The following guidelines should be used by both homeowners and measurement companies when testing for Radon i New Jersey.
For short-term tests, the testing device must be placed:
1.in the lowest livable level of the home -- that is, the lowest level of the home that is used, or could be used, as a living space. This would include, for example, a first floor without a basement, and a finished or unfinished basement, but not a crawl space.
2.in a location where it will not be disturbed.
3.at least 20 inches from the floor, at least 4 inches away from other objects and at least 36 inches away from doors, windows or other openings to the outside. The tests only need to be placed one foot away from exterior walls that have no openings. If suspended from the ceiling, it should be in the general breathing zone.
Test kits should not be placed:
1.in areas exposed to direct sunlight, drafts natural or induced, high heat, or high humidity; or
2.in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry room or closets.
In addition, attic and window fans, fireplaces and wood stoves (unless they are the primary heat source) should not be used for the duration of the test. They will affect air pressure in the house which will in turn affect radon concentrations. Air conditioning can be used if it circulates inside air rather than bringing in air from the outside.
For short-term tests, it is very important to maintain "closed house conditions," since ventilation can increase or decrease radon levels in unpredictable ways. This means all windows and doors that let in outside air, on all floors, must be kept closed except for normal entrances and exits. You need to maintain closed house conditions until the short-term test is finished. For tests that last less than four days, closed house conditions must be started at least 12 hours before you begin the test."
As part of a real-estate transaction, it is always advisable that the home be screened for radon. For addtional information about radon, please fell free to contact us.
Michael Almeida
Serving the Real Estate community as a licensed NJ Home Inspector in Southern Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County
Home Inspector Lic. #24GI00058900
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
http://www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty
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