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Now are radon tests conducted in real estate transactions? Because of the unique nature of real estate transactions,involving multiple parties E sdon T8S t1r%ry and financial interests,there are special protocols for radon testing, House conditions when testing Be aware that any test lasting less than three months requires closed-house conditions, 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 During Testing:Maintain closed-house conditions • j �f' ! during the entire duration of the short term test. _ Operate home hosting or cooling systems Fastest Second fastest i Slowest normally during the test. ----- — Test is completed by ! Two short-term test ; One short-term test 1s Where the test should be conducted a certified contractor i lots are used at die ! perfomled fore Any radon test conducted for a real estate transaction with a calibrated same time,placed 6-12 minimum of r hours needs to be placed in the lowest livable area of the home suitable for occupancy.In Minnesota,this is CRM for a minimum i inches apart,for amini- iTest kit is sent to typically in the basement,whether it is finished or of 48 hours, mum of 46 hours. ; lab for analysis. unfinished. Test report is Test kits are Another short-term The test kit should be placed analyzed to sent to the lab kit is used in the same . two to six feet above the floor ensure that it is for ana!ysis place as the first, at least three feet from exterior walls a valid test ; started right after the . four inches awe from other objects T two test first test is y results are averaged taken down Test in a location where it won't be disturbed to get the radon level. is performed for a not in enclosed areas I ! not in areas of high heat or humidity i minimum of 46 hours. Test kit is sent to If the house has multiple founclz bon types,it is recommended that each of these be tested For the lab for analysis. instance,if the house hes 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 oet 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 transections? All radon tests should be conducted in accordance with national radon measurement protocols,by a certified and MDH-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, J� Radon Mitigetion nor •. .; �' 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 professional.A list of these radon mitigation professionals can be found at MDH's Radon web �'uc't-tai Radon mitigation is the process or system used to reduce radon concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings The goal of a radon mitigation system is to reduce the indoor radon levels to below the EPA action level of 4,0 pCVL.A quality radon reduction be"rats`'b (mitigation)system is often able to reduce the annual average radon level to below 2.0 pCi/L °f• •---.= =J Active sub-slab suction[also called sub-slab depressurization,or SSD)is the most common ✓ 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. • ;sroht After a radon reduction system is installed til,era& Perform an independent short-term test to ensure that the reduction system is effective.Make � • sure the radon system is operating during the entire test.Once a confirmatory radon test...�f shows low levels of radon in the home,be sure to retest the house every two years to confirm s:a continued radon reduction. rocior. Contact the MDR Radon Program if You are uncertain about anything MBH Radon Program regarding radon testing or mitigation. 625 Robert St N PA.Box 64975 ' The MOH Radon Program can provide: St,Paul,MN 55164-0975 74 • Information about radon health effects,radon testing and radon mitigation; (6511201 4601 tr'. • Names of trained,certified and MDH-listed radon professionals; 1[800)798-9050 Email:health.indooralr@state.mn.us Web:www.health.state mn.us/radon 1=0 10/2013 ICM 141-3722