Colorado Green Real Estate

Radon Testing is Easy and Low-Cost, The Results Are Invaluable

The EPA declared January as National Radon Action Month. In support of the intention to raise public awareness and to identify practical steps for consumers to mitigate potential radon hazards in their home, I am posting a series of articles about radon.

In my first article I described radon gas and how it gets into the home. I also mentioned the EPA‘s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends consumers consider radon mitigation for radon levels above the action level.

But the most important point of my first article is that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and responsible for 21,000 deaths annually in the United States. This alone is enough to emphasize the importance of this topic. In this article, I’ll talk about radon testing in the home.

Testing your home is the only way to know for sure if you have a concern with radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Testing is a simple process that you can do on your own or you can hire a professional. Either way, the test results should be the same. There are a couple of different types of test to consider—active and passive.

Active testing devices require power either by batteries or an electric outlet. These devices are typically used in long term testing of 90 days or more. The device continuously measures and records the radon in the air and is therefore able to give more accurate measurements averaged over time. Home inspectors and air quality professionals normally use active testing devices.

Passive radon testing devices do not require batteries or an electrical outlet. These are the low cost devices that can be purchased at your local hardware store. Passive testers include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors and charcoal liquid scintillation devices. Passive test are generally completed in 48-96 hours. As a result, this is the most common approach for home buyers and sellers.

Both active and passive testing will provide good results. The passive test will quickly identify any potential concern but will not indicate a measure of year-round average radon levels. The active test will give a more accurate measure of radon gas over time.

For best results, testing should be done in a couple of rooms. Select a room that is used frequently but not the kitchen or bathrooms. Windows and doors in the test room should be kept shut except for normal entry. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to record the starting and ending times of the test. You should then seal the test package and return to the lab for analysis as instructed.

Existing home owners can easily test their home for radon. Low cost testing devices are available at local hardware stores. Home buyers concerned about radon want to be sure the inspection period is sufficient to allow for radon testing. Home sellers may want to consider testing for radon prior to selling the home and saving the results. This proactive approach can be an advantage when meeting potential buyers.

Whatever your situation may be—home owner, home buyer or home seller—testing for radon is a worthwhile thing to do. The costs are low and the tests are easy to perform. The information the test reveal is invaluable. Radon mitigation is also relatively easy and low cost when considering the potential health risks. Visit the EPA website for more information on radon testing.

In my next article, I’ll discuss some of the methods for radon mitigation in the home.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Colorado eco-friendly homes, I can help. I am a Certified EcoBroker specializing in energy-efficient, environmental practices in real estate across the Front Range.

If you’re considering relocating to Denver Metro or Boulder County, I’d love to help you find your new home. Please feel free to call me at 720-771-5594 or visit my website at E3GreenHOMES.com

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