EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for
radon. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the
natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe.
Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home
through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home can trap radon inside.
Radon can also enter your home through well water. If you find that you
have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels
can be reduced to acceptable levels.
Any home can have a radon problem. This means
new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure
at home. That is where you spend most of your time. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes
in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level. Elevated levels
of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.
- Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants
written instructions or a copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.
- Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours; some testing devices have a minimum
exposure time greater than 48 hours.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it is important to maintain
closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and
during the entire test period.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA recommends that closed-house
conditions be maintained.
- If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a qualified individual.
Some states issue photo identification (ID) cards; ask to see it. The tester's
ID number, if available, should be included or noted in the test report.
- The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing
conditions or with the testing device itself.
- If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating
properly. If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it)
repaired and then test.
If your home has not yet been tested for Radon, have a test taken as soon as possible.
If you can, test your home before putting it on the market. You should test
in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing
in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used,
but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations.
The radon test result is important information about your home's radon level.
Some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol.
If you do the test yourself, you should carefully follow the testing protocol for
your area or EPA's Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a contractor to test
your residence, protect yourself by hiring a
qualified
individual or company.
Most states can provide you with a list of knowledgeable radon service providers
doing business in the state. In states that don't regulate radon services,
ask the contractor if he holds a professional proficiency or certification
credential. Such programs usually provide members with a photo-ID
card which indicates their qualification(s) and its expiration date. If in
doubt, you should check with the credentialing organization. Alternatively,
ask the contractor if they've successfully completed formal training
appropriate for testing or mitigation, e.g., a course in radon measurement or radon
mitigation.
If you are thinking of selling your home and you have already tested your home for
radon, review the
Radon Testing Checklist to make sure that the test
was done correctly. If so, provide your test results to the buyer.
No matter what kind of test you took, a potential buyer may ask for a new test especially
if:
- The Radon Testing Checklist items were not met;
- The last test is not recent, i.e., within two years;
- You have renovated or altered your home since you tested;
- The buyer plans to live in a level of the house lower than was tested, such as a
basement suitable for occupancy but not currently lived in.
A buyer may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires disclosure
of radon information to buyers.