Take Action During National Radon Action Month

January serves as National Radon Action Month and a reminder to let your clients know the importance of testing for radon, an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter from the ground through foundation cracks in their homes. 

Pennsylvania homes are prone to radon problems, with approximately 40% of homes in the state measuring radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline of four picocuries per liter (pCi/L), according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, PAR Form SPD, the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, asks sellers to reveal knowledge of the existence of any radon tests that occurred on the property, even if the test results were within acceptable limits, for residential real estate transfers. 

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of exposure and the concentration of radon.  

Fortunately, radon-related deaths are preventable by testing homes and buildings for radon. 

“Radon testing is relatively easy and inexpensive,” says DEP Radon Division Program Manager Bob Lewis in a DEP video where he shows viewers a typical radon test kit and how it works. 

“Wintertime is an ideal time to do the testing because under normal conditions, the house is closed up at that time of the year,” Lewis adds. “The device placement basically is in the basement to get the most conservative results – that’s where the radon tends to be the highest.” 

He suggests placing a radon test, which can be purchased from most hardware stores or home centers, on a workbench, table or other surface away from drafts, where it’ll be undisturbed. The test should remain in place for about two to seven days, depending on the manufacturer’s directions.  

“At the end of that time period, you simply retrieve your test kit, you put the lid on it, you fill out the appropriate paperwork and get it in the mail ASAP,” Lewis concludes. “Two to three or so weeks later, you’ll have your test results. If you have questions about your test results, give us a call in downtown Harrisburg at 800-237-2366.” 

Homes or buildings that test higher than 4 pCi/L should be tested again to confirm the results. If the results are still high, a radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce radon exposure over time. 

For more information on radon, testing procedures and mitigation contractors, visit the DEP’s website or contact the Radon Division by calling 800-237-2366 or emailing ra-epbrpenvprt@pa.gov.