Radon
(Short Term)

Test Kit

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The PRO-LAB® Radon Gas Test Kit utilizes the most advanced liquid scintillation, short–term detectors, which contain silica gel desiccants (patented) necessary to remove all moisture in order to make your test results accurate and reliable. Testing is easy! Simply place the two radon detectors in the lowest level of your home or office for a period of 96 hours to allow time for the detectors to absorb enough radon to be analyzed according to EPA standards. Seal the detectors with the enclosed caps, completely fill out the data card, and return the detectors to PRO-LAB® in the pre–paid postage envelope along with any required lab fee.

Your professional laboratory test results will be mailed to you within one week of receipt, indicating the exact radon level in your tested area. For real estate transactions, an express service is also available, results within 48 hours (2 business days) of receipt, call PRO-LAB® for details.

Once you have tested your home or office, you can then make any changes necessary to protect you and your family from further exposure to radon. If you have any questions, please call PRO-LAB® at 954-384-4446 to speak with an environmental testing specialist.

 

Radon Short-Term Instructions

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas which occurs naturally from decaying uranium underneath the earth’s suface. Though you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, it is there and may be a problem in your home or office. Radon gas rises through the soil and seeps through cracks, holes, and drain pipes in the foundation or basements of buildings. Radon gas can be found all over the United States, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon gas.

What can Radon do to you?

When radon gas is inhaled, its radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs. Over time, these particles break down and emit alpha radiation, which can damage the delicate lining of the lung tissue. This cellular damage increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially with long-term exposure. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Prolonged and high-level exposure to radon can significantly elevate this risk and may ultimately lead to serious illness or death if not mitigated.

Am I at Risk?

It is estimated that radon kills approximately 21,000 people each year. Nearly 1 in 15 homes are estimated to have elevated levels of radon. Radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon can show up in any home or office. You may have radon in your home or office even if your neighbor does not. The risk of developing lung cancer from Radon exposure can increase depending on:

  1. the level of radon in your home or office;
  2. the amount of time you have spent exposed to radon;
  3. whether you are a smoker or have ever been exposed to tobacco smoke.

Smokers Beware

Cigarette smokers who have radon concentrations of 10pCi/L or higher increase their chance of developing lung cancer by as much as 18 times or 1800%.

How Does Radon Get Into My Home Or Office?

The greatest concentration of radon is usually found in the lowest level of homes or offices. This is because radon is found in the soil and rocks beneath the foundation. If you have dirt floors in the basement, cracks in the foundation, or openings from a sump pump hole or drain, radon is likely to build up quicker and in higher concentrations. Radon can also enter your home or office through your water supply (i.e. shower, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.). If your home or office uses well water, we suggest testing with our professional Radon in Water Test Kit.

Protection…Testing Is Your First Line Of Defense!

To find out if radon gas is a problem in your home or office, you must conduct a radon test! The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit is the most accurate and reliable radon test kit available for checking the level of radon gas in your home or office. The PRO-LAB Radon Gas Test Kit provides two (2) desiccated, short-term detectors which allow you to conduct side-by-side testing in order to get the most accurate and reliable results.

Radon Is Measured In Picocuries Per Liter (pCi/L)

An acceptable level of radon is less than 4.0(pCi/L). If the average of your two test results are equal to or higher than 4.0(pCi/L) you should take some action to reduce the radon level in your home or office.
PRO-LAB recommends that you conduct a radon test every year. Annual testing is the best way to determine whether or not your home or office has the potential for a radon problem.

Radon Zones

If Test Results Are High?

There are ways to reduce the level of radon yourself or by a trained professional. Costs should run between $500-$2,500 depending on the seriousness of your problem. Start by doing the following and then contact your State Radon Office or EPA Office for additional information on reducing Radon in your home or office:

  • Seal or caulk areas of entry such as cracks, holes and openings;
  • Keep vents to crawl spaces open;
  • Minimize time spent in low areas such as your basement;
  • Increase the circulation of outside air into your home or office;
  • Discourage cigarette smoking in your home or office.

 

Radon Level Smokers likely to get lung cancer out of 1,000 exposed to radon over a lifetime Non-smokers likely to get lung cancer out of 1,000 exposed to radon over a lifetime
20 pCl/L 135 8
10 pCl/L 71 4
8.0 pCl/L 57 3
4.0 pCl/L 29 3
2.0 pCl/L 15 3
1.3 pCl/L 9 less than 1
0.4 pCl/L 3 less than 1

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A RADON PROBLEM?

To find out if radon gas is a problem in your home or office, you must conduct a radon test. The PRO-LAB ® Professional Long-Term Radon Gas Test Kit, will give you an average radon level in your home over an extended period of time (3 months to 1 year).

PRO-LAB® Test Kits are available to the general public at over 40,000 leading home centers, hardware stores, pharmacy chains, supermarkets, and a wide category of specialty outlets. Stores include The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Ace Hardware, True Value, Do It Best, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Giant Eagle, and CVS.

If you cannot find PRO-LAB® products in any of the stores above, please call 954-384-4446 to purchase