Portland Radon Testing

DIY - Do it yourself Radon Test Kits - See how to set your own test kit with AirChek  We recommend contacting a professional for proper radon testing, but encourage curiosity!

Continuous Radon Monitors - In particular the Sun Nuclear models we use exclusively at Environmental Works, provide some of the most dependable technology and precise measurements for tracking hourly radon levels. CRMs are considered active devices, recording radon or its daughter products/progeny directly and requiring an electric or battery power supply. Since radon levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the time of day, the month of the year, and based on the performance of a building’s heating-ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems, hourly recordings of radon levels are helpful in pinpointing the source of and solution to the radon problem. Due to the fluctuation of radon from hour to hour and day to day, it is important to focus on the AVERAGE radon level over a minimum of 48 hours, as recommended by AARST and the EPA.  Furthermore, Continuous Radon Monitors provide an immediate radon test result upon retrieval, added security against tampering, emergency backup battery in case of power failure, and a patented and highly reliable solid-state detector. EWorks radon experts select the appropriate testing location within the home and can even set a delayed start time to accommodate moving arrangements or other plans to have the doors/windows open a bit longer. We will also post notices of ‘radon test in progress’ on the CRM device and entryway door to ensure doors and windows remain closed. Upon retrieval, radon results will be immediately available for disclosure to entitled parties.

Activated Charcoal test kits  provide a single overall average of the radon level specific to the exposure time and environmental conditions. AC test kits are set and retrieved with the same short-term timeframe (2-5 days) where they passively absorb radon gas or the alpha/beta particles before being sent to a laboratory for analysis. Radioactive particles emitted from the charcoal are counted by a “sodium iodide counter or converted to light in a liquid scintillation medium and counted in a scintillation detector.” As opposed to a CRM that might be set atop a tripod or shelf, AC kits are smaller in physical size and are temporarily affixed to an interior wall at a height within the average adult’s breathing zone. Details of climatic conditions, time of day, temperature, and location are required to be noted for proper processing by the lab unless set by a certified radon testing professional. The instructions for proper placement of these test kits must be strictly followed to achieve an accurate radon reading. Environmental Works simplifies this whole process with one step!

Visit our Radon Products page for additional information on Short-Term Radon Testing, Continuous Radon Monitors, and Activated Charcoal Radon Test Kits.

Long-Term Radon Testing - A minimum duration of 3 months or 91+ days. Long-term radon tests provide a more accurate year-round overall average reflective of a home or building’s radon levels over time with regular use. These tests DO NOT REQUIRE the maintaining of ‘Closed House Conditions’ and are ideal for follow-up measurements proceeding another radon test or radon reduction system installation. Environmental Works’ long term radon tests are deployed by AARST-NRPP certified professionals, utilizing one or a combination of the following devices:

Long Term Alpha Track Test Kits / Canisters - Contain a plastic film inside that gets etched from the release of radon’s alpha particles that strike it. Once in the laboratory, the plastic is treated with chemicals to make the tracks visible enough to be counted, which then corresponds to a calculated average measurement of radon. The test kits, like short-term kits, are small in size and can be placed in a convenient location out of the way of routine activities. Details of climatic conditions, temperature, and location are required to be noted for proper processing by the lab unless set and retrieved by a certified radon testing professional. The instructions for proper placement of these test kits must be strictly followed to achieve an accurate radon reading. Environmental Works simplifies this whole process with one step!

Visit our Radon Products page for additional information on long-term radon testing and alpha track radon test kits.

Where NOT to set a radon test: Avoid areas of high humidity or moisture content, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and in the lowest “livable” area, so never in a crawl space!