Radon Air Testing
The EPA recommends testing all homes; even new construction that has been built with radon-resistant features. Maida Commercial & Home Inspection Services performs Radon Air Testing (at additional cost) in conjunction with a home inspection. We use an EPA/RMP certified radon laboratory and EPA approved radon testing devices.
Radon levels do vary depending on geographical location, as well as house to house. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Since radon is a colorless and odorless gas, testing is the only way to find out radon levels. The highest concentration of radon will typically be found in the level of the home closest to the ground. Usually, the radon concentration decreases at each successive level above the basement unless, you have excessive radon in your water.
Some hardware stores and other retailers do offer Radon test kits. However, buyers who are in the process of purchasing a home are usually limited by a certain number of days before they have to sign a final contract to purchase the home. They need their test results during that period. It is not advisable to go to a hardware store and obtain the canisters and do this test yourself - your test results may not come back in a timely fashion. If you do choose to purchase a kit like this, be aware that you may need to purchase two to be a comparable test. Many are sold with only one canister or vial, like the one pictured on the right.
Our regular fee includes a two canister test (EPA protocol) being placed by the inspector on the day of the inspection and, we provide you with a postage paid priority mailer. We ask that either you or someone you designate (someone that has access to the property), return to the property two days later, seal the canisters and bring them in to a postal clerk. We include shipping/handling, processing, analysis, report, etc. Test results are usually available within 5 days and we provide our clients with serial numbers to access test results on-line.
If you are a home buyer that has a scheduled home inspection with us, and, you are debating Radon Air Testing because you don't think you have enough time to get results, Maida Commercial & Home Inspection Services offers our clients two options to help expedite results depending on their needs. When canisters are placed on the day of the inspection by the inspector:
- On the day the canisters are scheduled to be sealed and picked up, you or your representative could drive the Radon Air Test to the Laboratory. This is usually the best option.
- The day the canisters are sealed you could use an currier you are comfortable with to "overnight" mail the radon canisters to the Laboratory, instead of using the provided priority mailer.
In either case above, make sure the canisters are properly sealed and all information on the accompanying forms is complete. (Our Laboratory will not anylize canisters without complete information.) Alternatively, if these options still do not accommodate your time frame, you could contact an accredited Laboratory that offers radon air testing and perform this test to meet your deadline. Take care in following protocols to ensure accurate test results.
