Do I need to conduct a radon test using two detectors?
The EPA states that when two tests are taken at the same time (simultaneous) the precision of the radon test results will improve. See EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide.
“EPA recommends that the test device(s) be placed in the lowest level of the home that could be used regularly, whether it is finished or unfinished. Conduct the test in any space that could be used by the buyer as a bedroom, play area, family room, den, exercise room, or workshop. Based on their client’s intended use of the space, the qualified testing professional should identify the appropriate test location and inform their client (buyer). Do not test in a closet, stairway, hallway, crawl space or in an enclosed area of high humidity or high air velocity. An enclosed area may include a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room.”
Notice that they say to place the devices in rooms which “could” be used for various purposes rather than in room which are actually used as bedrooms, dens, etc. There is a huge difference here because a room which “could” be used for something may never be used for that purpose or may be used so infrequently that radon exposure is not a realistic issue.
For additional information, see the “Element of Risk: The Politics of Radon” by Leonard Cole (ISBN #0-19-509367-4).
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