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Homeowners can also use at-home tests
that test for up to 90 days, which can be
bought at hardware or retail outlets,
according to the EPA.
Missouri also provides a free test kit by
request. Since 2003, the Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services
has offered the free test kits, department
spokesman Ryan Hobart said. In the past
four years, the tests have been requested
on average 5,200 times a year.
The EPA also provides an online guide for
home sellers and buyers.
Trentham said she and her husband
considered not closing on the house when
they found out about the high level of
radon. But their real estate agent told
them there was no reason to look at other
houses if they liked that house.
"We found a house we loved in a
neighborhood we loved," Trentham said.
"Once we were more knowledgeable
about it, we were like, 'OK, there is
something that can be done to fix this
problem. This is OK.'"
Ninichuck said that about 95 to 98 percent
of his business that comes from making
alterations to houses with radon is from
people who are forced into it through real
estate sales.
"I have a small handful of people who see
a PSA and decide to get their house tested
and then get it mitigated," Ninichuck said.
"Generally, though, it is people who are
forced into it when buying or selling a
house."
According to the EPA, houses should be
retested every two years.
Fixing the problem
There are two types of mitigation systems,
according to Ninichuck. An active system
can be installed at any time, and a passive
system can only be put in with new
construction. A passive system can later
be turned into an active one, he said.
The active mitigation system uses an
inline fan to help reduce the radon,
Ninichuck said. The way the system works
depends on the type of building, though.
"We are basically creating a mechanical
vacuum to put the gases back into the
atmosphere," Ninichuck said.
When he's made the changes, Ninichuck
arranges a post-installation test, he said.
The mitigation system runs for 24 hours
and then a 48-hour test is taken after the
initial period.
Trentham said the mitigation system is
silent and barely visible in their house.
"It gives peace of mind knowing there is
something in place," Trentham said.
Radon regulation
Laws have been passed in 40 states to
help regulate radon. Some require that the
radon tester and mitigator be certified or
that landlords get their property tested
every 10 years.
Missouri has no such laws, so it falls on
local governments to decide whether to
regulate testing and control of radon.
Columbia passed a radon ordinance in
2014 that requires passive mitigation
systems in new constructions.