APPENDIX
STATE-BY-STATE
RADON PROGRAM SUMMARIES
Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and
Conference of Radiation Control
Program Directors
August 1987
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Alabama
Contact A: Aubrey Godwin
Title: Director
Radiological Health Branch
Contact B: James McNees
Title: Director
Environmental Monitoring and Emergency Plans Section
Radiological Health Branch
Agency: State Department of Public Health
Address: State Office Building
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (205) 261-5315
Contact Dates: 26 May 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Radiological Health Branch
of the State Department of Public Health is the lead agency
for all radon-related activity.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alabama
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The State
Geologic Survey is reviewing measurement data.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Goals /Strategy /Pol icy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control objec-
tives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: No formal written
policies have been developed. The EPA/State survey goal is
to determine the extent of the problem in the State.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: $75,000 from an Exxon
grant through the Alabama Department of Economics and
Community Affairs has been budgeted for this fiscal year.
About three fulltime equivalent personnel are working on
radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Information concerning radon is provid-
ed on request.
b. Resources: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alabama
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Alabama is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 2,200 home charcoal
canister survey is underway. Highest reading thus far is
180 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: A survey was conducted in 1985 with 19
alpha track detectors, a small percentage of which showed
readings greater than 4 pCi/l.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: EPA's technical guide, "Radon Re-
duction Approaches for Detached Houses," will be sent to any
survey participants with readings greater than 8 pCi/l.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Under current plans, a computerized
database will be set up on a personal computer to handle the
EPA/State survey results. The survey is now in progress.
b. Access to Data: City, zip code, and name of street will be
entered in database. The information might not be able to
be kept confidential under current State law.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Data is stored in a separate
computer database. Currently, data is received primarily
from Terradex, University of Pittsburgh, Scientific Analysis,
and Southern Radon Services.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alabama
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: None currently. However, a proposed
TVA/EPA project conducted by Oak Ridge National
Laboratory is in the planning stages.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: The "Radon Reduction
Approaches for Detached Houses" technical manual has been
reprinted and is sent out to homeowners upon request.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No information is available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State government and two county
government officials, and one State contractor attended an
EPA training course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: A course, possibly in conjunction
with the State Department of Economics and Community
Affairs, is under consideration for fall 1987.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alabama
Health Risk Studies: An epidemiologist is reviewing EPA/State survey
results.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: State Geologic Survey is reviewing
EPA/State survey results.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Approximately 4,500 sent to survey participants, and other
homeowners by request.
b. "Technical Guidance": Approximately 200 have been sent to
homeowners at their request.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: A form was developed for the FY 86
EPA State Radon Survey describing interpretations of
results. Information was based on EPA brochures.
b. Number Distributed: Will be sent to all survey participants.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately 25 calls a month.
*~ j~
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alabama
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Distribute part of RMP list
identifying local and national companies that have expressed a
desire to test in Alabama. All companies are requested to share
data with the agency.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-6-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Alaska
Sidney Heidersdorf
Chief
Radiological Health Section (RHS)
Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
P.O. Box H
Juneau, AK 99811-0613
Phone:
(907) 465-3019
Contact Dates:
27 May 1987
19 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHSS is the lead State agency
involved in radon. Only one local health agency - City of
Anchorage. All other localities fall directly under State
supervision.
b.
Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: 1)
University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service has given
seminars on weatherization, indoor air quality, and radon.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alaska
2) Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
sponsored a graduate student to study 54 public facilities
throughout the State.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: None.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: There has been an
informal radon program for three years. Main emphasis of
program is to determine distribution of the problem. Using
EPA Action Levels as guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One-quarter fulltime
equivalent employee per year; two personnel handle phone
inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: Has had a State program for three years.
First two years. State paid for monitors out of RHS budget
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alaska
(about 25-50 homes tested). Last year, homeowners paid
full cost of detectors (250 homes by the end of the year).
Program is set up so that the homeowner buys detector
through the State and the State receives information on
results from measurement company. Results go to State
first; Heidersdorf sends homeowner a letter explaining
results with recommendations for next steps when necessary
(results over 4 pCi/l). Highest result to date is 55 pCi/l.
About 12 homes above M pCi/l.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None. Survey results may require
State follow-up in one area of the State with high readings.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Keep files on measurement results. No
computer database.
b. Access to Data: RHS/DHSS statutes allow confidentiality.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Have requested and received
copies of information from Terradex, Airchek, and University
of Pittsburgh. Have also contacted other companies and
U.S. Park Service.
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alaska
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics:
a. Number Underway: Only aware of two homes. Mitigation
ranges from sealing basement cracks to installing air to air
heat exchangers.
b. Number Complete: One homeowner installed an air to air
heat exchanger two to three years ago. Estimates fewer
than 10 homes mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: No State officials have attended an EPA
training course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
Geology/Land Evaluation: Relying on existing geological surveys.
State geologist has reviewed maps and is advising DHSS.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Received 200 from EPA. Approximately
100 distributed to homeowners with measurement results
above 4 pCi/l or other interested parties.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Alaska
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Received 200 from EPA.
