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Why to test for radon in summer months - Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from uranium in soil and rock. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. It can move up through the ground and get into homes through small cracks in a basement floor, crawl space, or slab. If radon builds up indoors, breathing it over many years can raise the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General says radon is a leading cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke. The good news is that testing is simple, and fixing high radon levels is possible.
Some people think radon is only a winter problem because homes are closed up when it is cold. Winter can be a high-radon season, but summer can also create radon problems. That is why it is smart to test in the summer months, especially if you have never tested before or if it has been a few years.
One reason to test in summer is the “stack effect” can still pull radon into your home. Even when it is warm outside, cool air in a basement can create a pressure difference. Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure. If the lower part of your home has lower pressure than the soil, your home can pull radon in through gaps and openings.
Another summer issue is air conditioning. When the AC is running, windows and doors stay closed for long periods. That can reduce fresh-air exchange and allow radon to build up indoors. Ceiling fans and whole-house fans can also change air pressure patterns in a home. Depending on how your home is sealed and ventilated, these changes can increase radon entry.
Summer storms and watering can matter too. Heavy rain, irrigation, and changes in soil moisture can affect how soil gases move. In some cases, water can temporarily block normal air pathways in the soil and push more soil gas, including radon, toward the home. Ground conditions change during the year, so a test in summer gives you helpful information you cannot get from winter-only testing.
Summer is also a practical time to test. Many families are home more in the evenings, kids may be out of school, and schedules can be more flexible. If your test shows a high radon level, summer gives you time to plan the next steps before colder weather arrives.
How do you test? You can use a short-term test (usually 2 to 7 days) or a long-term test (90 days to a year). Short-term tests are great for quick answers. Long-term tests give a better picture of your average radon level over time. Place the test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, such as a basement family room or main-floor living area if there is no basement. Follow the kit instructions closely.
If your results are 2.0 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon. Testing is the only way to know your radon level. Since the cost to get tested is free, it’s a simple decision to make to protect your family’s health. If you have not tested yet, summer is a great time to do it. Get a free radon test and keep your family safe.
