The
Real Estate Professional
Real estate professionals should confirm that they recommend
only Illinois licensed measurement people. Illinois law requires
testing be done only by an Illinois licensed measurement person
or by the occupant of the home.
Before the Day of the Test
Confirm that the measurement firm expects to follow the IEMA
Radon Program testing protocols. Find out when the
test results will be available. Be sure this fits within the
dates specified in any inspection clause that
is included in your purchase agreement.
Illinois Law requires the home to be kept under closed-house
conditions for at
least 12 hours before and during the test period. This includes
keeping all windows closed, and
keeping doors closed except for normal entry and exit. Air conditioning
systems that recycle interior air may be operated during closed-building
conditions. Whole house fans shall not be operated. Portable
window fans shall be removed from the window or sealed in place.
Window air conditioning units shall only be operated in a recirculating
mode. If the building contains an air handling system, the air
handling system shall not be set for continuous operation unless
the air handling equipment is specifically used for radon control
and is so labeled. FIreplaces or combustion appliances shall
not be operated unless they are the primary sources of heat
for the building. Ceiling fans, portable dehumidifiers, portable
humidifiers, portable air filters and window air conditioners
shall not be operated within twenty feet of the detector. Note
that excess ventilation can both raise
or lower radon levels.
Interpreting the Test Report
Confirm that the report states the date and time, type, and
results of the test, as well as other test
conditions.
If the radon levels are measured above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries
per liter of air), follow-up testing is
sometimes appropriate to confirm the measurement. If high levels
are confirmed, radon mitigation will
be needed to reduce the radon concentration to a safe level.
If a radon mitigation system is to be
installed, be sure to use a Illinois Licensed contractor that
has liability insurance that covers radon and gives a written
proposal with a guarantee and a firm price (not an estimate).
Setting Up the Test
Verify that the measurement will be performed in the lowest
portion of the home that could be lived
in. This will normally be in the basement. The measurement should
not be performed in a bath, utility room, or kitchen.
Be sure that the measurement is performed for at least 48 hours.
Note the type and number of monitors. If an active (electronic)
monitor is used, only one is usually used. For passive monitors
(canisters or chambers), two monitors should be placed 4 inches
apart in the same location.
Confirm that some sort of tamper controls are used. These can
include tape seals on the windows, seals on the monitors themselves,
electronic tilt or temperature sensors, or other methods. A
compliance agreement signed by the occupants will also confirm
that they understand and agree to abide by the testing protocols.
Be sure the occupants receive a copy of A Home Buyer's and Seller's
Guide to Radon. This booklet outlines the expected test conditions,
including 1) keeping the home under closed-house conditions,
2) maintaining normal operation of the home’s heating,
cooling or radon mitigation systems, and 3) not disturbing the
test device(s). If a compliance agreement is used, it will usually
outline these conditions as well.
Interpreting the Test Report
Confirm that the report states the date and time, type, and
results of the test, as well as other test
conditions.
If the radon levels are measured above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries
per liter of air), follow-up testing may be appropriate to confirm
the measurement. If high levels are confirmed, radon mitigation
will be needed to reduce the radon concentration to a safe level.
If a radon mitigation system is to be
installed, be sure to use an Illinois LIcensed contractor.
