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EPA Recommends:
- If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for
radon.
- For new homes, ask if radon resistant construction feature have
been used.
- 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
EPA has developed this guide to help home buyers and sellers address 8
key questions about radon:
1.Why Do You Need to
Test for Radon?
2.If You are Selling
a Home, What Should You Do?
3. If You are Buying
a Home, What Should You Do?
4. If You are Buying
a Newly-Built Home, What Should You Do?
5.How Can You Get
Reliable Radon Test Results?
a.Types of Radon
Devices
b.Length of
Time to Test
c. If You Conduct a Short-Term
Test
d.Using Testing
Devices Properly (If You Do the Test Yourself)
e. EPA's Testing Checklist
f. Getting
Reliable Test Results (If You Hire a Professional Radon Tester)
g. Interpreting
Radon Test Results
6.What
Should You Do If You Find a High Radon Level?
7.Radon
Myths/Facts
8. Where Can You Get More
Information about Radon?
PLEASE NOTE: The
information in these pages have been modified slightly from the original
Agency publication to reflect changes in technical terminology,
specifically, in the descriptions of radon measurement and mitigation
service providers participating in EPA's Radon Proficiency Program (RPP).
OVERVIEW
This guide is for anyone
buying or selling a home who wants to learn about radon.
Radon is a cancer-causing,
radioactive gas
You cannot see radon. And you cannot
smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. That is
because when you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of
getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General 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.
You should test 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.
You can fix 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.
(See Sections 2(a)
& (b) and 5(c)
& (d) below for
recommendations about how to test.)
If you are buying a home...
EPA recommends that you
obtain the indoor radon level in a home you are considering buying. Ask the
seller for radon test results. If the home has a radon reduction system, ask
the seller for information about the system.
If the home has not yet been
tested, Sections 2(b)
and 5(c) of this
Guide make recommendations about how to test now.
If you are buying a
newly-constructed home, please refer to Section
4.
The radon testing guidelines
in the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" have been
developed specifically to deal with the time sensitive nature of home
purchases and sales and the potential for radon device interference.
The guidelines in the
"Home Buyer's Guide" are somewhat different from the guidelines in
other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information
for non-real estate situations. The "Home Buyer's Guide"
recommends three short-term testing options when long-term testing is not
possible. The "Home Buyer's Guide" also recommends testing a home
in the lowest level of the home which is currently suitable for occupancy.
This is because a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than
that used by the seller.
Back
to the Table of Contents
1.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO TEST FOR RADON?
 Radon
Has Been Found In Homes All Over the U.S.
Radon is a radioactive gas
that has been found in homes all over the U.S. 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. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water
(see Section 6
for more information about radon in water.)
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 U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. 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.
 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.
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Why
you cannot estimate radon levels based on state, local and
neighborhood radon measurements
Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the
neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are
next to each other can have different indoor radon levels. While radon
problems may be more common in some areas in the local community or
state, any home may have a problem. Testing your home is the only way
to find out what your radon levels are.
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Back
to the Table of Contents
 2.
IF YOU ARE SELLING A HOME, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
a. If your home has already
been tested for radon...
If you are thinking of
selling your home and you have already tested your home for radon, provide
your test results to the buyer. Review the testing Checklist in Section
5(e) to make sure that the test was done correctly.
No matter what kind of test
you took, a potential buyer may ask for a new test especially if:
- you took a test and the Checklist items were not met;
- you have renovated or altered your home since you tested;
- the buyer plans to live in a lower level of the house than you
do, such as a basement which is suitable for occupance but is not currently
lived in;
- or, your State requires disclosure of Radon information to
buyers.
 b.
If the 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 because this may save time during real estate transactions.
You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for
occupancy and finished. 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 result of the radon test
is important information about your home's radon level that potential buyers
may want to know.
You can test your own home
or hire an EPA-listed or
state-certified radon tester. Call your state
radon office for a list of these professional radon testers. If you test
your own home, carefully follow the Checklist in Section
5(e).
Back
to the Table of Contents
3.
IF YOU ARE BUYING A HOME, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
 a.
If the home has already been tested for radon...
If you are thinking of
buying a home, you may either decide to accept the test results from the
seller, ask the seller to do another test, or you may ask for a new test to
be conducted by an EPA-listed or
state-certified radon tester.
