Radon Test Kit
Test Your Home for Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Because the Eastern Sierra has areas with granite and other uranium-containing rock formations, some homes may have elevated radon levels. The only way to know your home's radon level is to test it.
Why Is Radon a Concern?
- Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless—you cannot detect it without a test.
- It can enter your home through cracks in foundations, gaps in floors, and openings around pipes.
- Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Nationally, radon is estimated to cause more deaths each year than drunk driving.
How Is Radon Measured?
- Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
- The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
- The average indoor level is about 1.3 pCi/L.
- If your home tests at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, perform a second short-term test to confirm the result.
What If My Home Has High Radon?
If a second test also shows radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend reducing radon levels.
- Effective radon mitigation systems are available for most homes.
- Many homes can be fixed for approximately $2,500–$5,000, similar to the cost of other common home repairs.
- California requires radon professionals to be certified through the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) or the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Remember
The only way to know if your home has elevated radon is to test. If levels are high, fix the problem to help protect your family's health.
