit.
Get your radon test kit today!
A special note on short-term radon testing
Radon levels can change dramatically during a day or week. This fluctuation is due to:
- Environmental and house use factors: during the day we open up doors more compared to the night. Wind may create a low pressure environment in the house thereby increasing radon draw into the home, if there is good source and entry point.
- Radon’s half-life: the amount of time a radioactive substance take to decay to half of its quantity. For radon gas, it is 3.8 days. Which means that if you have a litre of radon, it will be half a litre in 3.8 days.
These factors make it challenging to obtain an accurate radon measurement in a short time. Therefore controlled conditions (also know as “closed-house conditions”) have to be observed to conduct an accurate short-term test:
- All exterior windows must be kept closed. Exterior doors must be kept closed except for momentary entry and exit.
- The radon measurement device or devices cannot be moved, covered, or tampered with in any way.
- Fireplaces or wood stoves shall not be operated unless they are a primary heat source.
- Heat-Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) shall be left to operate (or not operate) as found. For example, if an HRV is plugged in and working it should be left working, if unplugged, should be left unplugged.
- Heating and air conditioning operate normally. Window-unit air conditioners shall operate only in the re-circulation mode.
- Radon mitigation systems shall be in normal operation.
- The “closed-house conditions” described above must have been maintained for 12 hours prior to the beginning of the test and sustained for the duration of the test.
In addition, it is recommended to use duplicate detectors as quality assurance to increase the precision of the measurement.
Situations where it is recommended to hire a radon professional
It is advisable to hire a radon professional company to perform the radon test in the following situations:
- Short-term radon test: this is a lot more involved and needs proper quality quality assurance to obtain reliable results.
- Real estate test: this is typically a short-term test. Hiring a third party may be objective as well, something that buyers and sellers may appreciate more.
- Commercial testing: complexity and size of building may require professional help to properly conduct the test
- Diagnostic test: typically a short-term etst requiring specialized equipment and knowledge that only a professional can provide.
- Home test: if insurance, warranty requires an objective professional test .. or if you think “going with the mechanic” is a good idea!
So, DIY radon testing of hire professional service?
With DIY kits, you will spend $50-$75 but you will have to deploy the test kit as per instructions, read and implement test conditions, remember to conclude the test, pack and mail the device to an external lab, and wait for a couple weeks to receive results. On the other hand, professional testing will cost you $150-$350 but the test will be done right once.
If you are confident with your ability to conduct the radon test, the DIY route will work just fine. However, if any of the situations where it is recommended to hire a radon professional apply to you, you should definitely get a professional to conduct the test for you.
