The best place to conduct a radon test in a home is in the lowest level of the house that could be used as living space, specifically in a regularly occupied room like a family room, living room, playroom, den, or bedroom.
Why Location is Key for Accurate Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It typically enters a home from the soil beneath the foundation, which means its concentration is often highest in the lowest parts of the structure. To get a reliable reading that reflects potential exposure to residents, the testing location is critical.
Optimal Radon Testing Locations
When choosing where to place your radon test kit, prioritize the following:
- The Lowest Livable Level: The test should always be conducted on the lowest floor of the home that is currently used or could be converted into living space without significant renovations.
- Basements: Even if a basement is unfinished, if it has the potential to be used as a family room, bedroom, or other living area, it is the ideal place to test.
- Ground Floors: If your home does not have a basement, the ground floor or the lowest occupied level is the appropriate testing site.
- Regularly Occupied Rooms: Place the test in a room where occupants spend a significant amount of time. This provides the most accurate assessment of actual exposure levels. Ideal rooms include:
- Family rooms
- Living rooms
- Playrooms
- Dens
- Bedrooms
Locations to Avoid
Certain areas of a home are unsuitable for radon testing as they can yield inaccurate results due to varying environmental conditions or lack of consistent occupancy. Avoid placing a radon test kit in:
| Unsuitable Testing Locations | Reason for Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Kitchens | High humidity, temperature fluctuations, and air currents from cooking can interfere with accurate readings. |
| Bathrooms | High humidity, variable temperatures, and often less consistent air circulation can skew results. |
| Laundry Rooms | Similar to bathrooms and kitchens, these areas experience significant humidity and temperature swings. |
| Hallways | These are not considered primary living spaces and may have different air patterns that don't reflect general exposure. |
General Testing Best Practices
Beyond selecting the right room, ensure the test kit is:
- Placed at least 20 inches above the floor.
- Kept away from drafts, excessive heat, high humidity, or direct sunlight.
- Positioned away from windows, doors, or heating/cooling vents.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your radon test provides a reliable and representative measurement of the radon levels in your home.
