Radon in Real Estate Testing Checklist

EPA's Radon in Real Estate Testing Checklist can help you through all of the steps for testing a home during this important time. If the seller or qualified tester cannot confirm that all of these items have been completed, you may need to test the home again.

Before conducting a radon test:

  • Tell the people living in the home about the importance of proper testing conditions. Give them a copy of this checklist and explain the directions carefully.
  • Conduct the radon test for at least 48 hours (some tests may need more than 48 hours to get an accurate result).
  • When doing a short-term test (typically two to four days for real estate transactions), keep the house closed for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period.
  • If you conduct the test yourself, use a qualified radon test and follow the kit's instructions.
  • If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a certified radon testing professional. The tester's ID number, if available, should be included in the test report.
  • The test should describe how to prevent or detect tampering during testing conditions or with the testing device itself.
  • If the house has a radon mitigation system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly. If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired and then test the home.

During a radon test:

  • Keep the house closed the entire time of a short-term test, especially for tests shorter than one week. Typically, tests done as part of a real estate transaction will be short-term and less than one week.
  • Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, use only air-conditioning units that re-circulate the air inside your home, rather than bringing air in from outside.
  • Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.
  • If a radon mitigation system is in place, make sure the system is working properly. The system should be used during the entire radon test.

After a radon test:

  • If you conduct the test yourself, promptly send the test device to the address listed in the kit. Be sure to complete the required information, including start and stop times, test location, etc.
  • Be sure that you or the radon tester can show that all testing conditions were met during the entire test.
  • If a radon level of 4 pCi/l or more is found, fix the home. Contact a certified radon mitigation contractor about lowering the radon level.
Kelly, C. 2022, Radon in Real Estate Testing Checklist, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP

Learn more about the author(s)

Christine Kelly
Christine Kelly
 

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Associated Programs

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Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.