What is the condition for fixing a home during a real-estate transaction according to the EPA?

The condition for fixing a home during a real-estate transaction, according to the EPA, relates to the requirement of conducting radon testing to ensure safety. When two short-term tests average at 4 pCi/L or higher, this indicates a significant level of radon gas presence in the home that necessitates corrective action.

Short-term tests are typically conducted over a duration that captures variations in radon levels more dynamically, making them sensitive to any spikes in radon levels, whereas one long-term test may not give a complete picture of short-term variations. By averaging the results of two short-term tests, a more accurate assessment can be made, ensuring that homeowners are alerted to potential radon hazards and can take appropriate mitigation steps.

This requirement serves to protect inhabitants from elevated radon, which is a known health risk associated with long-term exposure. It emphasizes the importance of thoroughness in testing during real estate transactions, highlighting that detected levels must exceed the EPA's threshold before remediation becomes necessary. Doing so promotes safer living conditions and ensures compliance with public health guidelines.