Order Radon Test Kits HERE

What is Radon?

• Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the ground.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
  
  FAQ: Radon and Lung Cancer

• The only way to know if you have high radon is to test. 
• All homes should be tested for radon regardless of your geographical location.  Even next-door neighbors can have very different radon levels.

• Kits are available at the Rock County Health Department North and South offices.  Short-term kits are $11.00 and long-term kits are $25.00.  Both include the cost of lab analysis. 
• Kits may also be purchased from most hardware stores.  Be sure to see if lab fees are included in the cost of the kits you buy. 
• If you have never tested for radon before, you should start with a short-term test first.

• Testing for radon in your home is easy.  Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your test kit.  Short-term tests are generally done for 48 hours.  Tests should be done in the lowest “lived-in” level of your home.  For example, if you have a family room or bedroom in your basement, you would want to test there.  If you only go into the basement to do an occasional load of laundry, you should test on the 1st floor. 
• Test kits should be placed away from any source of drafts such as fireplaces and windows.  Humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms should also be avoided.  Place the test kit away from the wall and in the breathing zone (2 ft. to 7 ft. off the floor).  Place the kit in a location where it will not be disturbed.
• If you purchased your kit through the Rock County Health Department, you can go here to get your result online.
  

• Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services radon website for information on interpreting radon results. 
• The EPA recommends that you fix your home if your yearlong average radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or more.  The average radon level in the United States is estimated to be 1.3 pCi/L indoors and 0.4 pCi/L outdoors. 
• If you are unsure about what your results mean or whether follow-up testing is required, contact the Rock County Health Department at (608) 757-5440 for assistance.

• Radon can be reduced to low levels in most homes.  The most common radon reduction method is called sub-slab depressurization.  These systems can cost from around $750 to $1,500. 
• It is highly recommend that you use a certified installer.

• WI Dept. of Health Services Radon Website
• EPA Citizens Guide to Radon
• EPA Map of Radon Zones
• Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon