Preparing For a Radon Measurement

When preparing for a radon measurement it is very important to maintain closed building conditions for a period of twelve (12) hours prior and during the test. Whether the house is open or closed for short or extended periods of time prior to the 12 hour requirement has little or no impact on the measurement. Closed building conditions are considered as follows.

  • Normal entry and exit of the home is permitted as long as the door is closed behind the person and not allowed to remain open for extended periods of time.
  • Sliding glass doors should be used only when absolutely necessary.
  • All windows should remain closed during the measurement.
  • Heating and cooling systems should be operated in the normal fashion with the fan set to “auto” and the temperature maintained between 68 and 74 degrees.
  • Ceiling fans should not be operated in the room where the testing monitor is placed.
  • Whole house attic fans should not be operated during the test.
  • Portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers should not be operated during the testing.
  • Fireplaces should not be operated during the test and the chimney damper should be closed.
  • Operation of clothes dryer are permitted as needed.
  • Newly constructed homes should be in “ready to move in condition” when the test is performed.

The requirements listed above are designed to protect both the seller and the buyer as some of the requirements can lower the radon concentration and others can raise it.

Most of the more expensive continuous radon monitors, such as the Accustar RS800, have sensors built in to detect changes in room temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, movement and tampering.

The EPA and the Illinois Division of Nuclear Safety protocols allow for short term testing for real estate transactions with a minimum of 48 hours of placement of a continuous radon monitor, with the first four (4) hours of data to be discarded as an equalization period.

Contrary to some assumptions, all homes and buildings are susceptible to elevated levels of radon. Some assume that a newly constructed home or a home with a walkout basement or crawl space will not have elevated levels of radon. Elevated radon levels have been detected in these types of homes in our area. We all know the liability potential of making assumptions, especially when it is health and safety related.

Radon gas is present in all homes. The real question is “What is the level of the radon concentration?” Mitigation is recommended when the radon gas concentration is recorded at 4.0 picoCuries/Liter or higher.  Mitigation of a home with elevated levels of radon is beneficial to the home’s occupants and is relatively inexpensive. A mitigation specialist licensed by the State of Illinois should be contracted to install the mitigation system.

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Hopefully the information provided here will help you understand what the requirements are for a radon measurement.
​If you should have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at (618) 641-9106.