Radon Testing FAQ

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced as uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and groundwater. It can enter homes through cracks, gaps, and other openings that contact the ground.

Can you see or smell radon?

No. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It cannot be reliably detected through sight, smell, or taste. Proper testing is needed to determine the radon level inside a home.

How does radon get into a home?

Radon can enter through cracks, gaps, and other openings in areas of a home that contact the ground. Once inside, it can become trapped and build up to elevated levels over time.

Is radon a concern in New Jersey?

Yes. Elevated radon levels have been found in homes in every New Jersey county. The NJDEP recommends testing all homes, including homes in areas classified as having low or moderate radon potential.

Does every New Jersey home need a radon test?

The NJDEP recommends testing all homes, including homes in areas classified as having low or moderate radon potential. A home’s location alone cannot establish whether elevated radon is present.

Can a new home have elevated radon?

Yes. Elevated radon can occur in both new and older homes. The age, appearance, or condition of a home cannot reliably determine whether elevated radon is present.

Can homes without basements have radon?

Yes. Elevated radon can occur in homes with basements, crawlspaces, or slab-on-grade construction. Foundation type alone does not determine whether elevated radon is present.

Can neighboring homes have different radon levels?

Yes. Neighboring properties can have significantly different radon levels. Testing the individual home provides information about that specific property.

Why is radon testing important?

Because radon cannot be detected through normal sight, smell, or taste, testing provides the information needed to determine the radon concentration inside a home.

How should a home be prepared for radon testing?

For a typical short-term test, homeowners should generally keep exterior windows and doors closed for at least 12 hours before testing and throughout the testing period. Heating and cooling should operate normally.

Homeowners should also avoid whole-house or window fans that bring substantial amounts of outdoor air into the home and should avoid disturbing the testing equipment.

Specific instructions can vary based on the property, equipment, weather, and testing protocol.

Can I leave the house during a radon test?

Normal entry and exit are permitted during testing, provided exterior doors are closed promptly. Homeowners should follow any additional instructions provided by the testing professional.

What should I do with the radon testing equipment?

The testing equipment should remain in its designated location throughout the testing period. It should not be moved or disturbed.

How are radon levels measured?

Radon concentrations are measured in picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L.

What radon level is considered elevated?

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when testing identifies levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Because there is no known completely risk-free level of radon exposure, the EPA also recommends considering mitigation when levels are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

What happens if a radon test shows elevated levels?

If elevated concentrations are identified, a qualified radon mitigation professional can evaluate the property and recommend appropriate measures to reduce radon levels.

Does radon cause health problems?

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The risk is substantially greater for people who smoke.

Does a high radon level mean everyone in the home will develop lung cancer?

No conclusion about an individual’s health can be made from a radon test alone. The risk associated with exposure depends on several factors, particularly the radon concentration, duration of exposure, and whether an individual smokes or has smoked.

Can a homeowner determine the radon level without testing?

No. Radon cannot be reliably detected through sight, smell, or taste. Proper testing is necessary to determine the radon concentration inside a home.

Does the condition of a home indicate whether it has radon?

No. A home’s appearance, age, or condition cannot reliably determine whether elevated radon is present. Testing provides the information needed to determine the home’s radon level.

Does 5D Home Inspections perform radon testing?

Yes. 5D Home Inspections provides professional radon testing designed to measure radon levels with minimal disruption to the home and provide homeowners with information about their indoor environment.