Home safety

Radon test plan

A climate zone, foundation type, neighbor’s result, or home age does not replace measurement. The record keeps the jurisdiction, approved device instructions, location, dates, duration, and result together so the correct current action guidance can be applied.

First answer

Test rather than guessing: EPA says testing is the only way to know a home’s radon level, while Health Canada calls for a long-term measurement of at least 91 days to estimate an annual average.

Formula or decision rule

test duration = end timestamp − start timestamp; decision = valid result compared with current jurisdiction guideline
  • For Canada, the cited long-term measurement is at least 91 days.
  • Health Canada’s guideline is 200 Bq/m³ as an annual average.
  • For U.S. decisions, use the current EPA test and action instructions shown with the result.

Radon test record

Radon test record
FieldUnited StatesCanada
Why test?testing is the only way to knowmeasure the dwelling
Durationfollow EPA/device test instructionslong term, at least 91 days
Comparisoncurrent EPA action guidance200 Bq/m³ annual average guideline
Recorddevice, placement, dates, resultdevice, placement, dates, result

Work through the project

  1. Choose the jurisdiction process

    Open the current EPA or Health Canada guidance and use a device and placement method that meets it.

  2. Protect test validity

    Record exact start/end times, location, device identifier, relevant conditions, and any disturbance.

  3. Act on the valid result

    Compare only after checking validity, then follow the jurisdiction’s confirmation or mitigation steps.

Safety and scope

  • Do not use a calculator, map, or neighboring result as a substitute for testing the home.
  • Qualified radon professionals can help with testing questions and mitigation.

Sources and scope

Source links reviewed July 16, 2026. A review date is not the document's publication date.

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: RadonUnited States · government guide

    Test results and mitigation decisions should follow current EPA instructions and device directions.

  2. Health Canada: Government of Canada Radon GuidelineCanada · government guide

    Mitigation urgency depends on the long-term result; follow current Health Canada guidance.

  3. Health Canada: Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential DwellingsCanada · government guide

    The guide calls for a minimum 91-day long-term measurement for a valid annual estimate.