Radon Screening

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.

For an in-depth explanation of radon gas and its effects, visit our Information series here.

If the home has already been tested for radon...

If you are thinking of buying a home, you may decide to accept an earlier  test result from the seller, or ask the seller for a new test to be conducted by a qualified radon tester.  Before you accept the seller's test, you should determine:

• The results of previous testing;
• Who conducted the previous test:  the homeowner, a radon professional, or some other person;
• 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, if you want to use the basement as living space, test there; and
• What, if any, structural changes, alterations, or changes in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been made to the house since the test was done.  Such changes may affect radon levels.

If you accept the seller's test, make sure that the test followed the Radon Testing Checklist provided by the EPA.

If the home hasn't been tested for radon...

Make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. Consider including provisions in the contract specifying:

• Where the test will be located;
• Who should conduct the test;
• What type of test to do;
• When to do the test;
• How the seller and the buyer will share the test results and test costs (if necessary); and
• When radon mitigation measures will be taken and who will 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 qualified 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, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and after the project is finished. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations rather than afterwards.

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