How to Test for Radon, and When a Home Needs a Mitigation System

Testing is the only way to know whether a home has high radon. The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter, and considering mitigation for levels between 2 and 4. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas from soil, and long-term exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

Testing is inexpensive, and mitigation systems are well established. Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Test the Home

• Use a short-term test kit for a quick screening, often two to seven days.
• Place it in the lowest lived-in level, away from drafts, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible during the test.
• Consider a long-term test for a better yearly average.
• During a home purchase, use a certified tester or continuous monitor.

Step 2: Understand the Results

If a short-term test shows 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA suggests a follow-up test, either long-term or a second short-term test, before deciding. Levels vary with seasons and weather, so one reading may not tell the full story. Neighbors’ results do not predict your home’s level, since radon can differ greatly from house to house.

Step 3: How Mitigation Works

The most common method, sub-slab depressurization, uses a pipe and fan to draw radon from beneath the foundation and vent it above the roofline. Contractors also seal cracks and openings. Homes with crawl spaces may need a sealed vapor barrier with suction beneath it.

After installation, retest within a few weeks to confirm the system works, and retest every couple of years. Most systems include a gauge that shows whether the fan is running.

Radon in Real Estate Deals

Buyers often test during the inspection period, and sellers can share recent results or mitigation records. If levels are high, many sales negotiate installation before closing. Ask for a post-mitigation test showing reduced levels, and keep documents for future buyers, since a working system with proof of results can reassure them.

Step 4: Hire a Qualified Contractor

Look for mitigators certified through programs like the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board, and check state licensing where required. Ask for written estimates, warranty terms, and where the fan and vent pipe will be placed.

Radon testing and mitigation specialists are listed in the home improvement directory on Human Clickz, so homeowners can compare certified professionals in their area.

Test First, Then Fix With Confidence

Radon testing is simple and inexpensive, and mitigation systems reliably lower levels when properly installed. Test the lowest lived-in level, confirm high results, hire certified mitigators, and retest after installation. Human Clickz can help you find radon professionals nearby.

Questions

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