Radon Testing in HUD Properties
Radon gas is a deadly threat that resides in many livable structures that can go undetected for years. Radon forms from the decay of uranium in the soil, which is found throughout the country. Once formed, radon gas rises from the soil to dissipate into the air. In small amounts, radon gas is not very harmful to humans, however when it enters a structure such as a home it can start to build up to unsafe levels. Radon gas is known to cause lung cancer in both humans and household pets. According to the EPA, radon gas kills around 21,000 Americans a year, which is astronomically higher than the death rate of another silent household killer in carbon monoxide. All HUD properties should be tested for radon gas and mitigated if necessary. Unlike typical residential homes, all HUD properties must be tested for radon under the supervision of a radon professional certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Lifetime Environmental Solutions is certified for the testing and mitigation of HUD properties by AAST and the NRPP, and have over 22 years of experience doing so. If your HUD property is in need of radon testing, give us a call! Radon testing is a painless and affordable process that can save lives.
Radon Testing Process for HUD properties |
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Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) and Traditional Application Processing applications for funding require radon testing before approval is given. If the radon levels inside of the dwelling are found to be at or above 4.0pCi/L (the EPA action level for radon gas), a radon mitigation system will need to be installed before moving forward. To start the radon testing process in your HUD property, you must first contact a company such as Lifetime Environmental Solutions to provide guidance as to which units need testing and what type of testing will need to be performed. We will provide you with information on what type of radon measurement devices will be used, the type of report you will receive, which units will need to be tested to comply with AARST and NRPP standards, and the total timeline of the testing process starting with the implementation of the testing units and ending with the final report.
HUD requires that 25% of ground units be tested for radon gas, however AARST protocol calls for testing in 100% of the ground units in a building. In either case, radon testing is necessary, however you should strongly consider testing all of the units inside of a building to ensure accuracy. It’s better to err on the safe side of caution when it comes to radon gas in places of residence.
Once the amount of units that need testing is determined, the placement of the radon testing devices inside of each unit will be determined by following strict NRPP guidelines. Radon testing devices must be placed at least 3 ft from any doors or windows and kept at a minimum of 20 inches off of the ground. They should also be placed in areas where the device will not be disturbed by the occupants. We will determine the proper placement for all radon devices and will keep you informed as to where they are placed and how to ensure they get the best possible results.
After the radon testing monitors are placed inside of the units, closed building conditions must be observed throughout the duration of the test. Typical radon test units only take 48 hours to gather the necessary sample for analysis, so the units will only need to stay closed during that time period. Closed conditions simply means that windows, doors, and any other openings to the exterior of the property need to be closed during the testing period. Normal opening and closing of doors to get in and out of the property is acceptable, they just cannot be left open for a long period of time. Before starting a radon test in a HUD property, all tenants should be informed about the type of testing being performed, and educated about keeping closed conditions.
Lifetime Environmental Solutions will assist you in this process of educating and informing said tenants upon request. Give us a call today to start the radon testing process in your HUD property.
HUD requires that 25% of ground units be tested for radon gas, however AARST protocol calls for testing in 100% of the ground units in a building. In either case, radon testing is necessary, however you should strongly consider testing all of the units inside of a building to ensure accuracy. It’s better to err on the safe side of caution when it comes to radon gas in places of residence.
Once the amount of units that need testing is determined, the placement of the radon testing devices inside of each unit will be determined by following strict NRPP guidelines. Radon testing devices must be placed at least 3 ft from any doors or windows and kept at a minimum of 20 inches off of the ground. They should also be placed in areas where the device will not be disturbed by the occupants. We will determine the proper placement for all radon devices and will keep you informed as to where they are placed and how to ensure they get the best possible results.
After the radon testing monitors are placed inside of the units, closed building conditions must be observed throughout the duration of the test. Typical radon test units only take 48 hours to gather the necessary sample for analysis, so the units will only need to stay closed during that time period. Closed conditions simply means that windows, doors, and any other openings to the exterior of the property need to be closed during the testing period. Normal opening and closing of doors to get in and out of the property is acceptable, they just cannot be left open for a long period of time. Before starting a radon test in a HUD property, all tenants should be informed about the type of testing being performed, and educated about keeping closed conditions.
Lifetime Environmental Solutions will assist you in this process of educating and informing said tenants upon request. Give us a call today to start the radon testing process in your HUD property.
Radon Testing Cost in HUD Properties
The cost of radon testing largely depends on a few different factors which include; the type of radon to be performed (charcoal, digital, long term), the analysis and shipping of the radon test units once completed, the amount of ground floor units being tested, and the ease of entry into each unit to place the testing devices. Lifetime Environmental Solutions will keep you up to date with all of the possible costs associated with properly testing your HUD building, and typically that cost is much lower than most people anticipate. In accordance with HUD rules, Lifetime Environmental Solutions will send detailed cost estimates to HUD for construction contractors using the proper HUD documents. Give us a call now and we can start that process right away!