Radon Inspections

CURRENT REPORT TIMEFRAME: Reports are on schedule and being delivered between the second and third business day after deployment.

Top To Bottom Services provides radon testing in Maryland in the form of short-term, e-perm electret tests. This type of test is best for real estate transactions because it is not required to sit at the property for extended periods of time; in-fact, it only requires a minimum of 48-hours on-site to produce results. We are extremely proud to have a National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) certified radon laboratory with a certified Radon Measurement Specialist on staff.

What is radon, and do I NEED to test for it?

First, if you are looking to test for radon in Maryland as part of your home buying transaction, you should consult with your agent to ensure it is allowed per your contract.

Radon is an odorless, heavy, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the rock and soil beneath us. Because uranium is deposited throughout the Earth’s crust, radon is all around us, all the time.

Radon levels are measured in pCi/L—which is “Picocurie Per Liter.” A curie is a unit of measurement for radioactivity that is equivalent to 1 gram of radium.

The average outdoor radon concentration is 0.4 pCi/L. The national average indoor radon concentration is about 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA recommends remediation when the level reaches 4 pCi/L or more. Radon seeps into our homes through cracks and crevices in foundation walls, through soil in crawl spaces, and through cracks or openings in concrete floor slabs. The concentration of radon can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year and depends on the weather conditions and various conditions in the home.

Prolonged exposure to radon gas is known to cause lung cancer. In fact, it is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Roughly 22,000 U.S. deaths per year are attributed to radon exposure. So, it is important to test for radon to remediate the problem if necessary and protect your family.

Is radon testing in Montgomery County, MD required by law?

The answer is yes, but only for residential real estate transactions that do not involve multi-unit buildings such as condominiums. There are also four areas exempt from the Montgomery County radon law. Those areas— as of January 2021—are:

Kensington
Rockville City
Poolesville
Barnesville

There are other scenarios that shift responsibility and/or create other exemptions; be sure to speak to your Realtor® for all the information on what may or may not be applicable to your situation and permitted and/or negotiable per your real estate transaction contract. Remember, it is still recommended that homes be tested in exempt areas. Radon does not discriminate!

I heard if the home does not have a basement, I do not need to test?

This is an incorrect statement. As we discussed above, “Radon seeps into our homes through cracks and crevices in foundation walls, through soil in crawl spaces, and through cracks or openings in concrete floor slabs. Testing is recommended on the “lowest livable space” of a home. Yes, this is most commonly a basement, but even homes built on slabs can have radon—we have even found radon as high-up as third floor condominiums.

When do I need to test for radon?

The EPA recommends testing during every real estate transaction, after remediation, every 1-3 years, and any time conditions in the home change (i.e. new windows are installed, renovations are performed that affect air flow, a crawlspace is closed or opened, a new HVAC system is installed, a basement drainage system is installed, etc.)

Does this have to be requested during the scheduling process, or can it be added at the inspection?

Our inspectors carry the necessary testing equipment with them to every home inspection, so you can always add the service later. Your inspector can discuss your testing options, his/her recommendations, and the associated costs. You and your family’s health and safety are our primary concern.

 

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