DIYbanter - View Single Post - If a basement is sealed can it still test + for radon?

wrote:
Charlie Morgan wrote:
On 27 Jun 2006 05:02:51 -0700, "
wrote:

Who said anything about basements?

Nick

all radon tests are done in basements

Only because that is the point of entry. If you have radon in the
basement, you want to remove it at that point so that it does not waft
it's way up through the rest of the structure.

CWM

older homes leak so much air, and radon is heavier than air...

its probably not a issue unless you live in the basement.

Yeah, typically the upstairs has basically zero radon, which is why
they always test in the basement, and you have to keep it sealed up for
the time of the test, to get the worst case measurement. The original
poster said he was just barely positive, so you can assume the upstairs
is probably not a problem. Does the law require you to do something
about the radon in all cases, or is it just a limitation for selling
the house? Just to make sure you don't stick the next guy, who keeps
his kids chained up in the basement, with a Hidden Killer?

anyone concerned can do a radon test upstairs. usually the normal
opening and closing of doors windows furnace venting etc dissapate
radon.

when testing they demand the home be sealed for the week of the
test....

life is full of risks, test the upstairs, I had a friend do that in a
home with a number of over 8 in basement, upstairs the number was near
background.

she still plans on getting a radon control system someday befor she
sells, but her basement is storage only so she isnt concerned