Skip to main content

Testing for Radon

Radon graphic showing examples of short-term test devices
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Testing for Radon

Since radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, it can't be detected with your senses. The only way to know whether your home has elevated radon levels is to test with a device specifically designed to detect radon.

Testing can be done with a do-it-yourself kit that you send back to a laboratory for analysis, or you can hire a professional to test for you. If you are willing to read and follow instructions, a do-it-yourself kit may be adequate. However, if you're involved in a real estate transaction, you may wish to hire a professional tester.

The first test you do is normally a short-term screening measurement. These tests need to be done under closed-house conditions, so the winter heating season is the ideal time to test. However, testing can be done at any time of year if closed house conditions can be met.

Short-term screening measurements are a minimum of 48 hours long, and would typically range from 2 to 7 days. However, they can last as long as 90 days, depending on the type of device being used.

Contact

Les Smith
Radon@Michigan.gov
800-723-6642 (800-RADONGAS)

Find a radon test kit

Test Conditions

It is very important that you read and follow the instructions that come with your test kit. Choose a location where you spend time and place the device:

  • in the lowest livable level,
  • at least 3 feet from windows, exterior doors, or other openings in foundation floor or walls,
  • at least 20 inches above the floor (preferably 3-6 feet above the floor, in the "breathing zone"),
  • at least 12 inches from exterior walls and at least 4 inches from other objects, and
  • where it won't be disturbed!

Test in the lowest livable level of the home, a basement if you have one. Choose a room where you spend time, such as a bedroom, living room, family room, den, or rec room. Avoid testing in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, closets, utility rooms, or crawlspaces.

For short-term tests (those lasting from 2 to 90 days), it is important that you also follow the requirement for "closed-house conditions." This means keeping all exterior doors and windows closed, except for normal entry and exit; attic fans off; and kitchen & bathroom fans off.

Radon test kit.
Close up of rounded piece of equipment
Radon CRM Machine
Radon graphic showing an alpha track long-term testing device