Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transacti

The unique nature of real estate transactions involves multiple parties and financial interests, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). Testing options are simplifeid in the table below.

 

What to Look for in Short-Term* Real Estate Testing Options

What to do Next	Option	Detector Location
Simultaneous Two tests, 48 hours or longer, performed at the same time	Two detectors, four inches apart, in the lowest livable level, or buyer’s preference (if buyer exists).	Fix the home if the average of the two tests is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or more.
Sequential Two tests, 48 hours or longer, performed one right after the other.	Initial and follow-up detectors are placed in approximately the same location, in the lowest livable level, or buyer’s preference.	Fix the home if the average of two tests is 4 pCi/L or more.
Single Test One test, 48 hours or longer, performed with an active continuous monitor that integrates and records radon levels hourly.	Continuous monitor placed in lowest livable level, or buyer’s preference.	Fix the home if the average radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.

* Short-term tests may last between two and 90 days. Most last between two and seven days. Tests between seven and 90 days are usually impractical for real estate transactions.

Examples of short-term detectors used in real estate testing include: activated charcoal canisters, charcoal liquid scintillation vials, electret chambers and continuous radon monitors.