Radon Testing

LaurenandMack

Has anyone done any  home testing for radon?  Is it safe during pregnancy?  I bought those little kits you hang in your room, but I can't find ANYTHING that says it is safe. If I google it, I only find if you are pregnant you should do the test, not if those little envelopes are safe or not?  TIA!!!

[Deleted User]

https://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

Here's the EPA info on testing for Radon.  Not sure why you are concerned that the TESTING would be hazardous though.    GL~

argonne

The testing is not hazardous.  Don't know why you think it would be.  Is your area even considered a higher radon risk area?  I live in Colorado, specifically the Front Range, where radon is very much an issue, so we test anytime you buy a house.  If the radon is above 4 microcuries/L you're supposed to mitigate (basically vent the area).

phanatic

correct me if i'm wrong, doesn't tampa have an incredibly high water table? radon is most typically found in areas with especially rocky soil.

the testing itself is not dangerous, but you're not allowed to keep any windows open while you're doing it and need to keep doors and other things opening to a minimum. also be aware that weather can have a huge effect on the reading you get. 

Five Months to Plan

It is my understanding that Randon testing involves a material that "collect" or measures the air in your home for Radon.  I know two years ago they tested every room in my school at once. We also had our home tested when we moved in. We do not live in a high Radon area, but our home was very high. We paid to have a system put in to remove the radon.

Pamela05

Personally I think it's silly to test in somplace like Florida.  Radon is a daughter product of decay of heavier elements found in rocks like granite.  You won't find much of that in Florida.  You also tend to find it more in places that have basements that are built into the rock (where it can leach in) and have little ventilation. 

Testing is in no way harmful to you. It involves a detector that will react to radon; it doesn't put anything out.

veggiegirl528

Testing is not dangerous, but you should test in the lowest part of your house because that's typically where the highest levels are found.  We bought a house in Colorado last year & had the testing done before we moved in and the levels were WAY above safe levels so we had a venting system put in that runs all the time.  I felt bad for the family that lived here before us b/c they had 2 little ones living in the place.  Glad it's safe for us & the little peach now