EIS Engineered Inspection Services

Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas that 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 through your well water. Your home can trap the radon inside.

According to the EPA, nearly 1 out of every 15 homes has an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Although you cannot see or smell radon, it may still be a problem in your home. When you breathe air that contains radon you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. This is especially true if you smoke. Testing is the only way to find out if you have high radon levels. There are ways to fix a radon problem even at high levels.

If you are selling your home, the EPA recommends that you test your home prior to putting it on the market. If you are buying a home, the EPA recommends testing and fixing the home (if not already done by the seller) prior to purchase.

Engineered Inspection Services can provide radon testing necessary for most real estate transactions. This typically requires a standard 48-hour test exposure. EIS utilizes a continuous radon monitor (CRM) for all radon measurements. The radon monitor collects and reports hourly radon levels as well as an average radon level at the end of the test period. Typically, the prospective homebuyer pays for the radon test. If mitigation is required, the cost is usually paid by the home seller unless other arrangements are agreed upon by the parties involved in the real estate transaction. Fees for radon testing are available on the Fee Schedule.

EIS is certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA ID #102601RT) to perform residential radon measurements. More information about NEHA can be found at their website www.NEHA.org or by phone 800-269-4174.

If you need additional information about radon, you should contact the Virginia State Radon Office at www.vdh.state.va.us/rad/index.htm or by phone at 800-468-0138. Additionally, you can contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) radon website at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/index.html. You can also request the EPA document “Home buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon”.