New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte and Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Michael Nolin caution consumers that radon testing is a specialized service, and must be done correctly in order to render valid results. Radon testing is a common service included as part of the home inspection process associated with a real estate transaction. Persons who perform radon testing are not required to be certified or licensed in the State of New Hampshire, but testing methods must follow strict guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency in order for the results to be valid.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that exposure to radon in residential environments is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, more than 13% of the annual total. Because of New Hampshire’s geology, the risk to New Hampshire consumers may be higher than the national average.

In order for the result of a radon test to be evaluated against the EPA advisory value of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), it is essential that the test be conducted in accordance with the advisory protocols established by EPA. Failure to conduct the test in a manner consistent with the advisory protocol will yield a result that cannot reasonably be evaluated against EPA’s 4.0 pCi/L Action Guideline.

A variety of factors are considered in determining where a residential radon test should be performed, and when the test should be conducted. For a short-term test lasting less than four days: All windows should be closed for at least 12 hours prior to testing and kept closed during the entire testing period; doors should only be opened for normal entry and egress; fans or other machines which bring in air from outside should be turned off.

Severe storms also affect the test results, and a short-term test should not be conducted during unusually severe storms or periods of unusually high winds. The test should be conducted in the lowest lived-in level of the home, for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor. The test device should be placed in a room that is used regularly, such as a living room, playroom, den or bedroom, but not the kitchen or bathroom. The height of the test device is also important, and should be located at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it won't be disturbed - away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls.

Failure to properly conduct a radon test can result in expenditures in excess of a thousand dollars for radon abatement, or cause a homeowner to believe no abatement is necessary when in fact abatement should be performed.

Attorney General Ayotte stated “We hope to arm consumers with knowledge. When buying or selling a house, radon tests are commonly requested. Ask questions of the person hired to do the testing, and require that the test be performed in accordance with EPA protocols.” Commissioner Nolin added “Radon poses a serious threat to the health of New Hampshire residents. Homes affected by radon can be effectively treated, and a properly conducted radon test is essential to determining what steps, if any, are required to treat household radon.”

EPA guidance on radon testing for real estate transactions is contained in that agency’s publication, Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon. This document is available on EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs. The Department of Environmental Services’ publication Radon, In Search of Answers is available at http://www.des.state.nh.us/EOH/Radon/RadonQ&A.doc

Questions pertaining to radon-related services may be directed to the New Hampshire’s radon program office at the Department of Environmental Services, (603) 271-4764.