Radon Testing

radon testing in massachusetts

Radon levels can vary significantly between neighboring homes in Massachusetts, making a neighbor's test results an unreliable indicator of radon risk. Additionally, factors such as precipitation, barometric pressure, and seasonal changes can cause radon levels to fluctuate daily or monthly, which is why both short-term and long-term testing options are available.

Testing is the only way to determine if a home has elevated radon levels. Indoor radon concentrations often vary from day to day, with the highest levels typically occurring during the heating season. Weather conditions, furnace and fireplace use, as well as the opening and closing of windows and doors, all contribute to these fluctuations.

TESTING PROCEDURE

The EPA recommends conducting an initial radon test using a short-term measurement placed in the lowest livable level of your home. I carry a supply of these recommended short-term, charcoal-based radon test kits in my vehicle. A standard double-canister testing kit is available for $95.00 and provides a quick and efficient way to measure radon levels in any home.

These kits should remain in the home for a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 72 hours. If you choose to test for radon, I will personally show you how to properly seal the radon canisters after they have been placed in the basement for the required duration.

When it’s time to retrieve the radon kit, simply record the stop date and time on the blue document provided. Then, place the covers on each canister, re-seal them with the existing tape, and insert both canisters along with the paperwork into the into the prepaid Priority Mail envelope (which I will supply with the test kit) and drop it off at your local post office.

Your test results will be available online within two days of mailing at NEW ENGLAND RADON website.

radon testing

Short-term radon testing under closed-building conditions ensures that residents quickly determine if a home has dangerously high radon levels. During testing, all windows and exterior doors should remain closed in the designated area.

If radon test kits are placed in your prospective home, I will leave paperwork on-site instructing the sellers to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible while the test is in progress. It is also beneficial for your Realtor to notify the seller’s Realtor and request that windows and exterior doors be closed at least 12 hours before the test begins.

For the most accurate results, I recommend avoiding radon testing during severe storms or periods of unusually high winds, as these conditions can affect radon levels.

LOWERING RADON LEVELS IN YOUR HOME

There are several methods for reducing radon levels in a home. In some cases, sealing cracks in basement floors and walls can help minimize radon entry. In others, more effective solutions involve installing systems with pipes and fans to actively reduce radon levels.

One common approach is sub-slab depressurization, which removes radon gas from beneath the concrete slab before it enters the home. This method does not require major structural modifications. Similar systems can also be installed in homes with crawl spaces.

Depending on your home's design, radon mitigation contractors may recommend additional or alternative methods to ensure effective radon reduction.

SEE A TYPICAL RADON MITIGATION SYSTEM

IF YOU PRESENTLY HAVE A MITIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLED

I strongly recommend testing your home’s radon levels annually to ensure your mitigation system is functioning properly. I can drop off test kits at your residence any time of the year—just reach out, and I’ll gladly schedule a visit to place short-term test canisters in your home.

In the meantime, you should regularly check the pressure gauge on the radon piping in your basement. The U-shaped vial should display two different liquid levels—one high and one low. If the liquid levels are even, this indicates that the built-in fan is not operating. If this happens, I recommend contacting the installation company immediately. There should be a contact number located near the vial for easy reference.

TEST BEFORE YOU RENOVATE

If you plan to undertake major structural renovations in your new home, such as converting an unfinished basement into a living space, it is essential to test the area for radon before starting the project. If elevated radon levels are detected, radon-resistant techniques can be incorporated into the renovation at a relatively low cost.

Since major renovations can alter a home’s radon levels, it is crucial to test again after the work is completed to ensure safety.

For more information about radon, visit the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/radon

Massachusetts Radon Map

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Dave had an impressive website that seemed to be too thorough to be anything but genuine. The thing that seemed to sell me was that he says right on his website that you may pay a little more for his service, but that his quality is higher. So I decided to give him a try even though I had no reference from another person hoping for someone of top quality. I was not disappointed. He was at the home early as promised and had done an inspection of the exterior and was writing up notes so that when I arrived, he walked me through the exterior first. Even with his early arrival, we were still there for about 3 hours looking through every little corner and cubby. He would occasionally stop and fill out his inspection forms which were easy to follow and read; he gives you a full folder of his notes that are well organized.

Dave was open to all questions and concerns so every time I saw something that was potentially concerning to me, he would look, give his opinion and often shared other experiences with similar circumstances. He also had a good sense of humor which helped to lighten what can be a stressful experience (having someone pointing out problem items that you didn't see). I would highly recommend Massachusetts Home Inspections.

Michael