Approximately 25 distributed to homeowners with
measurements above 4 pCi/l or other interested homeowners.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Four-page press release summarizing
what radon is, how to test, etc.
b. Number Distributed: Sent out occasionally to interested
homeowners, with EPA information if requested.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None. Two personnel handle calls.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately five calls per week,
depending on media attention.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distributes the entire EPA document. Have
distributed about eight to 10 to homeowners and people
interested in getting into the business.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
F. Other: The Cooperative Extension Service of the University of
Alaska offers a general public information course on
weatherization, indoor air quality, and radon.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Arizona
Contact: Paul Weeden
Title: Program Manager
Environmental Surveillance (ES)
Agency: Arizona Radiation Regulation Agency (ARRA)
Address: 4814 South 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (602) 255-4845
Contact Dates: 3 June 1987
15 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration;
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: ARRA is the only agency in the
State working on radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arizona
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Working under
general public health policies.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: Will conduct an
initial State-wide survey. Results will determine next steps
to pursue. Agency role is to coordinate dissemination of
information to public.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: On July 1,
1987 (FY 88), the ARRA will receive $58,000 (FY 88 budget)
to conduct a radon survey. $8,000 of $58,000 is
appropriated to State Geologist for analysis of geological
survey maps and data.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One fulltime equivalent
employee over past year.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: See 2.A.c.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program. Have $50,000 in FY 88
budget to participate in survey with EPA.
b. State Sponsored: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arizona
c. Other: Pina County Health Department surveyed about 30-40
homes in Tucson area. County purchased about 20 alpha
track devices for follow-up. Highest level was 42 pCi/l.
Follow-up measurements of highest reading were below 4
pCi/l.
Prescott: An Arizona State University (ASU) assistant
professor conducted a radon research project in Prescott,
Arizona, and identified a house with 11,141 pCi/l of radon in
the vicinity of an open well head in the living area. Well
water samples were obtained with the highest sample
containing 99,500 pCi/l of radon. Increased sampling of
homes and water supplies will be conducted in several
areas of Prescott.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: State is supporting counties
with State-provided radon canisters for follow-up studies.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Yes. Computer data management system will
be purchased and will incorporate EPA and State data
results.
b. Access to Data: Statistical data will be provided to the
general public.
c.
Use of Private Company Data: Receive periodic reports from
Terradex and other companies performing measurements in
the State and from the University of Pittsburgh.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arizona
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: ARRA lab is developing the capability to perform
radon analysis.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: ARRA Lab will begin
follow-up measurements in Prescott and support the EPA
radon survey with follow-up canisters, if participation is
approved.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No statistics available. Probably fewer than
10 homes privately mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Two State officials attended an EPA
training course in Las Vegas.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Training course will be developed
after training materials are received from EPA.
. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: $8,000 in budget for FY 88 is allocated to
State Geologist for analysis of geological survey results.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arizona
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": 2,000
copies of each have been sent to homeowners on request.
Reprinted 1,500 of each pamphlet. ($2,000 for printing.)
500 copies were received from EPA.
b. "Technical Guidance": Fewer than 20 copies sent to
homeowners upon request.
B. State Developed Materials: Added ARRA name to EPA documents
before reprinting.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: No hot line. Contact ARRA directly.
b. Number of Calls: Over 1,7t)0 in last year. Administrative
staff members answer technical questions.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Yes, with disclaimer.
b. Distribute RMP: Will distribute EPA RMP sections particular
to Arizona and region to homeowners upon request. Fewer
than 40 copies distributed.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: State and EPA.
b. Method of Referral: Send out "Radon Reduction Methods"
and State list.
F. Other: Sponsored four or five speakers at public civic groups
last year. Speakers available on request.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Arkansas
Contact A:
Greta J. Dicus
Title:
Director
Division of Radiation Control and Emergency Management
Contact B:
Bernard Bevill
Title: Chief
X-Ray and Technical Support
Agency: Department of Health (DOH)
Address: 4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
Phone:
(501) 661-2301
Contact Dates
8 June 1987
12 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: DOH is the only agency handling
radon.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arkansas
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
D. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Relying on general
public health objectives. Acting as an informational service
only.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Using minimal personnel
and funds from DOH to work on radon. Only one person
handles calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to EPA's State Radon Survey
Program for next fall (FY 88). Later withdrew the proposal
because it is too expensive and requires resources that are
unavailable at this time.
b. State Sponsored: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arkansas
c. Other: None. University of Arkansas Medical School is
hoping for funding to perform a small study. Arkansas
Power and Light may provide some funds.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: No. Very little data collected. Keep
information and data in files.
b. Access to Data: Not an issue; only have public information.
c. Use of Private Company Data: University of Pittsburgh
sends reports on measurements performed in State.
E. State Measurement Capability: Could probably do some analysis
with the lab facilities of DOH.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Aware of only one home mitigated in State,
Estimates fewer than 10 projects.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arkansas
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: Texas Department of Health presented an
in-house seminar using information from EPA training course
and provided videotapes of the seminar to the Arkansas
Department of Health. All nine staff members of Radiation
Control Division reviewed the tapes.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State official attended a regional
training meeting in September 1986 sponsored by CRCPD.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies; University of Arkansas Medical School may have
received, or is in the process of requesting, a grant to perform a
health risk study.
5* Geology/ Land Evaluation: State geologist reviewed USCS maps to
determine potential "hot spots."