If you decide to accept the
seller's test, make sure that the seller (or whoever took the test) followed
the testing Checklist in Section
5(e) and that he or she can confirm that all the items were followed. If
you plan to use the seller's test, find out as soon as possible from the
seller:
- the results of the previous test; and
- who conducted the previous test: the homeowner, a radon professional
or some other person; and
-
where in the home the previous test was taken, especially if you may
plan to live in a lower level of the home. For example, the test may
have been taken on the first floor; however, you may want to live in a
basement which is not currently lived in but which is suitable for
occupancy without renovation.
what, if any, structural changes or alterations have been made to the house
since the test was done. Such changes might affect radon levels.
If you decide that a new
test is needed, you should discuss it with the seller as soon as possible.
If you decide to use an EPA-listed
or state-certified radon tester, contact your state
radon office for a list of radon testing companies.
b. If the home has not yet
been tested for radon...
Make sure that a radon test
is done as soon as possible. You should consider including provisions in the
contract specifying who should conduct the test, what type of test to do,
when to do the test, and how the seller and the buyer will share the test
results, test costs and, if necessary, when radon mitigation measures should
be taken and who should pay for them.
Make sure that the test is
done in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means the
lowest level that you are going to use as living space which is finished or
does not require renovations prior to use. A state or local radon official
or an EPA-listed or
state-certified radon tester can help you make some of these decisions.
If you decide to finish or
renovate an unfinished area of the home in the future, radon tests should be
taken before and after the area is finished. Radon reduction costs could be
incurred if high levels are found in that area. Generally, it is less
expensive to install a radon reduction system before or during renovations
rather than afterwards.
Back
to the Table of Contents
4.
IF YOU ARE BUYING A NEWLY BUILT HOME, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
New
homes can be built with radon-resistant
features that minimize radon entry and allow easier fixing of radon
problems that could occur later. These features cost less if installed
during construction than if added to an existing home. In most new homes,
use of radon-resistant features will keep radon levels to below 2 pCi/L.
Builders can incorporate
radon-resistant features into the homes they build. Some states, counties
and local jurisdictions may adopt radon-resistant construction features in
their building codes, which builders must then follow. Radon-resistant
construction standards can be applied depending on the radon potential in a
particular area. Many builders already use radon resistant building
features.
New home buyers should ask
if radon-resistant
construction techniques have been built into the new home they are
considering for purchase. Buyers should also ask whether information about
radon is available. For custom-built homes, the buyer should discuss
radon-resistant features with the builder, including the cost.
Occupants of newly
constructed homes should have their homes tested for radon. A long-term test
will provide a reading that is more representative of the home's year-round
average radon level. However, short-term tests (as described in Section
5(b)) may be used to determine if elevated radon levels exist.
Back
to the Table of Contents
5.
HOW CAN YOU GET RELIABLE RADON TEST RESULTS?
Even
though you cannot see or smell radon, it is not hard
to find out if you have a radon problem in your home.
a. TYPES OF RADON DEVICES
Since you cannot see or
smell radon, special equipment is needed to detect it. You can buy radon
devices in retail stores when you want to test your own home, send away for
radon devices from EPA-listed Analytical
Service Providers that offer mail order services, or you can hire an EPA-listed
or state-certified radon tester who will test using radon devices that are
appropriate for the situation.
Preventing or Detecting
Test Interference
There is a potential for
test interference in real estate transactions. There are a number of ways to
prevent or detect test interference such as:
- Print-out report which frequently records radon or decay
product levels to detect unusual swings;
- Motion detectors to determine whether the test device has been
moved or testing conditions have changed;
- Proximity detectors to reveal the presence of people in the
room which may correlate to possible changes in radon levels during the
test;
- Record of barometric pressure to identify weather conditions
which may have affected the test;
- Temperature record to help assess whether doors and windows
have been opened; and
- Taping windows shut to ensure closed house conditions (see Section
5(e)).
Home buyers and sellers
should evaluate these and other features when selecting a radon test
alternative. Refer to the "Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay
Measurements in Homes" for information about radon testing devices and
associated device interference features.
Some of the most common
radon testing devices are listed below. Because new testing devices may be listed
by EPA or your state, you may want to check with your state
radon office before you test to get the most up-to-date information.
