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Radon Testing

The Importance of Radon Testing

Though radon is naturally occurring, exposure to the radioactive gas indoors can be harmful to your health, increasing the risk of lung cancer. Radon is known for entering buildings through cracks or other areas in your foundation. Without testing for radon, it can be otherwise untraceable due to its colorless appearance and odorless smell.

If you are looking for radon inspection in Issaquah, WA, or the Greater Seattle Area, it’s worth noting that it’s not a requirement due to the seemingly low occurrences in this region. To view the radon risk per county, click here to view the Washington State Department of Health’s geology tool. This resource page is best viewed using a laptop or desktop computer, rather than using a cell phone.

Nevertheless, if you would still like to perform a radon inspection, it’s Zoom’s professional opinion that hiring someone to complete the testing is unnecessary. With the duration of the testing process alone, the billable hours from a hired professional would be far more costly than buying a reliable kit and performing the test yourself.

Radon Levels in Washington State

According to the Division of Geology and Earth Resources at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, approximately 57,000 identifiable rocks and soil regions were categorized into either high, variable, or low risk for radon gas production. Though the risk for a high radon concentration is considered low in Washington, no area presents zero risks.

Where to Get a Radon Testing Kit

There are several resources out there for radon testing kits. If you are looking for a reliable option, Air-Chek™ radon test kits are a widely used brand.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

We recommend that you follow the directions of whichever testing kit you purchase. However, if you are using a home radon inspection kit, there are general instructions everyone should know. Let’s go over them.

  1. Before you begin, the first step is to prepare the location you are testing. Ensure all doors and windows are closed, set your HVAC system to “auto,” and do not run any whole house exhaust fans. If testing a vacant house consider these guidelines to ensure an accurate test.
  2. Coal or wood-burning stoves should not be running unless they are your main source of heat.
  3. Next, set up your test in the lowest level of your home. It is important to note that you should avoid placing the device in kitchens or bathrooms due to excessive humidity levels.
  4. Set up your testing device at least 3 feet from any doors, walls, or windows. Your device should also be 2 feet from the floor/ceiling (like on a table or shelf) and at least 4 inches away from any objects.
  5. Take the lid off your device and let it run for at least 48 hours, or however long your test instructions advise. Do not move your device during the testing process or your test will not be accurate.
  6. After the allotted testing time is over, securely place the lid back on your device. Continue to follow the packaging instructions provided in the testing kit to send your device back for results.
  7. Note that if you wait too long to send your device in, the test results will be invalid.
  8. Depending on the testing kit you used, you should receive your test results back via email or phone.

Should You Test for Radon Without a Professional?

We get asked about radon home inspection quite often in our line of work. While we could technically perform the service for our customers, due to the length of the test and the affordable radon testing kit options out there, we highly recommend the DIY method.

Are you looking for a home inspection in Issaquah, Seattle, or the Puget Sound region? Click below to view our home inspection services for both buyers and sellers.

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