I am buying or selling a home
Radon, lead, and well water are the usual testing items in a sale.
Home transactions commonly involve radon, which is a leading contributor to lung-cancer risk, lead in paint or plumbing for homes built before 1978, and a water test when the home is on a private well. Short-term radon kits and mail-in water tests cover most needs. Confirm that any lab you use is accredited.
What to do
- Test for radon with a short-term kit or a continuous monitor.
- If the home was built before 1978, check for lead in water and be aware of lead paint.
- On a private well, run a broad drinking-water panel.
Common questions
What tests are typical in a home sale?
Radon, lead for homes built before 1978, and a water test when the home is on a private well are the common ones. Short-term radon kits and mail-in water tests cover most situations.
Why test for radon when buying a house?
Radon is an invisible gas and a leading contributor to lung-cancer risk. Levels vary by home, so a short-term test or continuous monitor on the lowest lived-in level is standard during a transaction.
Does a pre-1978 home need lead testing?
It can. Older homes may have lead in plumbing (checked with a water test) and lead paint (a separate inspection). They are two different checks.
Where to go next
Short-term kits and continuous monitors to check radon, a leading indoor cause of lung-cancer risk.
Mail-in and at-home kits plus certified labs to test drinking and well water for PFAS, lead, bacteria, nitrate, hardness, and more.
Official locators for accredited labs. The national ones (EPA, NELAP, A2LA, AIHA) let you search any state, plus selected state programs.
General information to help you find the right test and an accredited lab. This is not medical, legal, or safety advice. For a confirmed exposure or a health concern, talk to a qualified professional, and always confirm a lab's current accreditation with the certifying body.
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