Radon Testing
Pikes Peak Radon uses the federally accredited radon lab right here in Colorado Springs located at the El Paso County Citizens Service Center 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Colorado Springs CO 80907. A test can be purchased at the lab or by contacting Pikes Peak Radon. The cost is $30 which includes the lab fees. Setting your own test is very simple.
The radon test canister comes in a pre-addressed envelope so you can mail it directly back to the lab. On the canister is an information card where the user will enter their name, address, location of test deployment and exposure time.
Here are the criteria for setting the radon test:
1) "Closed door" conditions need to be established 12 hours prior to deploying the test canister. This means that all doors and windows should be closed and remain so during the duration of the test period. Normal entry and exit is acceptable, just don't leave doors open.
2) The test should be set in the lowest "livable" area or room of the house. Tests should not be set in a crawlspace, bathroom , kitchen or furnace room.
3) The test should be:
a) a minimum of 20 inches off the floor, preferably in the center of the room.
b) out of direct sunlight
c) 3 feet from any door or window.
d) not under a vent.
e) at least 4 inches from any objects.
First start by recording the date and time you are setting the test using the pull-out card included with test. Remove the tape from the canister. Remove the canister top. Save both the tape and canister top as you will need them to reseal the canister when the test is complete. When you remove the canister lid you will expose a fine mesh screen. Allow 4 inches of space around the test and your test has begun.
The radon test canister comes in a pre-addressed envelope so you can mail it directly back to the lab. On the canister is an information card where the user will enter their name, address, location of test deployment and exposure time.
Here are the criteria for setting the radon test:
1) "Closed door" conditions need to be established 12 hours prior to deploying the test canister. This means that all doors and windows should be closed and remain so during the duration of the test period. Normal entry and exit is acceptable, just don't leave doors open.
2) The test should be set in the lowest "livable" area or room of the house. Tests should not be set in a crawlspace, bathroom , kitchen or furnace room.
3) The test should be:
a) a minimum of 20 inches off the floor, preferably in the center of the room.
b) out of direct sunlight
c) 3 feet from any door or window.
d) not under a vent.
e) at least 4 inches from any objects.
First start by recording the date and time you are setting the test using the pull-out card included with test. Remove the tape from the canister. Remove the canister top. Save both the tape and canister top as you will need them to reseal the canister when the test is complete. When you remove the canister lid you will expose a fine mesh screen. Allow 4 inches of space around the test and your test has begun.
Leave the test undisturbed for 48 hours. After 48 hours, replace the lid on the test and reseal with the tape. Finish filling out the pull-out card to record time of exposure. Mail or take the test to the lab ASAP. Make sure to include your e.mail address or fax # with the canister to recieve your results right away. Usually if you mail a canister early in the morning you can expect the results on the following workday.
Setting your own test saves a lot of dollars and makes a lot of sense. It provides you with a starting point, knowing exactly what radon levels you have. Additionally, if you have elevated radon levels you can set your own post test after your radon mitigation system has been installed. This gives you proof positive of how the system functions. Pikes Peak Radon provides all clients with a test canister so they can perform their own post test.
Setting your own test saves a lot of dollars and makes a lot of sense. It provides you with a starting point, knowing exactly what radon levels you have. Additionally, if you have elevated radon levels you can set your own post test after your radon mitigation system has been installed. This gives you proof positive of how the system functions. Pikes Peak Radon provides all clients with a test canister so they can perform their own post test.