Radon Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, April 5, 2023 

During National Radon Action Month this past January, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced enhancements to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s (the Enterprises) multifamily radon standards. The Enterprises’ aligned radon standards will require additional radon testing for multifamily properties with loan applications received after June 30^th of this year. 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water. In homes and buildings, it can accumulate to dangerous levels as it moves up through the ground to the indoor air through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter buildings through well water in some situations. 

Enhancements to the radon standards announced by FHFA will require testing at Enterprise-backed multifamily properties, regardless of where the property is located (subject to some exceptions and deferrals), in addition to:

• Increasing the amount of required testing from 10 percent of ground floor units to 25 percent of ground floor units
• Requiring an environmental professional to oversee radon testing
• Requiring the environmental professional or property representative to notify tenants of radon testing
• ?Providing additional guidance for lenders and environmental consultants on the Enterprises’ radon standards. As part of such guidance, the Enterprises will reinforce the need for compliance with state and local radon laws 

“With the EPA’s assertion that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America, these more comprehensive testing requirements are good news for future building occupants in multifamily properties across the country,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing for radon in homes and buildings can help prevent unnecessary exposure since there are proven steps that can be taken to mitigate the danger. EMSL’s laboratories offer radon testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to support environmental professionals hired by individuals and companies looking to purchase multifamily properties.” 

To learn more about radon or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ), building science, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access radon and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.