Radon Test
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It comes from uranium in the soil the only way to tell if you have Radon is to test for it.
Where Does Radon Come From?
Most Radon enters a home because of air pressure differences between the home and the outside air. When vented from buildings by natural or powered ventilation, Radon is drawn in from the surrounding soil, through openings/cracks in the floor
Is Radon a Health Risk?
The Surgeon General has warned that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
What Are Acceptable Levels of Radon?
The United State Environmental protection Agency (USEPA) recommends that Radon levels be below 4 picocuries per liter of air (4pcu).
What if the Radon Reading is 4pcu or Higher?
If the level of Radon is 4.0pcu or higher, the Seller will probably be asked to mitigate, which means to take measures to reduce the radon levels. There are two types of mitigation: Passive and Active. Passive Mitigation: involves sealing crawl spaces, sump pumps, floor and wall cracks and joints. Typical costs are $250-500 depending on the area. Passive Mitigation is not guaranteed and Radon concentrations can vary from day to day. Active Mitigation: in addition to the Passive measures mentioned above, an exhaust system is installed which actively draws the Radon from the home. This process is guaranteed. Cost are typically and additional $500-1000 depending on age and size of the home
How is Radon Testing Done?
Any test lasting less than a week (that is most short term tests conducted for Real Estate Sales purposes) requires closed-house conditions. This means all windows must be kept closed, doors must be kept closed except for normal entry or exit, and fans which bring in air from the outside cannot be used (except for fans that are part of a radon reduction system or small exhaust fans that operate for only short periods of time). Before testing: begin closed house conditions at least 72 hours before the start of the short-term test. During testing, maintain closed-house conditions during the entire duration of the short-term test, especially for tests less than one week in duration. Operate home heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, only operate air conditioning units that recirculate interior air. For Additional Information! Contact the Illinois Department Nuclear Safety, 1035 Outer Park Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 Radon Information Line: 800-325-1245 www.state.il.us/idns