QUALITY CRAFT HOMES
Delmer L. Vennard
Radon Measure & Mitigation Technician
Certified (NEHA) (NRPP)
605-668-0756 605-661-4690 (cell)

What is Radon?

Radon is a Cancer-Causing, Radioactive Gas. It has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.

You cannot see, smell or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

You Should Test For Radon

Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

You can Fix a Radon Problem

If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Short-term Radon Tests

If you are testing in a real estate transaction and need results quickly, any to the following three options for short-term tests are acceptable in determining whether the home should be fixed. Any real estate test for radon should include steps to prevent or detect interference with the test device.

Short-Term Testing Options
Passive:
1: Take 2 short-term tests at the same time in the same location for at least 48 hours.
Fix the home if the average of the two tests is 4pCi/L or more.
or
2. Take an initial short-term test for at least 48 hours. Immediately upon completing the first test, do a second test using an identical device in the same location as the first
Fix the home if the average of the two tests is 4pCi/L or more.
or
Active:
3. Test the home with a continuous monitor for at least 48 hours. Print test results immediately after.
Fix the home if the average radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.

Testing with air pumps or grab sampling are not EPA options for doing real estate testing. It must be a 48 hour test that reads printouts of every hour. (Air pumps and grab samplers are for research and diagnostics only) Whether you test for radon yourself or hire a qualified tester, all radon tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours.