Radon Portland, Oregon

[Kiki Helland]

Hello BP community Hopefully someone has some knowledge or experience with radon testing in the Portland market. Are you seeing this as an issue in transactions and how have you handled it either as a buyer or seller? Are tests reliable or anyone have recommendations? Thank you in advance for your input!

[Patrick James]

@Kiki Helland as @Steve B. and @Lisa Thoele have stated, Radon testing is becoming the norm up here. It is the new must have test, much like lead-based paint was. There are several hot areas around Portland and many medium risk level areas. The following link can get you, probably, more information then you are looking for Oregon Health Authority : Radon you can search by map or zip code. The test can be a nuisance for sellers since it is a minimum of 48 hours of testing. During this time, doors and windows should be kept closed, except for normal use. The measurement used and defined by the EPA is picocuries, at a level of 4.0 the EPA recommends mitigation should be performed. New construction is required to have a Radon mitigation system installed. As with any repairs in a transaction the mitigation is negotiable, just because the buyer asks for it, it does not mean the seller will pay for it. Case Study: buyer has a company test for Radon, who also performs the mitigation. Results came in high so the buyer asked for repairs to be done. Seller questions results so goes out and has their own test done, by a company that does not perform mitigation. Result? Came in much lower, well below the 4.0 pCi/L. 

Keep in mind, for those who love granite or any natural stone countertops/flooring, Radon is naturally occurring. These products will release Radon, albeit, low levels but still releasing Radon into the house.

As for your question on testing, the longer the test sampling period the better the result will be reality. 48 hours is about the minimum and what is performed in most if not all real estate transactions.