Free Radon Test Kit Instructions
Free Radon Test Kit Instructions
Here’s how to use your free radon test kit provided by Marigold Home Services. Video instructions coming soon!
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO TESTING:
- Maintain “Closed Home” Conditions: Close all window and doors for at least 12 hours prior to starting the test and for the entirety of the test. Doors may be used for normal entry and exit but do not prop them open.
- Radon Mitigation Systems: Permanently installed mitigation systems may be operated as normal during the testing period.
- Furnace/Central Heating/Air Conditioning: These may be operated as normal during the testing period.
- Window Air Conditioners: May ONLY be operated in “recycle” mode with the vent closed during the testing period.
- Do Not Operate: Fans, whole house fans, or fireplaces at any time during the test.
- Do not conduct test during severe weather.
BEGINNING THE TEST:
DO NOT Place the test kit: 1) near any heat source or in direct sunlight, 2) in a kitchen, closet or laundry room, or 3) near drafts, vents, windows, or doors.
TEST KIT PLACEMENT AND INSTRUCTIONS:
- Remove and save the cap from the vial in the test kit.
- Place the test kit vial in the lowest living area of your home.
- Place the test kit vial at least two (2) feet above the ground and three (3) feet from the wall.
- Record the eact hour and minute (AM/PM) and date of the start of the testing period.
- Allow the test to run for 48-96 hours, but no longer than that.
ENDING THE TEST:
- Securely replace the cap on the vial in the test kit.
- Record the exact hour and minute (AM/PM) and date of the end of the testing period.
- Complete the information on the included Test Location Form. Make sure to tear off Test Location Form and keep the instructions to keep track of your test kit’s serial number.
- Mail the vial and Test Location Form using the included mailer within 24 hours.
- We must receive your test kit and completed form within eight (8) days of the test end date.
LAB RESULTS:
You will recieve an email with your radon test results within seven (7) business days after PriorityLab has received the vials.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a byproduct of uranium and radium breaking down in the earth’s soil. As uranium and radium decay, they release the gas known as Radon into the earth’s atmosphere. Since Radon is a radioactive gas, it poses health concerns to humans when we are exposed to concentrated levels. As Radon enters the body it decays into heavy radioactive metals that break down and permanently damage cell tissue.
Long term exposure to concentrated levels of Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.
PicoCuries per liter is the unit of measurement for Radon gas and the average estimated outdoor levels are around 0.4 pCi/L. The average estimated indoor levels of homes in the US is 1.3 pCi/L. The In Minnesota, 2 in 5 homes have high levels of Radon where mitigation is recommended.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your home mitigated if indoor Radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Mitigation should be considered when levels are between 2.0 – 4.0 pCi/L.
Does your home have high levels? We’ve got you covered! We offer free Radon Mitigation System Quotes! Learn more about the Mitigation process here.
