Thread: Radon test questions

We recently had a radon test done in a home we are selling . The inspector left no information regarding the test - just do not disturb canister which was placed on the basement steps .
The same day we had the stone tiles and granite counters sealed . We are wondering if this could affect the radon reading as the basement door which is in the kitchen was open while the tiles were being sealed .

Also the canister readings were 5.8 & 2.3 ( average 4.1).
It is common to have such different readings when the canisters are inches apart?

We were told to do a repeat test before having mitigation system installed . Would this also be correct ?

Thanks in advance,
Melissa

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It is common to have variation between the cannisters.
But that is quite a bit.
What is cause for retest is that you had workmen entering and exiting the home in a manner that would not be considered normal exit and entry.
You want the test done under normal conditions.
Was the test set ON the stairs and if so which step?
were they eperm cannisters?
Do another test for sure
Don't be surprised if it is higher than that one under normal conditions.

Was the test set ON the stairs and if so which step?
There were 2 test canisters both in a box set right in the middle of the stairs . About half way up the staircase 5th or 6th step .

were they eperm cannisters?
I do not know .

But we are definately going to have them do a re-test .

I strongly recommend you have a retest according to Radon testing standards for closed house. The test should be in the lowest livable area of the house. Also I recommend you find someone who uses a Monitor type testing device, they are much more accurate and produce intermittent readings. The device difference you indicated was way too large. Good luck, many homes are mitigated because inspectors don't know what they are doing.

Originally Posted by Thomas McKay

Also I recommend you find someone who uses a Monitor type testing device, they are much more accurate and produce intermittent readings.

Yes, they do produce intermediate readings but that does not make them more accurate.

Originally Posted by Thomas McKay

I recommend you find someone who uses a Monitor type testing device, they are much more accurate and produce intermittent readings.

Originally Posted by Bruce Ramsey

Yes, they do produce intermediate readings but that does not make them more accurate.

E-PERMs are every bit as accurate as most CRMs but they only provide an average radon concentration rather than intermediate readings.

Originally Posted by Thomas McKay

Good luck, many homes are mitigated because inspectors don't know what they are doing.

I absolutely agree with that statement. Recently I have been called to retest several houses where the original radon tests were not conducted per EPA protocol. Some tests were conducted using the Safety Siren device (not an EPA-approved device). One inspector placed his canisters in the crawlspace. Another placed his canisters on a ledge along the outside wall (not egregious but not per EPA protocol) plus he taped plastic over the interior door of that room (not necessarily against EPA protocols but strange).

RETEST. One of the advantages of duplicate tests is that they function as a screening for precision. 5.8 and 2.5 pCi/L - - that's a relative percent difference of 85%' which is unacceptable. Is the house currently for sale, or did you hire someone to come in to do the test because you are thinking of selling the house? Are you in a hurry to have test results? If you are willing to wait at least 90 days, .... I would recommend a long term retest using alpha track detectors.

Originally Posted by melissa dufresne

We recently had a radon test done in a home we are selling . The inspector left no information regarding the test - just do not disturb canister which was placed on the basement steps .
The same day we had the stone tiles and granite counters sealed . We are wondering if this could affect the radon reading as the basement door which is in the kitchen was open while the tiles were being sealed .

Also the canister readings were 5.8 & 2.3 ( average 4.1).
It is common to have such different readings when the canisters are inches apart?

We were told to do a repeat test before having mitigation system installed . Would this also be correct ?

Thanks in advance,
Melissa

Just pay for a re-test. I would find a company that uses a CRM (radon testing machine) so that you will not have to wait for lab results. Make sure they have a NEHA certification, this tells you that they know how to test to the proper protocols. It does not guarantee you that they will do it, but that they once showed that they know how to do it!

Melissa, you are in Maryland, which as far as I know, is one one of those states that does not regulate who does radon tests. Take Scott's advice and find someone with credentials. Ask about their "Quality Assurance Plan" and "control charts". Whatever type of device is used for the test, it's not much good if the person does not know how to use it.

go to Ace Hardware and buy 2 test kits and test it yourself its alot cheaper. Just follow the instructions

Originally Posted by Dave Wheeler

go to Ace Hardware and buy 2 test kits and test it yourself its alot cheaper. Just follow the instructions

Sounds like that is what started this whole thing in the first place; a non professional person attempting to do the test. Hire a person with the proper credentials and get on with your life.

Dave, it is also cheaper to inspect your own home but I doubt you would promote that.

scott,
no comparison