Testing for Radon Is Easy
Testing for radon is a simple, inexpensive precaution everyone should take. Any home in any area can have a radon problem—even apartments—if they are below the third floor. Millions of people have tested their homes for radon.
Selecting a Test Kit
Do-it-yourself kits allow you to test your home yourself. It is important to select a test kit that has been approved by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). There are two general ways to test for radon. For more information, go to Selecting a Long-term or Short-Term Test in the Citizen's Guide to Radon (759 KB).
Test kits can be purchased through the mail or at local stores. These locations in Boulder County sell short-term test kits:
Center for Resource Conservation
2639 Spruce Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
303-999-3820
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Boulder County Extension
9595 Nelson Road
Longmont, Colorado 80501
303-678-6238
Conducting the Test
Depending on the type of kit you select, testing for radon can take anywhere from a few days to a year. The longer the test, the more accurate the results are in predicting the year-round radon levels of a home. For more information, go to Testing Protocols in the Citizen's Guide to Radon (759 KB).
Test Results
If test results show that your home does have a high level of radon, do not panic. High levels of radon are easily remedied. Needed repairs often cost no more than many other common home repairs and will not change the appearance of your home. A variety of methods can be used. For more information, go to Understanding Your Test Results in the Citizen's Guide to Radon (759 KB).
For information on reducing your radon level, go to our section on reducing radon in structures.
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