2015-03-03 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

How are radon tests conducted in real estate transactions? Radon Te tinct Because of the unique nature of real estate transactions,involving multiple parties and financial interests,there are special protocols fur radon testing. House conditions when testing Be aware that any test lasting less than three months .'. •,�� -- requires closed-house conditions. �a�1 =• i Closed-house Conditions:Mean keeping all windows and doors closed,except for normal entry and exit Before Testing:Begin closed-house conditions at least 12 hours before the start of the radon test Simultaneous i ' During Testing:Maintain closed-house conditions • during the entire duration of the short term test. Operate home heating or coaling systems Fastest Second fastest Slowest normally during the test. Test is completed by ( Two short-term test 1 One short-term test is Where the test should he conducted Any radon test conducted for a real estate transaction a certified contractor i kits are used at the performed for a needs to be placed in the lowest livable area of the with a calibrated same time,placed 6-12 minimum of 48 lin ins home suitable for occupancy.In Minnesota,this is CRM for a minimum inches apart,for a mini- ! Test kit is sent to typically m the basement,whether it is finished nr of 48 hours. mum of 48 hours lab for analysis unfinished. Test report is Test kits are Another short-term p sent to the lab kit is used in the same The test kit should be placed: analyzed to . two to six feet above the floor ensure that it is for analysis place as the first, . at least three feet from exterior walls started right after the . four inches awayfrom other objects a valid test ; The two test first test is i • in a location where it won't be disturbed results are averaged taken down Test . not in enclosed areas to get the radon level. 1 is performed for a . not in areas of high heat or humidity minimum of 48 hours. Test kit is sent to If the house has multiple foundation types,it is the lab for analysis recommended that each of these be tested For instance,if the house has one or more of the following The two test foundation types—basement,crawl space,slab-on- results are averaged to grade--a test should be performed in the basement get the radon level and in at least one room over the crawlspace and one room with a slab-on-grade area, Who should conduct radon testing in real estate transactions? All radon tests should be conducted rn accordance with national radon measurement protocols,by a certified and M01- listed professional. This ensures the test was conducted properly,in the correct location,and under appropriate building conditions. A list of these radon measurement professionals can be found at MDH's Radon web site.A seller may have previously conducted testing in a property.If the test result is at or above the action level,the home should be mitigated. Radon Mitigation far.•.. . `' Lowering radon in existing homes—Radon Mitigation When elevated levels of radon are found,they should be mitigated.Elevated radon concentrations can be easily reduced by a nationally certified and MOH-listed radon mitigation �) ms professional.A list of these radon mitigation professionals can be found at MOH's Radon web site. uc�-ior: Radon mitigation is the process or system used to reduce radon concentrations in the s•»p s at or breathing zones of occupied buildings.The goal of a radon mitigation system is to reduce >•r>�s per.nar. t the indoor radon levels to below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCVL.A quality radon reduction tenr tF*tali }} ` t (mitigation)system is often able to reduce the armual average radon level to below 2.0 pCi/L 1 R' Active sub-slab suction(also called sub-slab depressurization,or SSDI is the most common "�^f�' _r_ `✓ j and usually the most reliable type of system because it draws radon-filled air from beneath the house and vents it outside.There are standards of practice that need to be followed for the installation of these systems.More information on radon mitigation can be found at the MDH ., Radon website ;•sratant " �; `•— ._- 1 I After a radon reduction system is installed 6£" " Perform an independent short-term test to ensure that the reduction system is effective Make r ar.'cracks' sure the radon system is operating during the entire test.Once a confirmatory radon test shows low levels of radon in the home,be sure to retest the house every two years to confirm continued radon reduction Contact the MDR Radon Program if you are uncertain about anything MON Radon Program regarding radon testing or mitigation. 625 Robert St N P.O.Box 64975 The MDH Radon Program can provide: St.Paul,MN 55164-0975 • Information about radon health effects,radon testing and radon mitigation; (651)201-4601 a • Names of trained,certified and MDH-listed radon professionals; 1(B00)798-9050 :7 °'` Email:health.indocrair@state.mn.us Web:www.heal__th.ssttatte,mn.us/radon �ID�a�102013 Irsf 141-3722