6. Public Information;
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Approximately 100 copies of each distributed to homeowners
on request.
b. "Technical Guidance": None distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Arkansas
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately four calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute entire RMP list if requested;
approximately four or five distributed since January 1, 1987.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: Only aware of one company involved in
mitigation.
b. Method of Referral: Will not make any referrals.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: California
Contact: Steven Hayward
Title: Manager of Indoor Air Quality Program (IAQP)
Air and Industrial Hygiene Laboratory
Agency: Department of Health Services (DHS)
Address: 2151 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone:
(415) 540-2134
Contact Dates: 9 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHS is the lead agency in the
State handling coordination of radon activities.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: California
Air Resources Board is mandated to assess exposure to toxic
air contaminants (radionuclides) and indoor radon. For the
next two years, they have budgeted $109,000 to perform
their assessment. Working with IAQP to conduct study.
Other involved parties include the County of Los Angeles
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
California
Occupational Health and Radiation Management, Radiologic
Health Section of the Orange County Health Care Agency,
and Radiological Health Section of the San Diego Department
of Health.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Working very closely with Lawrence
Berkeley Laboratories (LBL). Most of the information IAQP uses
is from LBL. Not distributing EPA information; making
modifications to existing text. Looking forward to a State-wide
survey with California Air Resources Board.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $109,000
budgeted to California Air Resources Board. This agency is
working with DHS. Money is appropriated for a two-year
period beginning July 1, 1987.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: About one-half to one
fulltime equivalent employee was devoted to radon over the
past year.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: None.
b. Proposed: Two bills, Assembly Bill 31 and Senate Bill 127,
are under legislative review right now (urgency statutes that
would become effective immediately). Both would appropriate
about $200,000 and would require State to perform a study
(radon survey).
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
California
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: California Air Resources Board just
received contract approval to monitor for a year with alpha
track detectors in 400 randomly selected homes. Included
are homes for every four or five consecutive zip codes.
c. Locally Sponsored: Los Angeles County Department of
Health Services and the Foundation for the Advancement of
Science and Environment (FASE) are surveying about 100
homes with alpha track detectors over a few months.
d. Other: "L.A. Times" is sponsoring a one-year study of 600
homes (selected from their employees) in the Los Angeles
area. Study has a scientific advisory panel (Mr. Hayward
and Mr. Nero of LBL). Survey results from various studies
indicate an average of 1 pCi/l. Highest measurement in
State is 70 pCi/l.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: Receiving reports from measurement companies
(Terradex).
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Sanitation/Radiation Laboratory is equipped to analyze
charcoal canisters, Lucas cells, and gamma ray spectrometer.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Lucas cells and charcoal
canisters.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
California
3. Mitigation;
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation, although he
believes that some homeowners are doing some (sealing cracks in
basement, etc.). Estimates fewer than 10 homes mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Employees from DOH Sacramento and Orange
County health official attended an EPA training course.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Do not
distribute either pamphlet. Have some disagreements with
current format and substance, health risk data and Action
Level guidelines.
b. "Technical Guidance": None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
California
B. State Developed Materials: Have asked several health officials
and experts of LBL to review EPA documents and to modify them
to address issues particular to California climate, etc.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: DHS was receiving about two phone calls
and one letter a day. Calls increased to 20 a day after
recent article in "Consumer Reports." All calls are logged.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Distribute RMP list in its
entirety only when requested. If homeowners call for a referral,
Hayward will usually refer Terradex, University of Pittsburgh, or
other companies that he feels do a good job.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Colorado
Contact:
Richard Camewell
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Principal Health Physicist
Technical Services Unit
Radiation Control Division
Department of Health
4210 East 11th Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
Phone:
(303) 331-4812
Contact Dates: 27 May 1987
16 June 1987
1 • Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Department of Health is the
lead agency handling radon issues.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Colorado Geological Survey has taken an active role in
conducting the EPA/State survey and advising builders and
developers.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Colorado
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: The governor
has appointed a six-member interagency government task
force to advise the governor on radon issues.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: A draft work plan for the radon task
force was submitted, but not yet approved. It discusses the
need for problem identification and assignments of interagency
responsibilities and coordination.
C. Budget: Radon program is currently not funded.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provided "A Citizen's Guide" and
"Radon Reduction Methods" to local health departments for
redistribution. Also provided training for those involved
with canister distribution for EPA/State survey.
b. Resources: No funds are provided.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Colorado is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 2,200 home charcoal
canister survey is underway. Early results show 40 percent
above 4 pCi/l, but very few above 20 pCi/l.
b. Locally Sponsored: City of Fort Collins is conducting a 100
home survey with alpha track detectors.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Colorado
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None beyond providing
private company list.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Follow-up test is suggested for those
concerned with initial readings. About 500 detectors in the
EPA/State survey have been reserved for additional screening
tests in suspected "hot spot" areas.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Planned, but not yet implemented.
b. Access to Data: Data will be retained by zip code only.
c. Use of Private Company Data: This data is monitored, but
State does not expect to include in database.
