How to Use Your Radon Test Kit

1
How to Use Your Radon Test Kit

• A Brief Tutorial Concerning the Proper Use of an
• AirChek Radon Test Kit

2
General Information

• Be sure to record the seven digit serial number
• The serial number is necessary in order to
  collect your test results online
• Always follow the device instructions
• Failure to properly follow the directions or
  submitting illegible information may result in
  non-returnable results.
• Expose the test kit for a minimum of three (3)
  days
• This kit is designed for exposures of 72 to 168
  hours. Do not expose the kit for longer than
  seven (7) days

3
When to Test Your Home

• Time of year
• A radon test kit can be deployed during any
  season
• Closed house conditions are important!
• Close your house for 12 hours prior to testing
  and keep the house closed throughout the test,
  except for normal entry and exit
• All external doors, windows, and vents must be
  closed for accurate results

4
When to Test Your Home

• Operate installed radon mitigation systems,
  air-to-air heat exchangers and/or combustion air
  supplies for furnaces as normal during the test
• Do not operate whole house fans during the test
• Do not begin a radon test if severe weather is
  predicted
• Such as a major storm system with high winds
  expected to last at least 24 hours

5
Placing the Test Kit

• Where to place the test kit
• Test in the lowest livable level of the home
  this is usually the basement if you have one
• If you are testing for a real estate transaction
  
• Place two test kits about 4 inches apart in the
  lowest livable area of the building
• If you are testing your own home to check radon
  levels
• Use one test kit in the lowest livable level -
  (you can also place additional test kits on upper
  floors or over different foundation areas at the
  same time if you want to know radon
  concentrations there)

6
Placing the Test Kit

• Place the test kit where it will not be disturbed
• Preferred placement is centrally in the room
  being tested, 2-6 feet from the ground
• The kit can be placed on a shelf, with the
  opening facing the open portion of the room
• Use one (1) test kit per 2000 square feet of
  floor space

7
Where Not to Place the Kit

• Do Not
• Place the kit in a draft
• Locate the kit at least three (3) feet from
  doorways, exterior walls, hallways, windows and
  air handling vents
• Place the kit near a heat source
• Keep away from stoves, fireplaces and baseboard
  heaters
• Test in rooms with high relative humidity (gt50)
• Do not place test kits in bathrooms, utility
  rooms or kitchens

8
Starting the Radon Test

• Record the serial number of the kit on the
  instruction form
• Use a waterproof pen to complete all clerical
  information
• Circle the starting hour and day of the month
• Circle the best choice for the location of the
  test kit in the building

9
Starting the Radon Test

• Grasp the corners of the kit at the opposite end
  from the serial number
• Push the opposite edges together
• This will cause the open end of the package to
  form a square
• Smooth the outer walls if wrinkled

10
Starting the Radon Test

• Insert the foam block into the opening, holding
  onto the block by the plastic tab
• Make sure the block fills the opening
• Expose the test kit for three (3) to seven (7)
  days

11
Stopping the Test

• Remove and discard the foam plug
• Circle the ending hour and day of the month
• Circle the estimated average temperature of the
  testing area

12
Stopping the Test

• Fold back the envelope flap and remove the
  adhesive cover
• Press the flaps together, making sure that the
  packet seals completely

13
Record the Serial Number!

• Check that you have recorded the seven (7) digit
  serial number
• Note the serial number is your only connection
  to the test result

14
Mailing Information

• Mail the test kit packet immediately to
• Radon Lab
• Box 2000
• Naples, NC 28760-9901
• Note that the packet is self-addressed and
  postage paid
• Just drop into the nearest mail box

15
Test Results

• Your test results are usually available online
  within ten (10) days of mailing.
• You will need the kit serial number to access
  your results online
• Your results will also be mailed, assuming that
  all the proper information was included on the
  test kit.

16
For Help With Understanding Your Test Results

• Call the Kansas Radon Program Hotline at
  1-800-693-5343
• Download Four Radon Fact Sheets and find info on
  reducing radon risks at radon.oznet.ksu.edu
• Download EPA Radon Documents at
  www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/index.html