Our Review of
EPA's Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
What is the best test for real estate transactions?

For real estate transactions, both buyer and seller need Radon test results quickly. Our cute Radon robots agree! Our robots bring a little color and cheer to this guide, helping balance the seriousness of radon in our homes.

Three Options for Testing

When the EPA presents their recommendations for how to decide Short-Term Radon Test vs. Long-Term Radon Test, here's their important advice.

If you are testing in a real estate transaction and you need results quickly, the EPA states that there are three options for short-term tests to determine whether the home should be fixed.

1. Take two short-term tests at the same time in the same location in the home, with the tests lasting for at least 48 hours.
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 test.
3. Test the home with a continuous monitor for at least 48 hours

After testing, what does the EPA recommend if the average of the two tests is 4 pCi/L or more? Of course, it's to fix the home.

Check State and Local Legal Requirements

That's it in a nutshell, but beyond the details in the guide, which are based on physics of Radon and how testing devices work, the EPA mentions that it's also advisable to check State and local requirements related to your real estate transaction. Also, many buyers and sellers will put in writing their agreement regarding testing options, so that the Radon testing requirements are clearly spelled out.

Want a Hardcopy of the EPA Radon Guide?

You can go to the source and get your own hardcopy of this Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon.

This series is provided to inform about Radon at Lake Tahoe and beyond. On each page, you can view more by clicking on one of the navigation links below.

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