Interpreting My Radon Test Results

What should i do if my radon test result is low? (2 pCi/L or less)

Generally a low test result is good although the EPA does state that low radon may still pose a risk.  The The EPA recommends retesting every 2 years.  The EPA also recommends retesting after basement renovations and additions. When radon is still a concern there are radon reduction strategies that the EPA recommends: Radon reduction strategies

What should i do if my radon test result is at the higher range of low? (between 2 and 3.9 pCi/L)

From EPA.Gov: ‘Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2pCi/L and 4pCi/L.’

What should I do if my radon test is high? (4pCi/L or higher)

The EPA recommends mitigating if the average over 48 hours is 4.0 pCi/L or higher.  Mitigation is reliable, affordable and effective.  Typically mitigation costs less than $1800 but houses with large crawl spaces or different foundation types could cost more.  Often times the seller will pay for mitigation (but this is not always the case).  A radon mitigation specialist can be consulted for an estimate.

What should I do if ‘closed conditions’ were not maintained during the test?

Sometimes we discover doors or windows have been left open during the test, and in this case it is recommended to retest.  This is unfortunate as we do everything we can to inform the seller about the importance of maintaining closed conditions during the test– we leave placards in the home and email the seller’s agent an email with special instructions well before the test takes place.  The cost of the retest is $145 plus applicable travel fees (it costs more to do a radon test without a home inspection because an additional trip is required).  Ideally the seller would pay for the retest as it was more than likely a failure on their side to maintain conditions, but in some cases it comes down to the buyer to pay for the retest.  In some cases, it will be nearly impossible to maintain closed conditions during the real estate transaction– in this case it is recommended to wait until after the buyer purchases the property so that closed conditions can be reliably maintained.

Who is the regulating authority for Radon Testing and Mitigation in the US?

The EPA is the regulating authority for radon testing and mitigation in the US. Here is a resource by the EPA:  Home buyer’s Guide
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