E. State Measurement Capability: University of Colorado in Colorado
Springs can do radon analyses. The State Department of Health
lab has limited capability but does not currently perform radon
analysis.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No information is available to the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None. A local government held a training
seminar for county government people, and the Colorado
School of Mines has conducted four training seminars.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Colorado
b. EPA Sponsored: Three State government officials attended
an EPA training course held in Denver in September 1986.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Colorado Geological Survey is reviewing
survey results.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Approximately 2,000 have been
distributed through local health departments and call-ins.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Approximately 1,000 have been
distributed.
c. "Technical Guidance": Approximately 200 have been
distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: Colorado Geological Survey distributes
radon brochure similar to "A Citizen's Guide"; aimed at
subdivision housing contractors and county governments.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Colorado
b. Number of Calls: Approximately 200 calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: A list has been compiled of
individuals or companies who have indicated to the State that they
wish to test in the State. An asterisk is added for those who are
on the EPA RMP list. The list is available to the public on
request.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: A list was developed by EPA in Denver.
b. Method of Referral: List is sent.
—5 —
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Connecticut
Contact:
Bryan Toal
Title:
Epidemiologist
Toxic Hazard Section
Agency: Department of Health Services
Address: 150 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone:
(203) 566-8167
Contact Dates: 18 May 1987
15 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration;
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Department of Health Services is
the lead agency and reports directly to the governor.
Currently, the Toxic Hazard Section of the Department of
Health Services handles radon issues, but by summer 1987
there will be a separate radon section of the Department of
Health Services handling all radon issues. Stripper well
exemption litigation distributions have been provided to the
Department of Health Services by the executive with the
mandate that the Department identify problem areas and
provide free diagnostics.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Connecticut
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Other
involved parties include the Radiation Control Unit and the
Natural Resources Center (geology) in the Department of
Environmental Protection.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A Radon
Advisory Board has been created by the Department of
Health Services to give advice on radon policy decisions.
Members are drawn from academia, private industry, and
government.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: Beginning in
summer 1987, $400,000 annual budget with five to six fulltime
equivalent employees expected. Funds from distributions
pursuant to stripper well exemption litigation.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Currently there are
approximately two fulltime equivalent employees working on
radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: None.
b. Proposed: Testing certification recently proposed in
legislature, but did not get out of committee.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Connecticut
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Educational conferences are held,
informational flyers are sent out, brochures are provided for
redistribution.
b. Resources: No financial assistance is provided.
2. Measurement
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Connecticut is participating in the
EPA State Radon Survey Program. Connsave, a non-profit
energy audit group, is implementing the survey. A 1,500
home charcoal canister survey is underway. In each of the
169 towns in the State, seven to 15 samples were taken of
those who requested energy audits of their homes. Highest
reading thus far has been 80 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: Beginning in summer 1987, charcoal
devices will be distributed to over 4,000 homes based on
geology to locate problem areas. In 1985 and 1986, State
sponsored surveys were performed focusing primarily on well
water; 260 wells were tested, as well as the air in 220 of
these homes. The sites were selected on the basis of
geology, with approximately 25 different types of geology
being tested. A report is expected in summer 1987.
c. Other: None.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Connecticut
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: If, during the EPA/State survey,
three or more readings greater than 20 pCi/l, or one greater than
100 pCi/l, are found, surrounding homes in the town will be
tested. A list of testing companies is sent to those who would
like to retest their homes.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: A computerized database is expected to be
set up by 1988. The State geologist is accumulating
measurements on a digitized map of the State.
b. Access to Data: The State cannot hold radon data
confidential, only medical data. No firm plans as yet
concerning the level of detail there will be in the database.
c. Use of Private Company Data: This data is monitored and
filed.
E. State Measurement Capability: Have well water testing capability.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Free diagnostics will be
offered to homeowners with high readings (tentatively
greater than 20 pCi/l) beginning in summer 1987.
-U-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Connecticut
C. Mitigation Statistics: No data is available to the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State official attended an EPA training
course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: In 1984, researchers from Yale attempted to
correlate NURE fly-over data with lung cancer data taken from tumor
registry. No correlation was found.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: One fulltime equivalent employee of State
geology division is currently taking gamma counter readings
throughout the State and mapping data points.
6. Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Over
10,000 of each pamphlet have been sent to survey
participants, and to local health departments.
b. "Technical Guidance": Sent to local health agencies,
architects, etc., but not to the general public.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Connecticut
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: A radon fact sheet has been
developed. A radon fact sheet for realtors is currently
being prepared.
b. Number Distributed: Over 10,000 of the radon fact sheets.
c. Distribution: General public.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (203) 566-2275. This number (which reaches a
taped message) can also be reached toll free by first calling
the governor's hot line.
b. Number of Calls: Cannot be determined.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Distribute a subset of the EPA
RMP list consisting of approximately 18 companies which indicated
to the State that they wish to conduct tests in the State.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: A list has been created that includes about
five contractors who have done work for EPA, particularly in
neighboring New York.
b. Method of Referral: List is sent.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Delaware
Allan Tapert
Director
Office of Radiation Control (ORC)
Division of Public Health
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
Cooper Building, Capital Square
P.O. Box 637
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-4731
Contact Dates: 1 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHSS is the only agency with
responsibility for coordinating radon study.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Delaware
Geological Survey is studying uraniferous soils.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Delaware
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy: Using EPA Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. Made
a request for one person to handle radon for next fiscal
year. Did not pass.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Working from ORC funds.
