According to the Environmental Protection Agency; Radon kills approximately 21,000 people each year.
Unfortunately; because of the desire by the government to seal homes in order to save "Energy"; the facts have been spun and distorted, to make people beleive that sealing the home is good for you; and, is not the cause of higher levels of radon that kill people in their homes.
Regardless of the distored statements; when it comes to testing for radon in your home; they all agree that, it is "vital" that the introduction of outside air (by opening windows for example) will void the test, and not give a true indication of the danger of radon in your sealed home.
And so, homes will be sealed by law and more people will be killed by government decree.
How to use a Radon test kit; according to the EPA.
"Follow the instructions that come with your test kit. If you are doing a short-term test, CLOSE YOUR WINDOWS AND OUTSIDE DOORS AND KEEP THEM CLOSED as much as possible during the test. Heating and air-conditioning system fans that re-circulate air may be operated. DO NOT OPERATE FANS OR OTHER MACHINES WHICH BRING IN AIR FROM OUTSIDE. Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating only for short periods of time may run during the test. If you are doing a short-term test lasting just 2 or 3 days, BE SURE TO CLOSE YOUR OUTSIDE WINDOWS AND DOORS AT LEAST 12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST, too. YOU SHOULD NOT CONDUCT THE TEST lasting just 2 or 3 days DURING PERIODS OF HIGH WINDS. The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor). It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom ["because they may have mechanical exhaust ventilation that may render the Radon levels harmless in those locations"]. Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed - AWAY FROM DRAFTS, high heat, high humidity, AND EXTERIOR WALLS. Leave the kit in place for as long as the package says. Once you've finished the test, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package right away for analysis. You should receive your test results within a few weeks."
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html#howtotest
Enjoy your new "energy efficient home",
Uncle Bob
Unfortunately; because of the desire by the government to seal homes in order to save "Energy"; the facts have been spun and distorted, to make people beleive that sealing the home is good for you; and, is not the cause of higher levels of radon that kill people in their homes.
Regardless of the distored statements; when it comes to testing for radon in your home; they all agree that, it is "vital" that the introduction of outside air (by opening windows for example) will void the test, and not give a true indication of the danger of radon in your sealed home.
And so, homes will be sealed by law and more people will be killed by government decree.
How to use a Radon test kit; according to the EPA.
"Follow the instructions that come with your test kit. If you are doing a short-term test, CLOSE YOUR WINDOWS AND OUTSIDE DOORS AND KEEP THEM CLOSED as much as possible during the test. Heating and air-conditioning system fans that re-circulate air may be operated. DO NOT OPERATE FANS OR OTHER MACHINES WHICH BRING IN AIR FROM OUTSIDE. Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating only for short periods of time may run during the test. If you are doing a short-term test lasting just 2 or 3 days, BE SURE TO CLOSE YOUR OUTSIDE WINDOWS AND DOORS AT LEAST 12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST, too. YOU SHOULD NOT CONDUCT THE TEST lasting just 2 or 3 days DURING PERIODS OF HIGH WINDS. The test kit should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor). It should be put in a room that is used regularly (like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not your kitchen or bathroom ["because they may have mechanical exhaust ventilation that may render the Radon levels harmless in those locations"]. Place the kit at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed - AWAY FROM DRAFTS, high heat, high humidity, AND EXTERIOR WALLS. Leave the kit in place for as long as the package says. Once you've finished the test, reseal the package and send it to the lab specified on the package right away for analysis. You should receive your test results within a few weeks."
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html#howtotest
Enjoy your new "energy efficient home",
Uncle Bob