Radon Tests

Radon is a radioactive gas found in all homes. However, certain homes contain higher levels than others. Since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for the loss of 21,000 lives annually, it is important to have your home tested. If the level of radon in your home is high, it can be easily mitigated by installing vents with a fan. There are two types of tests available for radon: short-term and long-term.

Short term tests can be as quick as 48 hours or as long as 90 days. These tests are good for providing quick results. However, they are not as precise as a long term test. Therefore, it is good to start with a short-term test, and if the tests produces results that are .4 pCi/L or higher, then progress to a long-term test. Radon levels vary by season, so for more accurate results, a long-term test is better. Common test devices used include charcoal canisters, electrets ion chambers, alpha tracks, and charcoal liquid scintillation.

The test should be administered in the lowest level of the home. For some people, this is the basement and for others, it is the first floor. Place the device at about two feet above ground in a central location such as a living room. Make sure the device is not disturbed during the test. Do not leave doors or windows open to ensure that the test monitors only the air inside the home.

Contact Us

If you or your family has been exposed to high levels of radon as a result of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C., at 312-466-8200 today.