Radon Testing: Do You Need It?

Whether you live in a newly constructed home or you just bought a home built some years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends periodic radon testing.  This usually happens during a sale or purchase of a home, but you can always have tests performed or purchase a kit and do it yourself at any time.  We’ve included information directly from the EPA below, to help you answer the question: Does my home need to be tested for radon?  You’ll see helpful links throughout the post that will connect you with state radon offices, provide in depth reports about radon and risk assessments, as well as information about radon in water.  You can opt to complete testing on your own, by purchasing a test kit at your local hardware store, or by visiting this site (provided by the EPA website), where you can order online: http://sosradon.org/test-kits .

What is Radon?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

• 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, or 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.

Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

Testing for Radon

Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

Fixing a Radon Problem

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.

If You Are Selling a Home…

EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels. Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could be a positive selling point.

If You Are Buying a Home…

• EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you consider buying. Ask the seller for their radon test results. If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for information they have about the system.
• If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the housed tested.
• If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.
• The radon testing guidelines in this Guide have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference. These guidelines are slightly different from the guidelines in other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information for non-real estatesituations.

This Guide recommends three short-term testing options for real estate transactions. EPA also recommends testing a home in the lowest level which is suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.

1. Why Should You Test for Radon?

a. Radon Has Been Found In Homes All Over the U.S.

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 (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for information about radon in your area.

b. EPA and the Surgeon General Recommend That You Test Your Home

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.