Radon Testing 101
Why should I test my home for radon?
Radon is widely believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. Therefore, the EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing for radon in all homes below the third floor.
Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. Any home can have a radon problem. On average, one out of every fifteen U.S. homes have a problem. The only way to know whether or not your home has a radon problem is to test for it.
Who can test a building for Radon?
Anyone can use a "do-it-yourself" test kit to check their own building. The one-use kits are simple to use and are relatively inexpensive.
National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University encourages testing by offering online test kits and through the National Radon Hotline at (800) 767-7236.
Radon test kits sometimes are available in hardware stores, other retail outlets, local health departments and county extension offices. They are also available through the Internet.
EPA recommends that you hire a qualified professional to test for radon when you are buying or selling a home. Some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol. If you hire a contractor to test your residence, protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.
You can determine a service provider's qualifications to perform radon measurements or to mitigate your home in several ways. Check with your state radon office. Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered. Most states can provide you with a list of knowledgeable radon service providers doing business in the state. In states that don't regulate radon services, ask the contractor if they hold a professional proficiency or certification credential.
Here are the two privately-run national radon programs who are offering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation.
AARST - National Radon Proficiency Program
Website: http://aarst-nrpp.com/wp/
E-Mail: info@nrpp.info or info@aarst.org
Call: (828) 348-0185
The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)
Website: www.nrsb.org
Call: (914) 345-1168
Fax: (914) 345-1169
E-mail: info@NRSB.org
