Most of you have heard or seen information about a 48-hour radon test but as with most things that seem too easy, buyer beware.
The 48-hour test requires a closed environment, preferably in the fall/winter time frame. What does “closed-environment” mean? All windows and doors are kept closed (other than to briefly enter/exit), all fresh air intakes should be blocked, and no exhaust fans can be operated. If it’s a stormy day – restart the clock. If it’s a windy day – restart the clock. If a window is left open – restart the clock.
What do the experts say?
If you get a negative result – don’t rely on it, do a long-term test to make sure.
If you get a positive result – don’t rely on it, do a long-term test to make sure.
Depending on the air pressure within the home, radon can ebb & flow. You may test on a day where you got a fluky amount that if tested over the long-term is negligent. You may also test on a day where nothing was found and yet 4/12 months of the year, that home is above allowable levels.
No matter what the result, the recommendation is a long-term test and the only way to work with a 48-hour test is to disclaimer your way out of any responsibility. Which then begs the question: why do it?
I will be so excited if/when they develop a reliable test because then I can add it as an additional service offering, however, until that happens, protect yourself and your client - manage expectations and make sure they understand the unreliability of any testing data.
For more information:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/RadonGas/Pages/Testing-for-Radon.aspx