Three-tenths fulltime equivalent employee over last year
spent on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Will have $10,000 for a radon study from a
resolution in legislature (SR14). Will receive July 1, 1987
(new fiscal year).
b. Proposed: None.
c. Regulations: Section B(5) of Delaware Radiation Control
Regulations requires all companies performing radiation
measurements to register with the State. The regulations
were effective July 1, 1983. Radon measurement companies
performing measurements in Delaware must show that their
analytical method is consistent with EPA and must register
on an annual basis. Mitigation companies are also required
to register. They have to attend an EPA training course or
similar training session before they can be put on the State
list.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Delaware
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to last year's round of the
EPA State Radon Survey Program and will not apply for the
next round due to lack of resources.
b. State Sponsored: The State has measured 60-65 locations
with a Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit (RPISU) on
loan from EPA. Measurements are conducted for homeowners
upon request. The RPISU is installed for 100 hours in the
home. Data characterizing the structure of the house,
ventilation, and heating systems, etc. are recorded.
Results are anonymous by sample number. Charcoal
canisters will be used in the future if funds are available,
which will allow more homes to be measured.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Performed follow-up measurements on
five homes which had screening results above 4 pCi/l. Follow-up
measurements were all below 5 pCi/l.
D. Data Management: Using color-coded stickers on a map to
characterize or determine the distributions of radon levels
throughout the State.
a. Computerized: All information kept on computer by sample
numbers. Data tells sample number, filter number, city, zip
code, date, area of home tested, test results.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Delaware
b. Access to Data: Data is anonymous by sample number.
General public may receive a copy of a printout with the
sample number, filter number, city, zip code, date, area of
home tested, and test results. Specific policy to keep
homeowners anonymous, but can use Freedom of Information
Act to obtain more information.
c. Use of Private Company Data: University of Pittsburgh sent
some data for Delaware.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Two RPISUs on loan
from EPA. Lent 50 charcoal canisters, and instruments to
calibrate the equipment. Two personnel are trained.
c. Frequency of Use: Installing a RPISU in one home each
week.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Consultation over the
phone concerning next steps, follow-up measurement, etc.
-a-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Delaware
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation efforts.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: Sponsored a regional meeting for EPA and
State health officials on radon in Regions II and III. Four
officials from Delaware attended.
b. EPA Sponsored: Officials from Radiation Control and one
private contractor attended an EPA training course in April
1987.
c. Other: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: A copy of NURE national fly-over enhanced
map was sent to State geologist for review.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Several hundred of each, at least 250, have been sent to
homeowners upon request.
b. "Technical Guidance": The following documents are used by
ORC. Only "Technical Guidance" would be sent out if
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Delaware
requested. Less than six copies sent to commercial
contractors.
EPA 625/5-86/019 - "Technical Guidance"
EPA 520/1-86-008
EPA 520/1-86-03
EPA 520/1-86-014.1
EPA 520/1-87-002
EPA 520/1-86-014
EPA 520/-87-001
EPA 520/1-86-04
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Tapert sends out the list of measurement
companies that are registered to work in Delaware (only
companies registered with the State).
b. Distribute RMP: Do not distribute at all.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: Tapert will refer homeowners to
the two companies that he knows attended the EPA sponsored
mitigation seminar. To date, he has not received any inquiries
for mitigation referrals.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Florida
Contact A: Lyle Jerrett
Title: Director
Office of Radiation Control (ORC)
Contact B: Dr. Mary E. Clark
Title: Public Health Physicist Consultant
Office of Radiation Control (ORC)
Agency: Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (DHRS)
Address: 1317 Winewood Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Phone: (904) 487-1004
Contact Dates: 8 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHRS was designated as the lead
State agency for environmental radiation matters, including
indoor radon, under 1984 legislation (Chapter 404.056 Florida
Statutes).
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Department of Community Affairs is expected to administer
building code development and requirements in the future.
State Geologist has been involved from time to time (part of
Department of Natural Resources, which also oversees mining
issues). Pursuant to proviso language in the 1986
Appropriations Act, the Florida Institute of Phosphate
Research (FIPR), a State organization under the Department
of Education and funded by a severance tax on phosphate
mining, was designated to "cause a study to be conducted"
on radon levels (i.e., perform a State survey). However,
FIPR does not have ongoing responsibilities.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: FIPR is to
provide survey results to DHRS. A Peer Review group,
including representatives from DHRS, environmentalists, the
phosphate industry (Florida Phosphate Council), builders,
and realtors, was designated by the Secretary of DHRS to
review the survey results (see 2.A.).
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: None.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: Have specific
legislative mandate for new home prevention. Have formed a
policy work group. Using EPA Action Levels (in "A
Citizen's Guide").
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $1 million
appropriated in June 1986 (1986 Appropriations Act) for a
survey by FIPR (see 2.A.). The $1 million survey budget
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
is to be drawn from funds already appropriated to FIPR for
research that are expected to carry over to following years.
The FIPR survey (originally due in March 1987) is now
expected by September 1987.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: About two fulltime
equivalent employees in ORC. Other resources drawn from
general budget of ORC. FIPR also oversees the survey
(contracted out) using less than one-half fulltime equivalent
employee.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Chapter 404.056 Florida Statutes (effective 1984)
authorized DHRS to establish and enforce by rule Chapter
10D-91, Part XIA, Florida Administrative Code, specific
"Land Radiation Emission Standards," principally in response
to radon emissions in reclaimed phosphate mining regions.
