Frequently Asked Questions about Radon Testing

Q: Should I test my home for radon?

The EPA recommends that homeowners test their homes for radon in the air, and also their drinking water supply. Potential exposure to radon could contribute to increasing one's chance of lung cancer.

Q: My neighbor just informed me that the level of radon in his basement was elevated. Does this mean that mine would also be elevated?

Levels of radon in indoor air will vary from house to house in each neighborhood. The amount of radon that enters a home depends upon a number of factors including the geology of rock/soil the home is situated on, and the natural air exchange in the home, The only way to be certain what the level of radon is in your home is to test. Nelson Analytical Lab can mail a test kit to your home. Our office staff can go over the directions with you so the test will be set up correctly. Results are available the day after we receive the canisters back to the lab.

Q: We just built a new home and have been told to wait until the house "settles" to test for radon. Should be waiting a year to test?

We would recommend that you test as soon as you can so that you are not living with potentially elevated levels. You may also wish to retest in the future if the concrete basement floor develops settling cracks, or conditions in the basement change (such as the addition of a sump pump).

Q: The level of radon in my water supply did come back elevated when compared to all state drinking water guidelines. We only drink bottled water in our home, so I am correct to not be concerned with this elevated level?

Potential health risks associated with exposure to radon in drinking water are actually associated with inhalation and not ingestion. Breathing in the steam in the shower, boiling water on the stove, operating your dishwasher or washing machine will all contribute to your radon inhalation exposure.

Q: I am on a community water system. Do I need to test my water for radon?

Since the EPA has not enacted a drinking water standard for radon, public water supplies are not required to monitor for radon. If the source of your public water supply is a drilled well, you may wish to test to see what the level of radon is in your water supply.