Radon Measurement

Radon Measurement Testing Methods – Passive and Active

Passive Measurement 1

  • Charcoal Measurement

(4 TO 8 DAYS) – $125 plus drive time out of the Portland/Vancouver area.


(A Good Method For Homeowners)

This method uses Charcoal Canisters that need to be sent into a lab. The best canisters that we have found must be left open on site for not less than 4 days. The canisters once closed are then sent to the lab and this can take up to an additional 4 days. This method is a good method for testing of Radon but it is not good if you need to have the results quickly. This method should be used as a back up for any dwellings that have shown to have high radon readings

Passive Measurement 2

  • Alpha Track Detectors

(Long Term Testing) $125 plus drive time out of the Portland/Vancouver area.


(A Good Method For Homeowners)

This method of testing is good for homeowners who are not moving but want long term radon results as opposed to short term electronic or charcoal short term testing results.

Passive testing devices can be used when a home or building’s power has been shut off. One example of a passive device would be a charcoal cannister. These are used for short term testing of two to ninety days. Another type of passive device is the alpha tract detector, which is used for long term testing of over ninety days.


Really Fast Rapid Radon Remediation uses charcoal cannisters for short term testing and alpha track detectors for long term testing. After testing is completed, these devices are sent to a laboratory to obtain the test results. The one drawback of the passive testing devices is that they do not generate immediate results.

Active Measurement

  • Electronic

$150 plus drive time out of the Portland, Or/Vancouver Area


(A Good Method For Homeowners)

Results are done with a electronic measurement device and results are instantaneous. This method is good for real estate transactions where time is of the essence. Only draw back is that machine must be calibrated and sometimes the machines if bumped or not properly calibrated can give false readings. This is why one should always retest an area that has been shown to have high radon readings. This method also requires electricity during the testing period.

Active testing devices require power to operate. Really Fast Rapid Radon Remediation uses continuous radon monitors. The monitors are placed in the lowest living area of the building and continuously measure and record the amount of radon in the air. At the conclusion of testing, a printout is generated which reveals any unusual or abnormal swings in the radon level during the entire testing period. In addition, the continuous radon monitors are specifically designed to deter and detect test interference. The advantage of the continuous monitor systems is that they generate immediate results. Continuous monitors are used primarily for short-term testing of 48 hours.


 * OUR RECOMMENDATION:  ALWAYS – A COMBINATION OF ACTIVE DEVICE with CHARCOAL BACK UP – $235, plus drive time for dwellings out of the Portland/Vancouver area.


This combination provides the quickness of the active electronic device along with the accuracy of the longer term Charcoal Canister. In our opinion it offers the best results to the homeowner.


HOMEOWNER NOTE: Long term testing is always best due to seasonal temperature and humidity changes. Changes in weather, temperature, and humidity can cause spikes in Radon readings. If you have the time always go for long term testing over short term testing as the results will be more accurate. 

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