Choosing Passive vs Active Radon Testing
You can order your Radon test by mail, just as Renny the Robot is doing at this Lake Tahoe cabin. Renny and our other Radon Guide robots bring a little color and cheer our Radon-at-Tahoe pages, helping balance the seriousness of radon in our homes.
Passive and Active Radon Testing Devices
Before choosing how to test your home for Radon, it helps to understand the two main categories of Radon testing devices: Passive and Active. Both types can accurately measure Radon levels, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you decide whether to order a test kit by mail, purchase a device for home use, or hire a qualified Radon tester.
Passive Radon Testing Devices
Passive Radon testing devices do not require electricity to operate. The EPA defines these as devices that simply sit in the home and collect Radon particles over a specific period of time. Common passive devices include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, and electret ion chamber detectors. These devices are widely available in home improvement stores and online.
To use a passive device, you place it in the appropriate location in your home for the required exposure time. After the test period ends, you mail the device to a certified laboratory for analysis. The lab then sends you a report showing your Radon level. Passive tests are simple, inexpensive, and ideal for short-term screening. A DIY homeowner can use them, or a qualified Radon tester may use the same types of devices during a professional inspection.
Active Radon Testing Devices
Active Radon testing devices require power to operate and continuously measure Radon levels over time. These devices contain electronic sensors that record Radon concentrations hourly or even minute-by-minute. Because they collect more detailed data, Active devices can show patterns such as daily fluctuations or changes caused by weather or ventilation.
Active Radon testing devices get power from household power or built-in batteries, to operate continuously.
Homeowners can purchase consumer-grade Active monitors in stores or online, but Radon professionals and researchers often use advanced models with additional features such as tamper detection, data logging, and digital reporting. Active devices are especially useful when you want long-term monitoring or when a real estate transaction requires a more detailed evaluation.
How Mail Ordering Works for Passive Radon Testing
Because Radon is invisible and odorless, you need a special device to detect it. One of the easiest ways to test your home is to order a Radon test kit by mail from a qualified Radon measurement service or laboratory. Many reputable providers offer inexpensive kits that include everything you need.
After ordering, your test kit arrives with clear instructions. You simply place the device in the correct location for the required time, usually 48 to 96 hours for short-term tests. Once the test is complete, you return the device to the provider using the prepaid mailer. A certified laboratory analyzes the sample and sends your results back by mail or email. The EPA emphasizes that Radon testing is easy, affordable, and the only reliable way to know whether your home has a Radon problem.
Alternatives to Mail Ordering Your Test
If you prefer not to test on your own, you can hire a qualified Radon tester. Many home inspectors are certified to perform Radon testing and will choose the appropriate device for your situation. Professionals may use either Passive or Active devices, depending on the type of test needed and the requirements of your real estate transaction.
Whether you choose a mail-in test, a store-bought device, or a professional inspection, understanding the differences between Passive and Active Radon testing devices helps you make an informed decision about how to measure Radon levels in your home.
About This Page
This page is part of our review of the EPA's Guide to Radon for homeowners and home buyers Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon. We present this review because Lake Tahoe is a high Radon area, according to EPA, and that may pose health risks. By getting Radon detection and Radon mitigation, you can live more healthfully amidst the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
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