What do my test results mean?
After administering a short-term test for radon, results will usually be sent back to you in the mail. These results will tell you the average level of radon present in the room during the duration of the test. If the radon level is within the acceptable range (below 4.0 pCi/L), no additional testing is necessary. If you followed the instructions on the Radon Guidelines page, the EPA considers your family and home safe from the effects of radon gas.

If the results of the short-term test determines the radon level are significantly above 4.0 pCi/L (for example 10.0 pCi/L), this indicates that the radon gas levels in your home are dangerously high and time is of the essence. You should immediately follow-up with another short-term test to confirm the first findings. If these results confirm the results of the first test, you need to contact a radon reduction contractor at once. All of these instructions, as well as information on radon reduction, will be included with your results.

If the results of the short-term test determines the radon level are marginally above 4.0 pCi/L (for example 5.0 pCi/L), a long-term test should be performed to obtain a more accurate reading of the average radon level in your home. If this long-term test also returns results above 4.0 pCi/L, you should consider contacting a radon reduction contractor.

What happens now?
If your test results were not above 4.0 pCi/L, your home does not currently have average radon levels that the EPA considers high-risk. However, even though your levels are not in the danger zone, if your living patterns change and you begin occupying a lower level of your home (such as the basement), you should retest on that level. Additionally, since other radon factors can change (such as a crack developing in the basement floor), it is a good idea to periodically recheck your radon levels. A possible time frame is every one to two years.

If your test results indicate a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher in your home, you should consider contacting a radon reduction contractor. A radon reduction contractor is a specialist who is trained to fix radon problems in homes, schools, and office buildings. Please see our Guide to Radon Reduction Contractors page for more information.