Reddit reviews First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit, RD1
We found 8 Reddit comments about First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit, RD1. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The simple and safe way to test for radonListed under the EPA radon gas measurement proficiency programIncludes test materials and lab fees, excluding NJ state feesResults are emailed within 72 hours of lab receiptRecommended for use only within the United StatesFirst Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958 (Based on a First Alert Brand Trust Survey in February 2018)
Radon is odorless and tasteless, so you'll need a specialized kit to detect it:
https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-RD1-Radon-Test/dp/B00002N83E
I would like to add that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet
Please don't mess around with Radon. My wife's grandmother had lung cancer and never smoked a day in her life. It wasn't until years later when her grandfather developed spots on his lungs that the house was tested off the charts.
Here is a link for a very inexpensive test kit First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N83E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_slbGwbSTJS17T
I have a meter, but don't think that should be part of the cost for the average person. You get more accurate results by buying a test kit and sending it in once a year. I'd send mine in during the dead of winter when levels tend to peak. Costs about $5/test.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-RD1-Radon-Test/dp/B00002N83E?th=1&psc=1
I just sent in one of the tests, it's a lot cheaper to do it yourself. The previous owner didn't smoke and died of lung cancer, I figured for <$20 it's worth the piece of mind.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-RD1-Radon-Test/dp/B00002N83E
Get radon test kit (won't break the bank-they can be had for $30 normally and are often on sale) and make sure that the basement doesn't have elevated levels before deciding to occupy it for any extended time.
Radon can be dealt with (mitigation strategies vary with how high the concentration is) so it isn't the end of the world if it is present-just good to know what levels so you can decide how to proceed.
Pallets are often just raw wood (some are treated too) and raw wood in a basement can easily lead to mold/mildew issues.
Anytime wood contacts concrete/masonry it should be pressure treated wood that is rated for contact (most municipal codes require this-some codes will allow a naturally rot resistant wood like cedar).
There are many different types of pressure treated wood.
Some are relatively safe for indoor use, others less so-so check the label/manufacturer data sheet to determine appropriate materials for your project.
The really toxic treatments are now either banned (here in the US anyhow) or are only allowed for rail or other specialized industry use and not sold to the general public.
If you've slept in the basement below the bedroom you're probably good.
If you're really worried you could test for it (it's cheap): First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00002N83E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1nK6BbM8JQASG But I wouldn't. It's usually done when you purchase the house as part of the inspection.
I think it's mostly about making damn sure that you don't have a problem. It can take short term and long term averages, so you can have the peace of mind that you don't have a problem.
If you look on Amazon, the same company (Corentium) sells a 4.6 star-rating radon monitor with a display for $199.. For basically the same price, you can get their newer Wave detector, which is the link I posted (CES17 coupon code gets you 15% off, but shipping is $25). If you live in an area where Radon is a problem, and you're also the kind of person that is willing to spend $100 on a smoke detector (i.e. Nest Protect) or $200-$250 on a thermostat (e.g. Nest or Ecobee3), then I guess this is for you! I just bought one without hesitation (ok, I hesitated because I was shocked at the shipping charge, but then saw that their company is in Norway).
Plus, typical radon tests are a one-time use thing, cost about $14, and only tell you what the levels were for a 2-3 day time period. Plus, you really should be testing every year or two, and if, for instance, you have family that has basements then you can lend it out to them. So in the long run, the cost may be on par with, or cheaper, than buying the one time use tests.
Anyways, that's my thoughts.
Would something like this be okay?