Blog / October 19, 2020

Is radon testing mandatory in NY?

New York State law requires homeowners and real estate agents to disclose radon test results or information to potential home buyers. You should test in the lowest lived-in level of the home or a lower level if a buyer could use it for living space without renovations.

Is radon common in upstate NY?

A quarter of the houses in three upstate counties and 5 percent of all houses in New York State, have radon levels above the Federal safety standard, according to a study by the State Energy Authority.

Is radon a reason not to buy a house?

The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.

Does FHA require radon remediation?

It requires that all multi-family homes, as well as most FHA-insured construction, in medium- to high-risk areas be tested for radon and remediated as needed. The new HUD policy follows the EPA recommendation for radon mitigation in homes with radon concentrations at or above 4 picocuries per liter of air.

Is a 48 hour radon test accurate?

“Short-term radon test kits are not effective in measuring radon gas exposure: Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time.” ScienceDaily.

Where is radon most prevalent?

Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:

Alaska (10.7)
South Dakota (9.6)
Pennsylvania (8.6)
Ohio (7.8)
Washington (7.5)
Kentucky (7.4)
Montana (7.4)
Idaho (7.3)

How common is radon in NY?

The first NY radon map shows that more than half of New York, 34 out of 62 counties are considered high risk for radon gas. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in most of the world and accounts for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the USA.

Is radon common in New York?

Around one in 15 homes in the country has elevated levels of radon, but it’s much less common in New York City: Just 4 percent of residences are estimated to have indoor radon levels higher than 4 pCi/L, according to the state Department of Health.

Should I walk away from a house with radon?

Consumer Reports says you don’t have to. Radon-related deaths are due to exposure over the course of a lifetime. “You should definitely take it seriously but you really don’t need to walk away from the home.

Does Radon decrease home value?

Having an active Radon mitigation system in one’s house does not adversely affect the home’s resale value and since Radon is so easily controlled once it’s detected it is no reason not to buy the property if all other factors line up favorably for buying the house.

How common is radon?

It’s common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what’s considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.

How quickly do radon levels change?

Radon levels are constantly changing – hourly, daily, and seasonal fluctuations are all common. Likewise, radon flows faster when there is a bigger difference in pressure between the high pressure soil and the low pressure air.

How often should you check for radon in New York?

Check for radon every five years. People who have a radon system should check every two years to make sure it is working properly. Always check for radon when buying a home and after major renovations. Frequently Asked Questions. Protect Your Family From Radon: A Guide for New York State Residents.

What is radon resistant new construction?

Radon Resistant New Construction incorporates techniques used in building new homes to seal soil gas entry points, prevent radon gas intrusion, and vent the radon outdoors. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes thousands of cancer deaths in the United States each year.

Can a 203(K) loan be used to pay for radon repairs?

Part of the 203 (k) mortgage proceeds must be used to pay the costs of rehabilitating or improving a residential property. To qualify, the total cost of the eligible repairs or improvements, including fixes to reduce radon levels, must be at least $5,000.

How much does it cost to fix radon in a house?

To qualify, the total cost of the eligible repairs or improvements, including fixes to reduce radon levels, must be at least $5,000. The 203 (k) program is an important tool for expanding home ownership, revitalizing homes, neighborhoods and communities and for making homes healthier and safer for those who occupy them.