Radon, A Guide for Canadian Homeowners

[Claude Lawrenson]

Another thing to think about is the affect of seasonal change and the amount of air exchange in a home. In my prior years of experience with radon testing there could be noticeable change in the seasonal differences on readings, placement of the radon monitor, or even security of the device from tampering - such as the home owner moving it outdoors.

More accurate readings generally could be obtained by securing the device and measuring over time such a one week.

Again although we should not discount the importance of radon in a home, there are a number of variables and situations in which fear mongering has led people to believe that all homes should be tested.

As stated earlier offering this service is a business decision, in which, I have seen and heard of many companies not succeed long term. In our area we had one try this full time, unfortunately his business failed; however perhaps its viable as an ancillary service to home inspection. But don't forget the possible extra risk and liabilty that comes with exceeding the SOP. Certainly I am not discounting that others not give it a go!

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

Another thing to think about is the affect of seasonal change and the amount of air exchange in a home. In my prior years of experience with radon testing there could be noticeable change in the seasonal differences on readings, placement of the radon monitor, or even security of the device from tampering - such as the home owner moving it outdoors.

More accurate readings generally could be obtained by securing the device and measuring over time such a one week.

Again although we should not discount the importance of radon in a home, there are a number of variables and situations in which fear mongering has led people to believe that all homes should be tested.

As stated earlier offering this service is a business decision, in which, I have seen and heard of many companies not succeed long term. In our area we had one try this full time, unfortunately his business failed; however perhaps its viable as an ancillary service to home inspection. But don't forget the possible extra risk and liabilty that comes with exceeding the SOP. Certainly I am not discounting that others not give it a go!

. Health Canada.recommends the test be done in the cold weather when the home is less apt to be opened to the outside

..Health Canada.also recommends a time period of from 48 hours and also no open windows or doors during the testing

"As stated earlier offering this service is a business decision",
I expect many offering this service when the final information and setting are made law by Health Canada

"fear mongering has led people to believe that all homes should be tested".
I did a talk yesterday to 66 people and many new about asbestos and not one offered a hand up when I asked if any new about radon or had even heard about it .

"placement of the radon monitor, or even security of the device from tampering" -.The directions are very explicit on the e-perbs I have used and if the Home Inspector can not follow directions then they should not be doing Home Inspections...

"In our area we had one try this full time, unfortunately his business failed";
;Sorry to hear about that but this is what happens to a lot of home Inspectors that are continually being turned out by many various people and associations, they too fail.

"But don't forget the possible extra risk and liability that comes with exceeding the SOP"
..Talk about fear mongering I think most every Home Inspector exceeds the SOP at various times. This has been posted many times by various people . I would just love to see one Court case in Canada where this has happened and the Home inspector lost.

There is a lot of information in the above Health Canada that I posted and I will try and post more as I find out .
I have done many inspection for Americans moving to Canada and they all require a Radon test. I do recommend that if possible take a course.
NACHI and their suppliers have put on many and will be doing more .
As per normal many NACHI courses cost nothing or are very reasonable
NACHI believes in giving help to all Home Inspectors .
Stay tuned Much more very suprising things comming from NACHI that I can not tell about at this time as it has not been finalized yet.
NACHI Not is not part of a secret Society Information for all.
I am the oldest NACHI Canadian Member (2 ways) and very pleased with This great group and the help and information that just keeps comming
Roy Cooke .... RHI... CAHPI-ON

[Claude Lawrenson]

Just out of curiosity is covered under your E&O insurance? That's why I got out of it.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

Just out of curiosity is covered under your E&O insurance? That's why I got out of it.

Sorry question not the best of English.
Are you asking is Radon covered by my E&O .
NO it is not because like may inspectors I do not have E&O insurance .
I wonder how Many inspectors who advertise that they Have E&O insurance realize that they only have partial coverage as there are many disclaimers in the policy .
I see OAHI has sent out a possible new supplier of Insurance .
I would say please read this new policy very close as it has even more disclaimers on the draft the I got .
Stand BY more exciting info soon to arrive from NACHI the Number ONE Home inspection association in Canada

Roy Cooke.. RHI ... CAHPI-ON ..