New Jersey Radon Measurement Testing

Radon Gas – Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which has always been a part of our environment. It’s a natural decay product of uranium and is found in soil everywhere in varying concentrations in New Jersey. The gas then encroaches through any access point into a home. Common entry points are cracks in the foundation; poorly sealed pipes, drainage or sump pits and french drains. Also other causes stack effect negative pressure in the structure which may pull air under the slab.

Once in the home, the gas can collect in certain areas especially basements and other low-lying, closed areas and build up over time. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has set a threshold of 4.0 Pico curies per liter as the safe level. As humans are exposed to the gas over a period of years, it can have a significant and detrimental effects. The indoor radon levels in New Jersey are vary from low, moderate and high are in different parts of the state. See NJ radon map.

How widespread is the problem? Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. Certain areas are more susceptible than others (NJ Radon Map) but no location is immune. Concentrations of radon-causing materials in the soil can be either natural or man-made. Homes built near historic mining operations may be at higher risk. The only way to tell for sure is to have a home tested. Read this study

NJ Radon Testing is conducted in two forms: active and passive. Active devises constantly measure the levels of radon in a portion of the home and display those results such as a CRM Continuous Radon Monitor. Passive devices collect samples over a period of time and then are taken away and analyzed such as activated charcoal canisters. Either method can help you determine your level of risk. NJ Do-it-yourself kits are available through us normally with passive devices.

Over a period of days, the device is left in the lowest level of the home which is normally occupied. This eliminates crawl spaces under the house, but includes finished or unfinished basements. Then the results are analyzed by a NJ measurement specialist business. The other option is to engage a NJ licensed measurement technician to conduct the tests properly. The EPA web site provides information on finding an appropriate resources and testing devices

If high concentrations of radon are found in your home, you have several options. Since radon is only a problem when it is concentrated in high volume, improving the ventilation in an area is often sufficient to solve the problem. In other cases, it may be necessary to limit the amount of radon getting into the home by sealing or otherwise obstructing the access points. Once again, a professional should be engaged to ensure that the radon is effectively reduced. Typical NJ radon mitigation systems can cost between $800 and $2500 depending on several factors.

If you’re buying or selling a home in NJ, radon can be a significant issue. NJ Buyers should be aware of the radon risk in their area and determine whether a radon test is desirable. When in doubt, the NJ DEP always recommends testing. The cost of the test can be built into the house price.

If test results already exist, make sure they are recent or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the test was performed. If in doubt, get a new test done. If you’re selling a home, having a recent radon test is a great idea. By being proactive, you can assure potential buyers that there is no risk and avoid the issue from the start.

So whether you have an old home or a new one, live in an old mining town or in the middle of the Great Plains, radon is a reality. But it is a reality that we can live with. Proper testing and mitigation can eliminate radon as a health threat. For more information, visit the NJ DEP Radon Section web site at: http://www.njradon.org Lung Cancer Awareness Video.

Radon Testing for:

  • Residential Real Estate Transactions
  • ANSI/AARST Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Schools and Large Buildings.
  • ANSI/AARST Conducting Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Multifamily