Passive Devices
Passive radon testing
devices do not need power to function. they include radon detectors such as charcoal
canisters, alpha-track detectors, and charcoal liquid scintillation devices
that are available in hardware stores, drug stores, other stores, and by
mail, and electret ion chamber detectors generally only available
through laboratories. They are exposed to the air in the home for a
specified period of time and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Both
short-term and long-term passive devices are generally inexpensive. Some of
these devices may have features that offer more resistance to test
interference or disturbance than other passive devices. Professional radon
testers may use any of these devices to measure the home's radon level.
Active Devices
Active radon testing devices
require power to function. Active radon detectors such as continuous
radon monitors and continuous working level monitors require operation
by trained testers. They work by continuously measuring and recording the
amount of radon or its decay products in the air of the home. Many of these
devices provide a report of this information which can reveal any unusual or
abnormal swings in the radon level during the test period. A professional
tester can explain this report to you. In addition, some of these devices
are specifically designed to deter and detect test interference. Currently,
some of the technically advanced active devices offer the most extensive
device interference features. Although these tests may cost more, they may
ensure a more reliable result.
General Information for
All Devices:
A state or local radon
official can explain the differences between devices and recommend the ones
which are most appropriate for your needs and expected testing conditions.
In addition, EPA's Radon Measurement Protocols include technical information
about the differences between devices.
Make sure the radon device
is listed by EPA's Radon Proficiency
Program (RPP) or is state-certified. The device may display the phrase
"Meets EPA Requirements" or "EPA listed." Your state
radon office or a radon tester can tell you more about radon testing
devices.
Certain precautions should
be followed to avoid interference during the test period. Refer to the
Checklist in Section
5(e) for more information about how to get a reliable test.
In some areas, companies may
offer different types of radon service agreements. Some agreements let you
pay a one-time fee that covers both testing, and if needed, radon reduction.
Contact your state radon
office to find out if these are available in your state.
Radon Test Device Placement
The testing device(s) should
be placed in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy.
This means testing in the lowest level currently lived in or a lower level
not currently used, such as a basement, which a buyer could use for living
space without renovations. The test should be in a room to be used regularly
(like a living room, playroom, den or bedroom) but not a kitchen,
bathroom or laundry room.
b. LENGTH OF TIME TO TEST
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Whether
you test for radon yourself or hire an EPA-listed or state-certified
tester, all radon tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours. A
longer period of testing is required for some devices.
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There Are Two General
Ways To Test Your Home for Radon:
LONG-TERM TESTING:
Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. Alpha track,
and electret ion chamber detectors are commonly used for this type of
testing. 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 between 4 pCi/L and 10 pCi/L. When long-term test
results are 4 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing 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. (see Section
5(a) above for more information.) Because radon levels tend to 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, short-term testing may be used to decide whether
to fix the home.
c. IF YOU CONDUCT A
SHORT-TERM TEST...
If you are testing in a real
estate transaction and you need results quickly, any of the following three
ways to conduct Short-Term Tests are acceptable for determining whether the
home should be fixed. Any real estate test for radon should include steps to
prevent or detect device interference (see Section
5(a)).
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Short-Term
Testing Options
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What
to do Next
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Passive:
Take an initial short-term test for at least 48 hours. After the first
test has been completed, take a follow-up short-term test for at least
48 hours.
or
Take two short-term tests at the same time in the same location for
at least 48 hours.
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Fix the home if the average of two tests is 4 pCi/L or more.
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Active:
Test the home with a continuous monitor for at least 48 hours.
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Fix the home if the average radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.
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d. USING TESTING DEVICES
PROPERLY (If You Do the Test Yourself)
 When
you are taking a short-term test, close your windows and outside doors and
keep them closed as much as possible during the test, except for normal
entry and exit. If you are taking a short-term test lasting less than 4
days, be sure to close your windows and outside doors at least 12 hours
before beginning the test, too. You should not conduct short-term tests
lasting less than 4 days during severe storms or periods of high winds.
Place the test device at
least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it will not be disturbed
and where it will be away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and
exterior walls. Leave the test kit in place for as long as the test
instructions say. Once you have finished the test, reseal the package and
send it immediately to the lab specified on the package for analysis. You
should receive your test results within a few weeks. If you need results
quickly, you should find out how long results will take and, if necessary,
request expedited service.
