Radon and the controversy

Al, you made some valid points.  In general, the real estate community keeps the subject of radon and radon testing on the down-low since it can be one more obstacle on the road to the closing table.

According to the EPA & Surgeons General, every home should be tested.  I repeatedly hear from prospective clients and agents that if the home is on a slab or is new, then there is no need to test.  That's simply false.

Certification is available through the National Enivornmental Health Association & National Radon Profeiciency Program.  Re-certification is required every 2 years.  To verify that your inspector is certified, here is a link to NEHA/NRPP Certified Measurement Providers in Georgia: http://www.radongas.org/measurement_template/GA.shtml

In a real estate transaction, testing by a properly trained radon testing company is recommended.  The minimum test time is 48 hours provided closed house conditions have been met.  My factory calibrated continuous monitors have a 0 delay or 12 hour delay setting.  I program it to a 12 hour delay if I was opening and closing doors and windows as part of a home inspection.  Here is a photo of a continous radon monitor:

There is no known "safe level" for radon.  The World Health Organization has called for lowering the levels of radon gas from 4.0 pC/L to 2.7 pC/L.  I live and work in an area where elevated levels of radon are the norm and not the exception.  Still, the majority of home buyers pass on the offer to test.  Hey, if you can't see, taste, smell or touch it, what's the problem, right?

The good news is that if elevated levels of radon are detected, it can be fixed by a reputable radon mitigation professional. 

Make sure that the radon tester has had proper training. A hardware store test kit in the hands of a properly trained individual is much better than a fancy monitor in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it. Your state's radon dept is a good place to start, and so is NEHA/NRPP.

Janet said, "A hardware store test kit in the hands of a properly trained individual is much better than a fancy monitor in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it." That reminds me of the old saying, "A little knowledge can be dangerous." Proper training and continuing education are important, however a NEHA or NRSB certification is no guarantee the tester (or the mitigator) will do his work properly and ethically. Ask for references.