Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
EPA Recommends:
• If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
• For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and
if the home has been tested.
• Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be
reduced.
• Take steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon test
Because radon levels vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is less likely than a
long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. However, if you need results quickly, a
short-term test may be used to decide whether to fix the home.
Short-Term Testing
The quickest way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your home from two days to
90 days, depending on the device. There are two groups of devices which are more commonly used for
short-term testing. The passive device group includes alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters,
charcoal liquid scintillation detectors, and electret ion chambers. The active device group consists of
different types of continuous monitors.
Whether you test for radon yourself or hire a state-certified tester or a privately certified tester, all radon
tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours. A longer period of testing is required for some devices.
Long-Term Testing
Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. A long-term test will give you a reading that
is more likely to tell you your home's year-round average radon level than a short-term test. If time
permits (more than 90 days) long-term tests can be used to confirm initial short-term results. When
long-term test results are 4 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home.
In many cases, home buyers and sellers may decide to have the radon test done by a qualified radon
tester who knows the proper conditions, test devices, and guidelines for obtaining a reliable radon test
result. They can also:
• Evaluate the home and recommend a testing approach designed to make sure you get reliable
results;
• Explain how proper conditions can be maintained during the radon test;
• Emphasize to occupants of a home that a reliable test result depends on their cooperation.
Interference with, or disturbance of, the test or closed-house conditions will invalidate the test result;
• Analyze the data and report measurement results; and
• Provide an independent test.
tester who knows the proper conditions, test devices, and guidelines for obtaining a reliable radon test
result. They can also:
• Evaluate the home and recommend a testing approach designed to make sure you get reliable
results;
• Explain how proper conditions can be maintained during the radon test;
• Emphasize to occupants of a home that a reliable test result depends on their cooperation.
Interference with, or disturbance of, the test or closed-house conditions will invalidate the test result;
• Analyze the data and report measurement results; and
• Provide an independent test.
There Are Two General Ways To Test Your Home for Radon:
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| Certified Home Inspections of New Hampshire (603)-455-3023 Email: CH.INSP@Yahoo.com |