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When choosing a short-term testing option...
There are tradeoffs among the short-term test options. One test
followed by another test (sequential) would most likely give a better
representation of the seasonal average. Two tests taken at the same
time (simultaneous) would improve the precision of this radon test.
Both active and passive devices may have features which help to
prevent test interference. Your state radon office can help you decide
which option is the best for you.
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e. EPA'S TESTING CHECKLIST
 Follow
this Checklist carefully so that you get the most accurate radon test
results. Radon testing is not a complicated process, but must be done
properly. Otherwise, the test results may not be accurate and more testing
may have to be done. Disturbing or interfering with the test device or
closed-house conditions will invalidate the test results. The seller, or an EPA-listed
or state-certified tester, should be able to confirm that all the items in
this Checklist have been followed. If the tester cannot confirm this,
another test should be taken.
Before the radon
testing:
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Notify occupants of
the importance of proper testing conditions. Give occupants written
instructions or this document and explain the directions carefully.
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If you conduct the test yourself, use a radon
measurement device listed in EPA's Radon
Proficiency Program (RPP) or certified by your state and follow
the manufacturer's instructions that come with the device.
If you use a testing professional, hire only an EPA-listed
or state-certified individual and ask to see his or her photo
identification. The contractor's identification number should be
clearly visible on the test report.
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The test should
include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing
conditions or with the testing device itself.
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Conduct the radon
test for a minimum of 48 hours. Certain devices must be exposed for
more than the 48 hour minimum.
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Check to see if an
active radon reduction system is in the house. Before taking a
short-term test lasting less than 4 days, make sure the fan, if any,
is operating at least 24 hours before the beginning of the test.
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EPA recommends that
short-term radon testing, which lasts for no more than a week in
length, be done under closed-house conditions. Closed-house conditions
mean keeping all windows closed, keeping doors closed except for
normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines which
bring in air from outside. Note that fans that are part of a radon
reduction system or small exhaust fans operating for only short
periods of time may run during the test.
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When doing short-term testing lasting less than 4
days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least
12 hours before the beginning of the test and for the entire test
period. Do not operate fans or other machines which bring in air from
the outside.
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During the radon test:
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Maintain
closed-house conditions during he entire time of a short term test,
especially for tests shorter than one week in length.
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Operate the home's
heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests
lasting less than one week, operate only air-conditioning units which
recirculate interior air.
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Do not disturb the
test device at any time during the test.
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If a radon reduction system is in place, make
sure the system is working properly and will be in operation during
the entire radon test.
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After a radon test:
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If a high radon
level is found, fix the home. Section
6 of this guide recommend the next steps you should take, such as
contacting a qualified radon reduction contractor to lower the home's
radon level.
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Be sure that you or the professional radon tester
can demonstrate or provide information to ensure that the testing
conditions were not violated during the testing period.
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f. GETTING RELIABLE RESULTS
(If You Have A Professional Radon Tester)
In many cases, home buyers
and sellers may decide to have the radon test done by a professional radon
tester. Make sure that the company or individual(s) you hire is listed in EPA's
Radon Proficiency Program or your state's certification program, if it
has one.
EPA's Radon Proficiency
Program (RPP) is designed to help you get reliable radon tests. RPP
participants are required to show their ability to make accurate tests and
follow quality assurance and EPA test guidelines. EPA has provided a list of
RPP participants in your state. These reports list Analytical Service
providers (companies who provide radon test results and testing devices) and
listed individuals in your area who follow EPA's residential radon testing
requirements. Make sure you ask to see the professional radon tester's photo
I.D. card.
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WHAT WILL A
PROFESSIONAL RADON TESTER DO?
An EPA-listed or
state-certified radon tester knows the proper conditions, test
devices, and guidelines to get a reliable radon test. A professional
radon tester 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 because any interference or disturbance with the test
or the closed-house conditions, especially during short-term
testing, will invalidate the test result;
- Analyze and report
measurement results to you; and
- Provide an
independent test result by someone who is not involved in the home
sale.
Your state radon
office may also have information about certification requirements
for professional radon testers. Contact your State radon office for
information about EPA-listed
and state-certified contractors.
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g. INTERPRETING RADON TEST
RESULTS
The average indoor radon
level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is
normally found in the outside air. The U.S. Congress has set a long-term
goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels. While this
goal is not yet technologically achievable for all homes, the radon levels
in some homes today can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below.
