What Does A Radon Test Do? MSE Environmental Tells In Detail

“What does a Radon test do?” “What is a radon test?” and “How to test for Radon?” are some of the many homeowner’s issues that MSE Environmental can address “What is a Radon test for a home inspection?” or “What is a passing Radon test?” are more of these issues that MSE Environmental is comfortable discussing. This article will tackle a lot more!

What is Radon?

Radon is made when uranium and other radioactive elements in the dirt, rocks, and water break down. It has no smell, color, or taste. Radon is one of the causes of lung cancer, next only to smoking. It is the reason for 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year.

Learn what a Radon test is and why you need one to keep you and your family safe from Radon. Radon tests measure Radon in a building. You can test your home or workplace for Radon levels and take action if necessary.

Effects of Radon on human health

Radon can change the DNA of lung cells, which can lead to abnormalities that cause cancer. After smoking, radiation is the second most significant cause of lung cancer deaths in the US.

Where is Radon commonly found?

Radon is in the air inside and out, but the amounts are usually higher inside. 

Radon is often found in the following places:

  • Radon can seep into homes and other buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. 

  • Levels of Radon are higher in houses built on land with uranium or other harmful elements.

  • Radon can also enter homes through well water.

How to Test for Radon

Different types of Radon tests

If you are concerned about the Radon levels in your home or workplace. Several types of Radon tests can be performed:

  • Short-term tests measure Radon levels in 2-7 days. 

  • Long-term testing, which lasts 90 days or more, gives a more accurate picture of your home's average Radon levels. 

  • Regular tracking tests use advanced tools to gauge the levels of Radon over time and provide data in real time.

The importance of Radon testing done by experts

Homeowners can do short-term tests, but it's best to hire an expert for accuracy and reliability. MSE Environmental testing is necessary if you're buying or selling a house or are afraid of Radon at work.

Follow the right steps to get accurate Radon test results. Close all windows and doors and avoid using fans or other equipment that could alter airflow during the test.

If you find high amounts of Radon in your home or office, you should take steps to protect your health. Radon control devices can lower Radon levels and keep people from coming in contact with it.

What Does a Radon Test Do?

How does the Radon test work?

Radon tests measure how much Radon is in a place. The test can identify if Radon levels in a home or business are safe or need to be reduced.

Radon tests can be done for a short time, a long time, or all the time. A charcoal box or alpha-track detector is usually set up in the building to measure Radon levels over time.

What are the Radon test measures?

The test measures the amount of Radon gas in the air and can provide a reading of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in units. Lowering the level of Radon if its levels are 4pCi/L or greater, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Radon readings change every day and with the seasons. So, a long-term test is better for figuring out how much Radon is in a building over time.

What is a Passing Radon Test?

A building with safe Radon levels passes a Radon test. If the amount of Radon is 4pCi/L or higher, the EPA says it should be lowered.

What level of Radon is considered safe?

If Radon levels are 2–4 pCi/L, the EPA advises households to take action. Radon pollution raises the risk of lung cancer. Thus, there is no safe threshold.

If Radon levels in a building are higher than the suggested action level, cutting down on contact is vital. Radon reduction devices can bring down the levels of Radon and keep people from being in contact with it.

What is a Radon Test for Home Inspection?

A Radon test is often part of a home check before it goes on the market. A home inspection looks for problems that could lower the home's worth or put its residents in danger.

The importance of Radon test for a home inspection

A home inspection should include Radon testing to uncover health risks. A home inspection looks for problems that could lower the home's worth or put its residents in danger.

What Can Affect a Radon Test?

Weather, air pressure, and influence could change radon test results. Testing must be done right so the results don't get messed up.

When testing for Radon, opening windows or doors lowers the levels, while closing them boosts them. During testing, using fans or air conditioning can also change the data.

Retest your Radon test if you feel it's wrong. Hire a trusted testing firm like MSE Environmental.

How Does Radon Get into Your Home?

Radon can enter a home through the water supply, foundation, wall and floor fissures, and pipe and wire gaps. Radon levels in the home's soil and groundwater can also impact them.

The different ways Radon can get to your home.

Radon gets into a home because of how it was built, where it is, and other things. Radon levels are higher in basements and crawl spaces because they directly interact with dirt. Concrete, bricks, and stone can contain Radon.

Radon levels can be changed by different things about a home. Radon gas can build up in homes with bad ventilation, making people more likely to be exposed. Radon gas can enter homes through dirt and other sources when there is water damage.

Test your home for Radon to find its source. This lets you find where Radon is getting in and cut your exposure.

Signs of Coming Into Contact with Radon

Radon is dangerous because it rarely shows signs. Lung cancer risk goes up with long-term exposure to Radon.

What are the symptoms of radon exposure?

  • It can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 

  • Radon exposure can cause lung cancer years later. Thus, if you suspect risk, you should reduce exposure.

  • It affects the value of homes and people's health. Radon can depress home prices and make it harder to sell.

Laws and Safety on Radon

Radon is under control by both the federal and state governments. The EPA sets safe Radon levels and helps Americans test for and get rid of it.

Many states also require radon testing when a home is sold or built. Radon readings may also have to be reported by people who want to buy or rent a home.

The importance of checking for Radon in terms of laws and rules

Radon can cause lung cancer, so it's important to get tested. EPA says that all homes should be tested for Radon, and people should limit their exposure if amounts are high.

People can do more than what is required by law to lower their risk of exposure to Radon. These include fixing cracks in the base, improving the airflow, and, if needed, getting rid of Radon. Testing for Radon and getting rid of it should be done by experts like MSE Environmental. 

MSE Environmental offers Tests for Radon.

MSE Environmental is one of the best firms for checking for and removing Radon in homes and businesses. Our experts at MSE Environmental help clients reduce their contact with Radon and keep their surroundings safe.

What are the pros of hiring MSE Environmental?

DIY testing kits are less exact and thorough than MSE Environmental does testing. Experts at MSE Environmental are trained to find Radon levels and do a lot of tests to get precise results.

MSE Environmental also helps lower levels of Radon to protect health. MSE Environmental helps reduce the effects of Radon on your health. 

How MSE Environmental checks for Radon:

  1. Ask the Client about issues with the structure or occupants.

  2. Monitor and test the air.

  3. Actions to take to fix the issues and advice

What have we learned?

Radon can cause lung cancer and other illnesses. Regular Radon testing helps find sources of contact and lowers risk. Radon can be removed from your home or office by testing and changing. 

Lastly, Radon is a big health risk that needs to be checked on a regular basis. You can protect your family against Radon by reducing your risk.


You and your family can stay safe with a Radon Test from MSE Environmental. Check out our website for MSE Environmental to learn about Radon tests.


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