The rule requires DHRS to designate areas with elevated
indoor radon potential and requires the use of
radon-resistant building techniques in those areas. The
specific locations will be designated by rule amendment after
a State survey is completed. Funding for the survey ($1
million) was specifically assigned in June 1986 (1986
Appropriations Act).
b. Proposed: Additional legislative requirements (e.g., on
certification of measurement companies) were proposed during
the last legislative session (which ended June 6, 1987), but
none was enacted. Certification and notification legislation
will be proposed for next session.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
c. Regulations: Rule amendment will re-designate areas where
standard applies. Existing application of the standard to
new homes consists of an advisory to measure (and remediate
if over 0.02 WL) in certain areas.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Have provided copies of EPA
information and ORC-produced fact sheets to each county, as
well as a monthly list of measurement and mitigation
companies (without recommendation), and communicate on a
regular basis.
b. Resources: No direct financial assistance.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: A 1,000 home study in reclaimed
phosphate mining regions and heavy mineralized regions was
published in 1978. The study showed 20 percent of the
homes above 4 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: FIPR has contracted on behalf of the State
with a private firm for a $1 million study that will include
about 7,000 measurements (three-day charcoal canister and
alpha track; all slab-on-grade buildings; includes about 70
schools). Contractor will also translate measurement results
into geographic areas to which the environmental radiation
standard would apply (i.e., ALARA, not to exceed 0.02
WL). Areas will be designated by rule under a formal
rulemaking by DHRS.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
c. Other: Volunteers handed out charcoal canisters in the
Jacksonville area, but no elevated measurements were
reported. ORC has made alpha track detectors available to
those counties requesting them.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: No financial assistance.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: ORC will continue device support to
counties (so far FIPR survey shows 21 counties have at least one
measurement above 4 pCi/l). DHRS will not have house-specific
information (i.e., house addresses) from FIPR survey due to
confidentiality requirements.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: FIPR survey is computerized.
b. Access to Data: DHRS will get FIPR results only by county
and zip code. When the survey is complete, results may be
announced, but level of detail is undecided. DHRS
information is accessible by a State law (Sunshine Law)
similar to the federal FOIA. FIPR provides status reports
on study to DHRS.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Private companies were
requested to submit measurement data (generally by county).
Bernie Cohen and Landauer have responded. Private data
probably will be included in the FIPR database, but will be
separately evaluated due to data consistency issues.
E. State Measurement Capability: A State lab exists principally for
other radiation issues (water, pre- and post-mining power
plants), but is not yet geared to analyze radon. State uses
commercial vendors.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: Previously completed (circa February
1987) a three-house demonstration project on new home
construction using reclaimed phosphate land donated by U.S.
Steel.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c: State/EPA Sponsored: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Provided on request.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unknown but some are underway. Not
currently organized to track information (current focus is on new
homes). Estimates between 10 and 100 homes privately mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: State officials attended an EPA training
course held in Atlanta.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: See D.b. Mitigation training was
conducted in March 1987. About 70 attended, mostly local
government personnel. Five State government officials have
attended at least one training session.
-6-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
4. Health Risk Studies: DHRS is reviewing radon in water data and is
comparing all radon data to cancer statistics, but no epidemiologic
study regarding indoor radon has been conducted. The State
maintains a cancer registry containing demographic information but no
radon measurement or house data.
Geology/Land Evaluation: No indoor radon-specific work. However,
for about a year the State has operated a program to measure radon
flux and radium in soils for pre- and post-mining conditions. Radon
in water work is just getting started. State has measured gross alpha
and Ra-226, Ra-228, and sometimes uranium in 50 private wells in each
of 67 counties. Results support existing knowledge base regarding
distribution of radiation. All major Florida universities have related
research in progress.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Distributed 50,000 copies.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Distributed 30,000 copies.
c. "Technical Guidance": Distributed 1,500 copies.
B. State Developed Materials: Developed a Radon Fact Sheet (four
years old; updated periodically; almost 500 distributed). FIPR
has also developed a brochure (developed one year ago; few
sent).
-7-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Florida
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: Have discussed an 800 number, but do not yet
have one.
b. Number of Calls: ORC receives about four to five calls a
day (Tallahassee office). Orlando office receives about
seven to 10 calls a day. Most callers only request
information.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: EPA's RMP is used as a basis
for a State list; however, all Florida vendors (whether or not in
RMP) are added to the list on a separate page if they identify
themselves to the State. Companies are not recommended. The
homeowner can readily determine whether the vendor participated
in RMP.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: A State list based on vendor
information is distributed. Companies are not recommended by
the State.
-8-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Georgia
Richard Schreiber
Title: Environmental Specialist
Environmental Radiation Program
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Address: Floyd Towers East 1166
205 Butler Street
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone:
(404) 656-6905
Contact Dates: 5 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Department of Natural
Resources has taken the lead in dealing with radon issues in
the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Department of Human Resources would be responsible for any
considerations concerning health aspects of radon.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Georgia
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific radon
policies have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: None.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One fulltime equivalent
employee is working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provide advice and EPA pamphlets on
request.
b. Resources: No financial assistance is provided.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: 88 homes in 30 counties (mostly in the
Atlanta area) were measured with charcoal canisters during
the winter of 1986-1987. 3.4 percent of the homes were
between 20 and 200 pCi/l; 18.2 percent were between H and
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Georgia
20 pCi/l, and 7.8 percent were less than H pCi/l. Follow-up
measurements during the summer of 1987 are planned for the
same houses.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: For those concerned with the level of
their readings, a follow-up test is recommended and,
subsequently, multiple tests throughout the home and a long-term
alpha track measurement are recommended. An interpretation of
the relative health aspects of their reading, based on their
particular length of exposure and occupancy percentages, is
offered based on "A Citizen's Guide" and other EPA radon
documents.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: A personal computer database has been set
up for the State sponsored Atlanta measurements survey
conducted in winter 1986.
b. Access to Data: Data is released by zip code and county
only. It is expected that the data can be held confidential
as health data.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Will not be included in
database; however, data is collected.
