Radon in your home - News 5 Investigation and more...

We have couple of phone calls this morning after people viewed the News Channel 5 investigative report about homes with radon on last nights (2/3/2011) newscast.

We have had several inquiries to the testing that can be done for radon. We have provided that information for you here.

Below is the embedded report from News Channel 5.






WAYS TO TEST FOR RADON: The two most popular methods for radon testing are Continuous Radon Monitor's (CRM's) and charcoal test kits. If you are testing the home you currently live in, you can  save money by using a Do-It-Yourself charcoal test kit, available at many local hardware and home improvement stores. They are easy to use and very accurate when the instructions are followed.

If you are buying a home or building a new home, insist on using a CRM for your testing. 2Patriots Property Inspection can provide this testing at the time of your home inspection. Our test equipment provides the fastest and most accurate results available, approved by The USEPA with results in as little as 48 hours. Our Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM's) are the preferred method as they can detect tampering and provide an immediate reading of radon levels, (versus a charcoal kit - which recommends 7 days at the home and then must be mailed off for results.)  Be sure to allow enough time for a radon test as part of your "Offer To Buy" so that it may be performed as part of the home inspection process. The EPA recommends that every home in America be tested for radon, but one of the best times to find out if a home has a problem is before you buy it! Call us for scheduling information and price.

Certain conditions have been established by the EPA that must be followed for charcoal and CRM's including:
Closed house conditions -

• The house must have all windows and doors kept closed (except for normal entry and exit) during the entire testing period, and for at least 12 hours prior to starting the test. 
• The thermostat for the furnace or A/C should be set to a normal temperature. Everything remains the same except that occupants are not allowed to leave any doors or windows open. 
• The testing device is to be placed on the lowest livable area of the home (typically the basement unless uninhabitable) away from drafts or vents. It should be approximately 20 to 36 inches above the floor and away from outside walls, windows or doors.

CRM's are left in place for at least 48 hours and provide immediate results upon retrieval. Charcoal test kits are typically just as accurate, if not tampered with, but are exposed from 3 to 7 days (dependent upon manufacturer) and then sent to the laboratory for results. Results may take  a week or two. Both methods are excellent as long as the testing conditions are followed.


We hope that this answers many of your questions about radon. Feel free to contact us with additional questions or to set up a time to place a CRM for testing.  615.790.6233.