Where Can You Buy Radon Test Kits
Radon test kits are available from several sources. Free test kits are sometimes available from local or county health departments, or from state radon programs. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University has test kits available to purchase online at www.sosradon.org or call 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). Test kits are also available from some local or state American Lung Associations (www.lung.org) and some home improvement stores.
To learn more about the availability of test kits in your area, or to find a qualified testing or mitigation contractor, contact your state radon office (click on the appropriate region to find your state for a list of contacts) or contact either of the national private radon programs (see -radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional for contact information).
MDH recommends that all Minnesota homeowners test their homes for radon. A radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. You can test your home yourself or hire a licensed professional. Most radon tests can be performed on your own, after reading the instructions. Hiring a radon measurement professional is recommended when an unbiased, third party is needed, such as in a real estate transaction. The result(s) from a properly performed radon test will help you decide if you need to reduce your home's radon level.
Radon test kits are inexpensive and are available at local health departments, hardware stores and for a discount at the MDH radon website. Some test kits may also require an analysis fee paid after mailing the kit to the lab.
When testing for radon start with a short-term test. The results from your first test will determine what your next steps will be. If the result is 0 to 1.9 pCi/L, retest every 2 to 5 years. If the test result is 2 to 7.9 pCi/L, perform a long-term follow-up test. If the test is 8 pCi/L or greater, perform a short-term follow-up test. (Click on image below to enlarge)
The follow-up test will determine if you need to mitigate. Use the average of the two short-term test results or the result of the one long-term test. If the result is 4 pCi/L or greater, we recommend mitigating. If the result is 2 to 3.9 pCi/L consider installing a radon mitigation system. If the result is below 2 pCi/L retest every 2 to 5 years. (Click on image below to enlarge)
Radon test kits are available from county and city health departments listed in the table below. They are also available from the MSU Extension offices included in the table. Radon test kits can also be found at local hardware stores, home improvement centers, and other retail stores, or you can purchase them online directly from the manufacturer at www.mi.radon.com.
If you are testing a NON-U.S. RESIDENCE: Test kit purchases from individuals outside the United States are not supported/accepted by our system due to shipping costs and time delays which can impact the analysis process of the test kits.
Is this your first time testing for radon--or first time in a while (2-5 years)? We recommend starting with a short-term test kit. Then, depending on your results, a long-term test kit might be an option for your follow-up, confirmation test. For questions, please call our National Radon Hotline at (800) 767-7236.
Short Term tests kits (2-4 days) are $17, which includes all costs. Just follow the instructions on the included Instruction Sheet and return the kit to the manufacturer (Alpha Energy in Texas) for analysis at no extra charge.
Contact your state radon office for specific information and resources in your area for testing and for a list of qualified radon testers. You can either hire a radon tester or purchase a radon test kit from a hardware store and do it yourself. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a qualified tester if you are buying or selling your home.
Your state radon office can give you information on where to get a test kit and whether your state offers fre