Testing for Radon
Real Estate Test
There are three short-term testing option which are to be made in the lowest level of the residence suitable for, or may be made suitable for occupancy.
1. Sequential Testing – Two short-term measurements are made (one after the other) under conditions that are as similar as possible, in the same location, and using similar devices and durations. No results are reported until after the second measurement is complete. Both results are reported, but the average of the two results is used to determine the need for mitigation.2. Simultaneous Testing – Two short-term measurements are made (at the same time) in the same location, and using similar devices and duration. The average of the two measurements is used to determine the need for mitigation, but all measurement results are reported. If both measurements are less than 4pCi/L and the relative percentage difference is less than 67%, no mitigation is required. If one result is greater than 4 and one is less than 4, retest or if the higher result is greater than twice the lower result. If both measurements are greater than 4 and the relative percent difference is less than 36%, mitigate.
3. Single Test – An active continuous monitor with the capability to integrate and record a new sample a least hourly is used to make a measurement with at least 44 contiguous (in a row) hours of data. If the monitor cannot integrate at least hourly, a second measurement device must be used either sequentially, or simultaneously, using the evaluation criteria discussed above. The confidence of a measurement made with a continuous monitor can be increased by using monitors with self-diagnostic features, data validation or verification enhancements or the use of instruments which offer tamper detection procedures.
Radon Specialist of Catawba Valley uses both E-Perms and continuous radon monitor (both of these can be read on pickup). Our equipment is calibrated annually.
Home Owner Test
1. Conduct a short-term measurement (between 2 and 4 days) in the lowest lived-in level of the home which contains a room that is used regularly, under closed-house conditions.
2. If short-term test result is equal to or greater than 4 pCi/L, conduct a follow-up measurement in the same location. If test result is greater than 10 pCi/L, use a short-term follow-up, if between 4 and 10pCi/L, either a short-term or long-term measurement can be made. Follow-up measurements are to be made in the lowest lived-in level.
3. If two short-term measurements are made, mitigate if average of two is above 4pCi/L, if a long-term follow-up measurement is made, mitigate if the long-term test result is above 4pCi/L.
When using a paid tester it is mandatory that the house be tested per EPA’s Real Estate Protocol.