E. State Measurement Capability: A mobile lab is currently being
used to evaluate charcoal canisters from survey. There is also
an Environmental Radiation Lab at Georgia Tech which could be
used for radon analyses.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Georgia
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Will provide advice over
phone and send any technical data available. Might visit
site, but will not measure.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No reliable data available, but believe that
no mitigation efforts have taken place in the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State government official attended one
EPA training course in Alabama and another course in
Atlanta.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: One additional State government
official and some private contractors attended the three-day
training course in Atlanta.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Georgia
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Approximately 300 distributed on
request.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Less than 100 sent on request.
c. "Technical Guidance": Has not been sent out.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: State receiving an average of about 40
calls a month on radon.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Portion of EPA RMP list
consisting of companies operating in regional area is sent.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
F. Other: A non-profit agency has been formed in the State whose
goal is to raise public awareness about radon, especially in
schools and other public buildings.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Hawaii
Contact: Thomas M. Anamizu
Title: Chief, Noise and Radiation Branch
Environmental Protection and Health Services Division
Agency: Department of Health
Address: 591 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 548-4383
Contact Date: 4 June 1987
1 • Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Department of Health is the
lead agency in State answering public inquiries.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Hawaii
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Would like to take a survey of islands to
confirm their belief that there is not a problem in Hawaii due to
the geological makeup of the soil (volcanic ash).
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. Have
requested funding but were turned down by the Department
of Budget and Finance and not included in the
Administration Budget.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: None. Very little activity.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: Have one report from Terradex.
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Hawaii
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation in State
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: Geological formation of soil does not indicate
the potential for radon.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Five or less distributed to
homeowners.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Five or less distributed to
homeowners.
B. State Developed Materials: Rely on EPA pamphlets.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None. Two personnel can handle calls, however.
b. Number of Calls: Less than 10 calls in several months.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: No referrals as yet. Would
distribute EPA RMP if requested.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-3-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact A:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates
Contact B:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Idaho
Mark Torf
Manager
Compliance Section
Hazardous Materials Bureau
Division of Environment
Department of Health and Welfare (DHW)
450 W. State Street
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 334-5879
28 May 1987
23 June 1987
Mike McSorley
Energy Resource Specialist
Bureau of Energy Resources
Department of Water Resources (DWR)
450 W. State Street
Boise, ID 83720
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
Phone: (208) 334-3800
Contact Date: 22 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Two agencies share the lead.
The Division of Environment of the Idaho DHW is the lead
agency for distributing information concerning radon to State
and local health offices. Their major role is in helping
homeowners understand what radon is and how to assess the
extent of their problem. Questions regarding mitigation,
testing, and interpretation of results are referred to DWR.
The Bureau of Energy in DWR is the lead agency for
mitigation and testing. DWR provides public information and
handles the majority of public inquiries concerning radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: State Health
Officer is performing an epidemiologic study on radon.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: Governor
requested an Ad Hoc Committee be formed on radon (circa
October 1985) comprised of representatives from DWR,
Division of Environment (DHW), Division of Health (DHW),
district health departments, Governor's Office, the State lab,
and the regional EPA office. Dr. Fritz Dixon, State Health
Officer, is the chair of the Task Force.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Objective of DHVV was to screen
approximately 1,070 homes throughout the State for maximum
indoor levels of radon. Current objective is to disseminate
information and answer homeowner questions on radon. Coal of
DVVR is to set up a series of seminars and training courses for
mitigation contractors, using EPA course format.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. No
funds are requested or anticipated for next year by DHW.
The Division of Environment (DHW) obtained funding for
their State survey of 1,000 homes through the Idaho Cancer
Coordinating Committee (a private company funded through a
cigarette tax which produces studies of cancer).
DWR is working on a budget request for about $15,000 to
conduct seminars and disseminate information.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Two DHW staff
professionals and several secretaries answer calls and
provide information on radon. Estimates one-half to
three-quarters fulltime equivalent employee over the past
year (answering phone calls, advising district health offices,
assimilating data). Expecting to spend one-twenty fifth
fulltime equivalent employee on radon in FY 88.
DVVR has provided approximately one-tenth fulltime equivalent
employee on radon in the past year and has requested
one-tenth fulltime equivalent employee in the proposed
budget.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provide technical information and
distribute EPA documents to district health offices.
b. Resources: No financial assistance is provided.
2. Measurement;
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: During the winters of 1986-1987 and
1985-1986, the State sponsored a survey of over 1,000
homes, approximately 20 per county, to determine "hot
spots" in the State. Four to five counties showed elevated
levels. Average screening measurements range from 2.5 to 8
pCi/l. Spent about $24,000 for survey ($27,000 allocated).
c. Other: Bonneville Power Authority (BPA) performs
measurements for homes (about 600-900) participating in
their weatherization program and new residential programs.
