In many parts of the country, radon gas is a problem. This radioactive gas can leak into your basement through holes and cracks in the foundation where it can then accumulate to unsafe levels. Radon is considered one of the leading causes of lung cancer, after smoking.
When buying a new home it is standard in most states for a home inspector to test for radon levels. The test is usually performed in the lowest area of the home, which for most people is the basement. The test is usually performed under "closed home conditions" meaning that no windows or doors are allowed to be left open while the test is being performed.
It is during one of these home inspection tests that most people learn that they have radon present. The EPA has set guidelines for safe conditions at 4pCi/L or less of radon within a home. If you are buying a new home and the home inspection uncovers levels higher than this, then a radon mitigation system will need to be installed.
However, even after the installation of a radon mitigation system, it is still useful to monitor the ongoing levels of radon in your home. Since radon concentrations within a home are known to fluctuate with the seasons, it is useful to know what levels are at after installation. Or, were your mitigation system to fail in some way, an alarm announcing radon accumulation would be beneficial
Likewise, if your home's radon levels are below the 4 pCi/L guideline, but still elevated (1-3 pCi/L), there is still some potential health risks involved. In this case you may wish to monitor the conditions in your home to be sure your levels don't rise over time.
Home radon tests come in two basic forms: one-use test kits and electronic gas monitors (multi-use). While electronic radon gas detectors will cost more money upfront, they will save money over time were you to have to use multiple test kits. Most electronic radon monitors also contain an alarm to alert you should your radon levels rise to an unsafe level.
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