The Best Radon Detector

Buying Guide

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is completely undetectable by humans because it is colorless and odorless. It is created when uranium or other radioactive materials decay and come out of rock formations, soil and specific building materials.

MORE: Here’s why testing your home can guard your family’s long-term health

Just because humans cannot detect radon doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect us, though. In fact, it is blamed for over 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking. Exposure to this gas over a long period of time can increase our chances of getting lung cancer by 50%.

Toxic exposure from radon is most common in the northern, midwestern and southwestern states. However, this gas can be found all over the country. This is why it’s imperative to test for it in your home. If you’re buying a new house, be sure to test for radon there before you finalize the purchasing agreement. According to the EPA, one out of every 15 homes in the United States has high levels of radon.

Radon Testing

There are a number of times when you should be testing for radon gas. If you’re buying or selling a home, always check for radon before finalizing any paperwork. If you’re buying a new build, ask whether radon-resistant construction materials have been used. You will also want to check if the building site has been tested for radon before. It’s also best to check for radon in workplaces as well.

A safe level of radon should be at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or lower. If it’s any higher than that, this means that you or your loved ones are at risk. Because radon is colorless and odorless, you need a special testing kit or detector to see whether it’s present.

Types of Radon Detectors

Two main types of devices detect radon: passive and active. A passive device is a manual gadget that doesn’t require electricity. It needs to be placed at the testing site for a specified period of time, after which is is away for analysis. An active device is an electrical gadget that monitors radon continuously. It’ll monitor the level of the gas over an extended period of time and can detect abnormalities or any unusual activity in the gas level. Active gadgets also deter any test interference so that you can be sure you’re getting accurate results. While active devices are more costly than passive ones, they are far more reliable as well.

• The most important element to consider when looking for a radon detector is its level of accuracy. You want to ensure that the device is able to deter any interference so you can get reliable results. If you don’t get accurate test results, you or your family could be in danger of getting sick from the toxic gas. In order to get a reliable result from short-term testing, be sure to keep your windows and doors closed aside from normal use. Do not conduct your test when there are heavy winds as that can alter the results. Also, you will need to place the device at least 20 inches above the floor. It should be on a stable surface where it’s away from drafts, heat, humidity or outside walls. Remember to carefully follow the device’s instructions and record the day and time you began your testing.
• Access to testing data is important if you want to analyze the results. Many electric radon detectors will have Bluetooth connectivity so that you can view the results on an app on your mobile phone. This makes it quick and easy to get results without waiting for a lab. In some cases, you can actually set up alarms on the app to go off if the radon reaches a toxic level. This is a good option for long-term testing.
• For many shoppers, portability is key. When you’re testing a new building site, you may not have access to an outlet to plug in your radon monitor. This is when a battery-powered gadget comes in handy. Not only is it highly flexible so you can place it anywhere in the home, but you can use it within areas where you don’t have any electricity.
• If you’re going to be moving the detector from place to place, also look at the size of the gadget. Some are small enough to fit in your pocket like a mobile phone, while others are big enough that you’ll need a bag to carry them around.
• Having a clear LCD display that shows you the radon levels can be helpful. In some devices, the display is located directly on the gadget itself. In others, you can view the results through a mobile phone app. Consider what is more convenient for you before making a purchase.