I didn't know there are "certified" radon testing companies and testers. If you want to find a "certified" radon company or inspector, you can search the National Radon safety Board here http://www.nrsb.org/find_a_professional.asp or you can search
the National Environmental Health Organization here http://www.radongas.org/radon_measurement_service.shtml for a "measurement provider/technician". Both of these organizations are national so you can find someone in each state. Radon test kits are available to anyone from a number of places and you do not have to be certified to use them.
In my conversation with Roger Parras at the MA Department of Public Health, he suggested that it is better to use a certified radon tester or a company that has certified testers. His reasoning was that there is a protocol for a correctly administered and collected radon test.
The protocol should be as follows:
- observe conditions in the test building
- place the test appropriately
- control the premises conditions for the best test results
- verify the collection device was not tampered with
- collect the sample and send it to the lab
- review the results
Roger was not surprised that home inspection companies are suggesting that agents, or buyers, or sellers collect the sample and send it to the lab. He said he's been receiving calls like mine a lot this year. He suggested that people interview the company they choose to see if there is a charge or an added fee for completing the test protocol.
He also said that he thinks that the one who places the test should be responsible for picking it up. The end of the test is as important as the placement. What if the test container has moved, been covered or spilled? The best observer is the one who placed the test kit.
His next comment was that people should understand the testing procedure. My next blog will be about that.
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