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Radon Test Results Measured in Two Different
Units
Your radon test results may be reported in either picocuries per
Liter of Air (pCi/L) or Working Levels (WL). If your test result is in
pCi/L, EPA recommends you fix the home if your radon level is 4 pCi/L
or higher. If the test result is in WL, EPA recommends you fix the
home if the working level is 0.02 WL or higher.
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Sometimes short-term tests
are less definitive about whether the home is at or above 4 pCi/L. This can
happen when your results are close to 4 pCi/L. For example, if the average
of the two short-term tests is 4.1 pCi/L, there is about a 50% chance that
the year-round average is somewhat below 4 pCi/L. However, EPA believes that
any radon exposure carries some risk; no level of radon is safe. Even radon
levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and you can reduce your risk of lung
cancer by lowering your radon level.
Like other environmental
pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health
risks. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other
cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are
based on studies in humans (underground miners). Additional studies on more
typical populations are under way.
Your radon measurement will
give you an idea of your risk of getting lung cancer from radon. Your
chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
- The home's radon level; and
- The amount of time you spend in your home; and
- Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked.
Smoking combined with radon
is an especially serious health risk. If you smoke or are a former smoker,
the presence of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. If you
stop smoking now and lower the radon level in your house, you will reduce
your lung cancer risk.
Go
to the Radon Risk Comparison Charts
Back
to the Table of Contents
6.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND A HIGH RADON LEVEL?
High Radon Levels Can be
Reduced
EPA recommends that you take
action to reduce your home's indoor radon levels if your radon test result
is 4 pCi/L or higher. It is preferable to correct a radon problem before
placing your home on the market because then you have more time to address a
radon problem. If elevated levels are found during the real estate
transaction, the buyer and seller should discuss the timing and costs of the
radon reduction, as with any other aspect of the home purchase and sale.
The cost of making repairs
to reduce radon depends on how your home was built and other factors. Most
homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs,
like painting or having a new hot water heater installed. The average cost
for a contractor to lower radon levels in a home is about $1,200, although
this can range from $500 to about $2,500.
How To Lower The Radon
Level In Your Home
 A
variety of methods can be used to reduce radon in homes. Sealing cracks and
other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon
reduction. EPA does not recommend the use of sealing alone to reduce radon
because, by itself, sealing has not been shown to lower radon levels
significantly or consistently. In most cases, systems with pipes and fans
are used to reduce radon. Such systems are called "subslab
depressurization," and do not require major changes to your home. These
systems prevent radon gas from entering the home from below the concrete
floor and the foundation. Similar systems can also be installed in homes
with crawl spaces. Radon mitigation contractors may use other methods that
may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your
home and other factors. As with any other house-hold appliance, there would
be costs associated with the operation of the radon reduction system.
Ways to reduce radon are
discussed in EPA's "Consumer's
Guide to Radon Reduction." Call your
state radon office to get a copy.
You should also test your
home again after it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced.
If your living patterns change and you begin occupying a lower level of your
home (such as a basement) you should retest your home on that level. In
addition, it is a good idea to retest your home sometime in the future to be
sure radon levels remain low.
Radon and home renovations
If you are planning any major renovations, such as converting an
unfinished basement area into living space, it is especially important
to test the area for radon before you begin the renovation. If your
test results indicate a radon problem, radon resistant techniques can
be inexpensively included as part of the renovation. Because major
renovations can change the level of radon in any home, always test
again after work is completed.
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What services do radon
reduction (mitigation) contractors provide?
Contractors who participate
and become listed in EPA's National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) are
qualified to:
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Review testing guidelines and measurement results and
determine if additional measurements are needed;
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Evaluate the radon problem and provide you with a detailed,
written proposal on how radon levels will be lowered;
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Design a radon reduction system;
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Install the system according to EPA Standards and State or
local codes; and
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Make sure the finished system effectively reduces radon levels
to acceptable levels.
Picking someone to fix your
radon problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home repairs; you
may want to get references and more than one estimate. Call your state
radon office for a list of the names of EPA
listed or state-certified radon reduction contractors in your area. Your
state radon office may also have information about certification
requirements for these contractors.
