Radon Testing FAQ — NY Radon Testing

Question 1

What is radon?

Accepted Answer

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It's colorless, odorless, and tasteless — completely undetectable without a test. It seeps up through the ground and can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings.

Question 2

Why is radon dangerous?

Accepted Answer

When you breathe radon, radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs. Over time, these particles release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths per year — and the #1 cause among non-smokers.

Question 3

What is a safe radon level?

Accepted Answer

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). The average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. There is no completely "safe" level of radon, but the EPA considers levels below 2 pCi/L to be low risk. If your level is between 2–4 pCi/L, mitigation is still worth considering.

Question 4

Can any home have radon?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Radon can be found in any home — new or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement. It varies by location, soil type, and construction. The only way to know your home's radon level is to test it. About 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels.

Question 5

Does radon come from building materials?

Accepted Answer

Radon primarily enters buildings through the soil beneath them — through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Some building materials like granite countertops can emit small amounts of radon, but soil is by far the dominant source in most homes.

Question 6

How does radon testing work?

Accepted Answer

We place EPA-approved radon test devices in the lowest livable area of your property — typically the basement or first floor. The devices collect air samples over the test period. After retrieval, they're sent to a certified lab for analysis. You receive a written report with your results and our recommendations.

Question 7

What's the difference between short-term and long-term testing?

Accepted Answer

Short-term tests run for 48–96 hours and give you fast results — ideal for real estate transactions or when you need a quick answer. Long-term tests run for 90 days or more and provide the most accurate picture of your home's average radon level over time, since radon fluctuates with seasons and weather. We offer both options depending on your needs.

Question 8

What is multiple simultaneous testing?

Accepted Answer

For properties with multiple floors, rooms, or units, we deploy multiple test devices in a single visit. This is standard for schools, commercial buildings, and multi-family properties. It gives you comprehensive coverage across your entire property without multiple scheduling appointments.

Question 9

Do I need to do anything to prepare for a test?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for accurate results, we ask that you keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible for 12 hours before and during the test (normal entry and exit is fine). We'll give you specific instructions when we schedule your appointment.

Question 10

How long does it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

For short-term tests, devices are retrieved after 48–96 hours and your written report is ready within 48 hours of retrieval. For real estate transactions with tight timelines, call us — we can often expedite the process.

Question 11

Can I use a DIY test kit instead?

Accepted Answer

DIY kits are available at hardware stores, but they have limitations. For real estate transactions, lenders and attorneys typically require a test performed by a certified professional. For any situation where accuracy and documentation matter, a certified test is the right choice. We're also able to answer your questions and guide you through the results in a way a kit can't.

Question 12

Is radon testing required in New York State?

Accepted Answer

NYS requires radon testing in all public schools. For real estate transactions, testing is not legally mandated statewide, but it is strongly recommended and often required by lenders or buyers as a condition of sale. Many real estate contracts in NYS include a radon contingency.

Question 13

What are the NYS school radon testing requirements?

Accepted Answer

Under NYS Education Law, all public schools are required to test for radon and report results to the NYS Department of Health. Testing must be performed by a NYS certified radon measurement professional. We specialize in school testing and provide all documentation required for DOH submission.

Question 14

What certifications are required to test for radon in NYS?

Accepted Answer

New York State requires radon testers to be certified by the NYS Department of Health as a Radon Measurement Professional. We hold this certification, along with AARST/NRPP national certification. Always verify your tester's credentials before scheduling — uncertified testing may not be accepted for real estate or regulatory purposes.

Question 15

Are there NYS regulations on radon mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Radon mitigation contractors in NYS must also be certified. If your test results show elevated levels, we can refer you to certified mitigation contractors in your area. We do not perform mitigation ourselves, but we can perform follow-up testing after mitigation to confirm the system is working.

Question 16

My radon level came back elevated — what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic. Elevated radon is common and very fixable. The most effective solution is a radon mitigation system — typically a sub-slab depressurization system installed by a certified contractor. These systems are highly effective and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. We'll walk you through your options and refer you to certified mitigation professionals.

Question 17

What if my level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L?

Accepted Answer

The EPA recommends considering mitigation for levels between 2–4 pCi/L, especially if you spend a lot of time in lower levels of your home. While not an emergency, it's worth addressing. We'll discuss your specific situation and help you decide on the right course of action.

Question 18

How often should I test for radon?

Accepted Answer

The EPA recommends testing every two years and after any major renovation, addition, or change to your home's HVAC system. If you have a mitigation system installed, you should test every two years to confirm it's still working effectively.

Question 19

Will my report be accepted for a real estate closing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our reports are issued by a NYS certified radon measurement professional and meet all requirements for real estate transactions in New York State. They are accepted by lenders, real estate attorneys, and buyers across NYS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Radon Basics

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