Radon Testing in Summer: Conditions Before You Book
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down over time. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and generally isn't a concern. However, when it seeps up through the ground and accumulates in enclosed spaces—like your home's basement, crawl spaces, or ground-level rooms—it can reach dangerous levels.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Because you can't see, taste, or smell radon, the only way to know your home's levels is to test for it.
Why is Radon Testing Important?
Testing your home for radon is crucial because high levels can occur in any type of building. Even new homes with airtight construction are not immune. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in your home if your levels are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, though no level is considered completely safe.
Testing can be useful during a home purchase, after renovations, when a lower level begins being occupied, or when an earlier test is no longer recent. EPA notes that a buyer may ask for a new test in those situations.
What Matters When Testing in Summer?
Unique Home Conditions
Ventilation and Air Patterns
Confirm the Test and Report Timing
Testing After Home Improvements
How Does Radon Testing Work?
Short-term testing can use passive devices sent to a laboratory or active devices that record continuously. NextDay Inspect's current service uses a continuous radon monitor for at least 48 hours and provides a written report on the day the monitor is collected.
Correct conditions and device use matter. EPA notes that a qualified tester can select an approach, explain the testing conditions, analyze the data, and provide an independent result.
Why Use a Qualified Radon Tester?
NextDay Inspect's current service includes monitor placement and collection, guidance on the required conditions, and a written report.
A short-term test measures the test period. EPA says a long-term test is more likely to reflect a home's year-round average, so summer alone does not make a short-term result more accurate.
Before You Book a Summer Radon Test
Consider a new test if an earlier result is no longer recent, the home has been renovated, or a lower level will be used differently. Follow the required conditions so the result reflects a valid test period.
Contact NextDay Inspect today to book your radon test and review the current service before scheduling.