Selecting A Radon Reduction
(Mitigation) Contractor
You
should use a radon reduction contractor who is listed as being proficient
(in the current National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP)) as a Residential
Mitigation Service Provider. This Program tests the technical knowledge of
contractors to ensure that they can correct radon problems. EPA-listed
Residential Mitigation Service Providers must follow specific guidelines
which make certain that their work meets minimum quality standards.
EPA-listed Residential Mitigation Service Providers carry photo I.D. cards
and are listed in the National RPP
Reports. EPA-listed Residential Mitigation Service Providers are
required to pass an initial exam and then follow the Radon
Mitigation Standards. These standards are available from your state
radon office. EPA-listed Residential Mitigation Service Providers are
also required to review radon measurement results before beginning radon
reduction work. In addition, an EPA-listed Residential Mitigation Service
Provider must recommend that the home be tested again by an independent
EPA-listed or state-certified radon measurement service provider after
completing radon mitigation work to confirm that elevated levels have been
reduced.
Should the Company Performing Your Radon Test Also be Your Radon
Reduction Contractor?
Be aware that there is potential conflict of interest if you use
the same company to conduct both the test and the radon mitigation of
the home. If the same radon testing professional also offers to do
radon mitigation of the home, make sure that the testing is done
according to the Testing
Checklist.
EPA's Radon Proficiency Program works to protect home buyers and
sellers. Make sure you only hire professional measurement and
mitigation contractors who are EPA-listed or state-certified. Always
ask to see the contractor's I.D. card.
You should also consider getting more than one cost estimate and
asking for references from radon measurement and mitigation companies
in your area.
Some states have additional certification requirements, and may
require the homeowner to sign a waiver if one firm conducts both radon
measurements and mitigations. Contact your state
radon office.
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Radon in Water
Compared with radon entering
the home through soil, radon entering the home through water in most cases
will be a small source of risk. Radon gas can enter the home through well
water. It can be released into the air you breathe when water is used for
showering and other household uses. Research suggests that swallowing water
with high radon levels may pose risks, too, although risks from swallowing
water containing radon are believed to be much lower than those from
breathing air containing radon.
While radon in water is not
a problem in homes served by most public water supplies, radon has been
found in well water. If you have tested the air in your home and found a
radon problem, and your water comes from a well, have the water tested. If
you are on a public water supply and are concerned that radon may be
entering your home through the water, call your public water supplier. The
testing device and procedures used to find out the radon levels of your
home's water supply are different from the device and procedures used to
test your home's indoor air levels for radon.
Radon problems in water can
be readily fixed. The most effective treatment is to remove radon from the
water before it enters the home. This is called point-of-entry treatment.
Treatment at your water tap is called point-of-use treatment. Point-of-use
devices usually only treat a small portion of your water and are not
effective in reducing radon risk in water.
If high radon levels are
found and the home has a well, you can find publications and documents
developed by EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water relating to
radon in drinking water and the radon in drinking water rule at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radon.html.
Back
to the Table of Contents
7. Go to the RADON MYTHS Page
Back
to the Table of Contents
8.
WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RADON?
 For
more information on how to reduce your radon health risk, go to EPA's
Radon Home Page, or ask your state
radon office to send you these guides (the complete list of
Radon-related publications is available at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs),
you can find other Indoor Air-related publications at (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/):
If you plan to make repairs
yourself, be sure to contact your state
radon office for a current copy of EPA's technical guidance on radon
reduction, "Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses -- Technical
Guidance."
Contact the EPA's Drinking
Water Hotline (1 800 426-4791) for information on radon in water.
SURGEON GENERAL HEALTH
ADVISORY
"Indoor radon gas is a national health problem. Radon causes
thousands of deaths each year. Millions of homes have elevated radon
levels. Homes should be tested for radon. When elevated levels are
confirmed, the problem should be corrected."
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Consumers need to know about the health of a
house they are considering purchasing, including whether there is a
radon problem, and if so, how to fix it. The Home Buyer's and Seller's
Guide to Radon provides practical consumer information that every home
buyer needs to know.
Consumer Federation of America
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency document number: 402-r-93-003,
1ast printing - March 1993,
U.S. EPA/Office of Air and Radiation/Office of Radiation and Indoor Air,
Mail Stop-6604J,
401 M Street, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20460.
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