Homeowners/Buyers - FAQs

A. Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, inert radioactive gas that is the only gaseous element of the long, uranium-238 radioactive decay chain. Uranium is a common component of soil around the world.

A. The only way to learn of the presence of radon is to use an instrument or device that is designed to measure or detect it. (See the DNS Guide to Home Environment Radon Measurements; or if you are in a real estate transaction, see the DNS Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions.)

A. The Department recommends that residents test like the professionals do. Place two detectors in each lowest structural area suitable for occupancy. For instance, if your house includes a basement, an area over a slab, and an area over a crawlspace, TEST in at least one room in each area. The HIGHEST radon level in your home may not be in your basement.

A. Radon detectors are available at area hardware and home improvement stores. If you can't find them there, check the List of Laboratories on our web site.

A. Probably not. There are no early symptoms associated with usual radon exposure. However, your illness may be an indication that your residence, office, etc. has other indoor air quality problems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified at least 27 additional indoor air pollution sources. Visit the USEPA web site for additional information, www.epa.gov/iaq/ or e-mail them at iaqinfo@aol.com​.

A. States take varying approaches to protecting their citizens against the adverse health effects of radon exposure. A few states have passed laws that require testing in schools, day cares, or the installation of passive radon reduction systems, at least, in areas where there is high potential for elevated radon levels. In 1997, the Illinois General Assembly, in order to safeguard the health, property, and public welfare of its citizens, declared that persons engaged in the business of detecting and reducing the presence of radon and radon progeny in the indoor atmosphere must be licensed. Also, the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Law requires that knowledge of elevated radon levels be disclosed to potential buyers, along with many other items of consumer interest. As with many other issues, individuals, in their own interest, must learn about radon risks and take action to reduce or manage them.

A. Only if that person is the resident. If the person provides measurement or mitigation services, the answer is "No." 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422 prohibits licensed measurement and mitigation at the same address by the same practitioner.

A. There are several means for reducing indoor radon levels, but the most often used and practical method is known as sub-slab depressurization. (See the DNS Guide to Radon Mitigation.) The Department recommends hiring a professional mitigator from the List of Licensed Mitigation Professional, on the DNS/Radon Information website.

A. First, unless the seller has committed, in an executed contract, to paying for the installation of the radon mitigation system, there is nothing to require it. Your real estate agent probably knows several mitigation contractors in your area and may offer to arrange the mitigation with a favorite contractor. However, rushing to complete the mitigation prior to closing should be avoided.

Second, seller and buyer can negotiate the installation costs. For instance, the buyer may want extras, such as a decorative chase that blends with the exterior of the home. Or, in very cold areas, the buyer may want an insulated chase to ensure that the system doesn't freeze up in extremely cold weather. The costs may be equitably shared - with the seller paying the basics and the buyer paying for the extras. The Department suggests escrowing money for the mitigation and taking an active part in the choice of a mitigation contractor. Proposals should be received from several mitigation contractors; referrals checked, and the contract/ warranty fully understood prior to beginning the installation.

A. Generally speaking, no. Such tests are very expensive and do not correlate well with radon measurements performed after the house is completed and functioning. What you can do, is tell your architect (or builder) that you want a passive radon reduction system designed into your house plan. It's better to include the system in the original design, but a system can be retrofitted into an existing house plan just as one can be retrofitted into an existing structure. Installation during construction will save you $400 - $900 on activation, should your post move-in radon test be at or above the Action Level, 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Although your builder may install a passive radon reduction system without being licensed, activation of that system must be performed by a licensed mitigation professional. (See the DNS brochure Passive Radon Reduction Systems in new residential construction for a summary of construction requirements.)

A. It's not illegal for a mitigator to bid the job over the phone and some of the questions asked are diagnostic in nature. Over time, mitigation contractors have become familiar with soil types and construction in their areas; these bids are reasonable and the systems installed are effective. If you are calling an out-of-area mitigator, ask for references in your area and check them out.

A. Beware of work that proceeds in phases. While this seems potentially less expensive and a conservative approach, it often turns out to be very much more expensive.

A. By the definition in the Adopted Rule, 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422, Licensing of Radon Detection and Mitigation Services, "mitigation" means "the act of repairing or altering a building or building design for the purpose in whole or in part of reducing the concentration of radon in the indoor atmosphere.

A. Sealing is any or all of the following activities: caulking the foundation wall joint, cracks and openings between the house and soil, covering and caulking the sump pit, and covering the crawlspace with membrane and adhering it to the walls and pillars therein.

A. Be sure that you understand the extent to which the warranty applies in your case before you sign the contract. A few mitigation contractors attach exemptions and/or limitations to their warranty that may render it ineffective. Know what you're purchasing BEFORE you sign the contract and don't authorize the work until a contract is signed.

A. This situation reads very much like mitigating and testing at the same address. Such activity is illegal in Illinois. If the monitors were being used for diagnostic testing, costs should be calculated into the installation price because the only purpose for diagnostic testing is to assist in system design and installation. Mitigation contractors may perform post-installation tests prior to releasing their work for post-mitigation testing. However, post-installation tests are not conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and are for the mitigation contractor's use only.

A. No, residents are exempted from the rule. Therefore, a resident is not subject to the regulations that pertain to licensed practitioners. Variances are required when onsite conditions preclude the licensee from being able to comply with the regulations. Variances are also required when innovative methods that equal or exceed, but do not meet the rule are used; and when approved research is being conducted.

A. The mitigation contractor's warranty guarantees that the system will reduce radon levels to less than 4.0 pCi/L, when tested in accordance with the Measurement Protocol, 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422.130. Diagnostic testing, conducted by the mitigator may suggest that the radon level has been successfully lowered, but the only way to know that the system achieves the sought reduction is to perform a post-mitigation test in accordance with regulations. Relying on diagnostic testing that is neither standardized nor in accordance with regulatory requirements undermines the mitigation process. Further, it fails to document system performance and to activate your warranty in the event of system failure.

A. The Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act, effective January 1, 2000, requires that prior to initiating home repair or remodeling work for over $1,000, a person engaged in the business of home repair and remodeling shall furnish to the customer for signature a written contract or work order that states the total cost, including parts and materials listed with reasonable particularity and any charge for an estimate.

Some contracts are for partial work only, be sure that you know the total cost of the work proposed before signing a contract or authorizing the work to begin. Whether the contract is for less than $1,000, or more, the contractor must provide to you a copy of "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights."