A short-term test is the quickest way to screen your home for a potential radon problem. Only the owner or occupier of the building may test for a mitigate radon without certification. For example, real estate agents, home inspectors or home buyers cannot perform radon testing unless certified to do so by the state. Home builders are exempt from certification when using measures to prevent radon contamination in newly constructed buildings. Although DEP utilizes some EPA Radon Measurement Proficiency Programs, EPA listing by itself does not constitute Pennsylvania certification.
Technical personnel are also available to answer any radon questions.
In most cases, the use of a system with pipes and a fan is used to reduce radon. DEP recommends testing the lowest livable area of the building and considers the basement to be the lowest livable area if it can be used as a living area without major structural change. This involves shifting the responsibility for the radon testing and correction from the current homeowner to the radon service agreement company. Some radon service agreements take care of the testing and mitigation prior to the home buyers taking possession of the home. Radon service agreements are not guarantees that radon is not present.