Should I test my home for radon gas?
I plan on improving insulation to the point of needing an air exchanger. I thought it best to test for radon gas after I've tightened up the major air leakage in my home. What do you think?
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Yes, it's always a good idea to check the radon levels in your home, particularly if you're about to improve the airtightness of the building.
Keep in mind that the risks of radon exposure in homes is not limited to the air, it can also be present in water if you get your water from a well. Here are a couple of pages on our site where you can learn a bit more if you like -
My question was- is it best to check for radon AFTER tightening the home, rather than before, if one is going to improve the sealing of air movement for insulating purposes?
I don't know about anyone else, but personally for $60 I'd buy a twin pack and I'd test before and after especially if I lived in a potentially higher risk area. I found this retailer who is discounting the kits http://bit.ly/ecohome-radon-gas-test-kit (and I've no affiliation with this seller).
Studies I've seen suggest that Radon is a bigger problem than we realize - I'd be interested to know where you are and the results?
I agree with RJ about testing before and after just in case you end up doing something during your renovations that you would need to undo to fix the problem. Wierd that Health Canada calls under 200 bq the 'safe' level. I get that you need to pick a point somehwere, and the 'X'amount of anything is a bad thing, but other countries I've heard of have it at 100 bq and others up at about 300 bq. Wait long enough and I bet they'll all lower it.