Testing & Inspection · NY · PA
Radon & VOC Testing
Continuous radon monitors for 48-hour real-estate testing, plus passive devices for long-term measurement. VOC testing identifies airborne chemicals from finishes, off-gassing materials, or contamination events.
Our Process · 4 steps
How radon & voc testing actually runs.
- 01
Device placement following EPA closed-house protocol
- 02
Continuous monitor logging or passive collection
- 03
Lab analysis (VOC) or instrument download (radon)
- 04
Report with mitigation guidance if elevated
Common Questions
About this service
What radon level requires mitigation?
When to test
Triggers + situations
Radon testing is appropriate for several distinct situations: (1) Real estate transactions in EPA Radon Zone 1 or Zone 2 counties (most of Western NY and Western PA fall in these zones). FHA-insured loans accept radon documentation per EPA short-term protocol. Conventional lenders accept third-party CRM (continuous radon monitor) reports for closing files. (2) Pre-purchase decisions on properties built before 1980 without active sub-slab depressurization. Pre-1980 construction typically lacks modern radon-resistant construction techniques (vapor barriers under slabs, sealed sump pits, sealed crawlspace floors). (3) Post-purchase baseline testing on any property to establish ongoing exposure conditions. EPA recommends testing every 2-5 years even after initial-test clearance. (4) Post-mitigation verification after sub-slab depressurization or other mitigation system installation. PA DEP requires post-mitigation testing within 30 days of system activation. VOC testing is appropriate for: new-construction off-gassing complaints (paint, sealant, adhesive, cabinetry, flooring emissions), suspected industrial contamination on commercial parcels (Phase II ESA scope), persistent occupant symptoms of chemical odor or irritation, and post-renovation environmental verification.
Methodology
Sampling + lab analysis options
**Radon: continuous radon monitor (CRM)** is the lender-accepted standard. We deploy Sun Nuclear 1028 or RadStar RS300 continuous monitors for 48 hours under closed-house conditions per EPA short-term protocol. Hourly readings recorded; average reported in pCi/L. PA DEP requires certified instrument calibration within 12 months. CRM produces hour-by-hour data unavailable from passive testing methods. **Radon: passive charcoal canister kits** are appropriate for personal-awareness testing but generally not lender-accepted for closing documentation. Free Allegheny County Health Department kits are legitimate but lack chain-of-custody documentation. Cost-effective but data quality is lower than CRM. **Radon: alpha-track detectors** are used for long-term testing (90+ days). Useful when initial short-term testing shows borderline results and longer-term average is needed for confident interpretation. **VOC: EPA Method TO-15** uses Summa canister sampling over 8-24 hours and analyzes 60+ compounds via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Best for general IAQ assessment and broad-spectrum chemical investigation. **VOC: EPA Method TO-17** uses sorbent tube sampling for targeted compound detection with lower detection limits. Better for known-target investigations (specific solvent, fuel hydrocarbon).
Regulatory framework
Standards + requirements
**Radon federal: EPA** recommends action at 4.0 pCi/L and consideration at 2.0-4.0 pCi/L. EPA does not regulate residential radon testing or mitigation directly but publishes protocols and standards. **Radon Pennsylvania: PA DEP Radon Division** regulates radon mitigation under the Pennsylvania Radon Certification Act. Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS) certification required for any mitigation work in PA. PA DEP maintains certified-contractor database. CRM testing requires PA DEP-certified instruments. **Radon New York: NYS Department of Health** publishes guidance but does not impose certification requirements equivalent to PA. NY uses EPA short-term protocol as the practical standard. **AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists)** publishes industry-consensus protocols for radon measurement (ANSI/AARST MAH-2019, MS-PC-2014). **VOC: EPA TO-15 / TO-17** methods establish lab analytical standards. **ASHRAE 62.1** ventilation standards provide indoor air quality benchmarks. **ATSDR Minimum Risk Levels (MRLs)** provide health-screening thresholds for specific compounds.
Cost
What drives the price
**Radon testing pricing:** 48-hour CRM standard pre-purchase or post-mitigation engagement $185-$245 per location. Multi-location deployments (commercial buildings, multi-family) scale based on monitor count. Long-term alpha-track testing $125-$185 per device with 90+ day deployment. Bundled with mold + asbestos transaction testing typically saves $75-$125 vs. separate radon engagement. **Radon mitigation referral:** We don't perform mitigation but typical PA DEP-certified RMS contractor pricing for active sub-slab depressurization (ASD) systems: $1,200-$2,800 for residential single-family installation. Post-mitigation verification re-test through us: $185. **VOC testing pricing:** TO-15 Summa canister single-location 8-hour sampling $385-$585 per sample including lab analysis. Multi-parameter IAQ panel (CO2, CO, particulates, formaldehyde, VOCs, RH, temperature) $585-$985 per location depending on deployment duration. TO-17 sorbent tube targeted analysis $295-$485 per sample. Combined radon + IAQ panel for new-construction commissioning or commercial-property assessment $895-$1,485 per location depending on scope.
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Patterns we see in radon & voc testing engagements — both at the buyer level and at the practitioner level. Each pairs the mistake with the right move.
Mistake
Using a free county charcoal kit for lender documentation
Correction
Most lenders require CRM with chain-of-custody and calibrated instrument data. Free kits lack this documentation infrastructure.
Mistake
Testing during open-house conditions
Correction
EPA short-term protocol requires closed-house conditions for 12 hours pre-test and throughout the 48-hour test period. Violations invalidate results.
Mistake
Treating one elevated reading as definitive
Correction
Radon levels vary daily and seasonally. Borderline initial results often warrant long-term alpha-track testing for confident interpretation.
Mistake
Skipping post-mitigation verification
Correction
Active sub-slab depressurization systems can fail (fan failure, blockage, air leak). Post-mitigation testing verifies the system achieved the target reduction.
Report contents
What you receive
**Radon report contents:** Executive summary with EPA threshold comparison; hourly reading log showing concentration variation over the 48-hour measurement period; closed-house compliance documentation; PA DEP-certified instrument calibration record; methodology section citing EPA short-term protocol; chain-of-custody documentation; recommended next action (no mitigation needed, mitigation recommended with referral to PA DEP-certified contractor, long-term confirmation testing suggested). Lender-formatted summary suitable for closing file inclusion. **VOC/IAQ report contents:** Multi-parameter data table with concentration vs. ASHRAE 62.1 and ATSDR MRL benchmark comparison; source-pattern analysis interpreting compound mix; methodology citing TO-15 or TO-17; lab analytical report; recommended next action (ventilation adjustment, source removal, additional targeted testing).
Related scope
When to bundle additional testing
Radon testing engagements often pair with mold + asbestos testing in transaction-stage bundles. Properties with elevated radon warrant mitigation referral plus post-mitigation verification testing. VOC findings often warrant follow-up TO-17 targeted testing if TO-15 broad-spectrum identifies specific concerning compounds. Phase II ESA progression from Phase I findings frequently includes soil gas VOC sampling alongside the radon and mold panels.
Related Services
Often paired with radon & voc testing.
Most engagements involve more than one analyte. These services are commonly scoped alongside radon & voc testing.
Indoor Air Quality Testing
Comprehensive IAQ panels for residential and commercial spaces.
Mold Testing & Assessment
Air, surface, and bulk mold sampling with moisture mapping and contractor scope of work.
Phase I Environmental
ASTM E1527-21 Phase I assessments for property due diligence.
Schedule · 48hr appointment
Unsure about your air? Schedule a test.
48-hour appointment window. 24-hour lab turnaround. Licensed inspectors, unmarked vehicles, statewide coverage in NY and PA.