They send their results to the Division of Environment for
entry into computer. BPA is a good source of data on the
correlation between weatherproofing of the home and radon
levels.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: DHW enters data into database as it is
received. Database includes canister number, type of test,
township range, test results, characteristics of home (date
of construction, ventilation, construction of understructure,
etc).
b. Access to Data: DHW manages database. Data is
confidential.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Some private companies have
sent reports of results from measurements. Private data has
been included in database in prior years. Have not added
current information yet.
E. State Measurement Capability: DWR has one Pylon monitor for
grab sampling. Also has a passive radon monitor.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: McSorley is aware of four homes that have
completed mitigation. Estimates fewer than 10 homes privately
mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: DWR will provide training to engineers,
architects, contractors, etc., if funding for the program
becomes available.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
b. EPA Sponsored: Two officials from Division of Environment
(DHW) and one from DWR attended EPA/BPA sponsored
training session (fall 1986).
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: Epidemiology Division is conducting a study of
health effects of radon. The study will focus on lung cancer patients
and their living environments, using an existing cancer registry.
Contact Dr. Fritz Dixon, State Health Officer, for more information,
(208) 334-5932.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Distributed 500-700 of each EPA pamphlet to homeowners,
civic groups, and district health offices. Distributed about
100 of each pamphlet to homeowners.
b. "Technical Guidance": None distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: DWR is in the process of developing
an information sheet. Information will include 1) results of DOH
1,000 home study, 2) general information on radon, 3) result of
DWR study of radon and air-tightness, 4) simple mitigation
methods, and 5) list of firms doing radon testing in the State.
-6-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Idaho
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None. Homeowners should contact DWR at (208)
334-3800.
b. Number of Calls: From October 1986 to April 1987, DHW
received about 15 to 20 calls a week (period during which
the State provided measurement devices). Now DHW receives
about two calls a week. DWR now receives about 15 to 20
calls a week (taking over for DHW).
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Developed a list extracted from EPA's RMP.
Only covers companies in the region.
b. Distribute RMP: See above.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No List.
b. Method of Referral: No referrals. McSorley provides con-
sultation on possible steps. Discusses homeowner results,
follow-up procedures, and may do a site visit.
-7-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Illinois
Contact:
Title:
Phone:
John Cooper
Manager
Office of Environmental Safety
Agency: Department of Nuclear Safety
Address: 1035 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 785-9936
Contact Dates: 28 May 1987
15 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency (s) and Role: The Department of Nuclear
Safety has taken the lead in dealing with radon issues in the
State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Under
proposed legislation, the Department of Public Health would
be performing epidemiological studies* and the State Geologic
Survey would be performing land evaluation.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Illinois
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A radon task
force was set up by the governor in 1986 consisting of the
directors of the Department of Nuclear Safety, Department of
Public Health, State Environmental Protection Agency, and
Department of Energy and Natural Resources. The task
force issued a final report in October 1986 which recommend-
ed that 1) the State perform a screening study, 2) the State
investigate certification of measurement and mitigation com-
panies, 3) an analysis of State geology be performed to
identify potential problem areas, and 4) the Department of
Health perform epidemiological studies concerning the health
risk of radon exposure.
The Illinois Society of Registered Architects will be creating
an advisory group of architects and engineers to review and
offer advice on radon activities in the State, especially those
dealing with mitigation.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: See 1.A.C.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
Proposed legislation would provide $200,000 in FY 88:
$50,000 to Geologic Survey for land evaluation, $20,000 to
the Health Department for epidemiological studies, and
$130,000 to the Department of Nuclear Safety for screening
measurements and certification investigations.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Three and one-quarter
fulltime equivalent employees are working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Illinois
b. Proposed: See C. above. Proposed legislation addresses
screening measurements and certification. The proposal
generally follows the task force recommendations. See also
I.A.c.
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provide documentation for redistribu-
tion, for State screening survey, supplied county govern-
ment with detectors, gave training; counties place and
recover detectors, fill in questionnaire.
b. Resources: No funds are provided.
2. Measurement;
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: 3,500-4,000 home test underway using
alpha track detectors exposed one month during cold weath-
er. 2,000 completed, with approximately 25 percent of the
basement results between 4 and 20 pCi/l, and five to eight
percent above 20 pCi/l. First floor test results have been
markedly lower, with only five to six percent greater than 4
pC5/l. Results seem to be largely uniform across the 25 of
102 counties tested thus far. Completion of the screening
survey throughout all Illinois counties is expected this
winter. Have also made commitment to perform a survey of
schools in Illinois. Only a few have been tested thus far.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Illinois
c. Other: A 1986 test of 200 homes in the greater Chicago area
was sponsored by a TV station and other groups.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Visit sites with measurements greater
than 20 pCi/l to re-measure with working level monitors and grab
samplers. Have visited about 20 homes to date. Have also
visited homes and tested at request of homeowners after mitigation
was performed.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: A database has been set up on a personal
computer to hold addresses, type of measurement, results,
follow-up results, and questionnaire data.
b. Access to Data: The data will be held confidential. Only
summary statistics will be released.
c. Use of Private Company Data: This data is collected and
will be included in database if information is in enough
detail.
E. State Measurement Capability: The State is on the EPA RMP list
for working level monitors and grab samplers.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: Will provide EPA "Technical
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Illinois
Guidance" for detached houses and advice over phone. V/ill also
provide onsite consultation and advice if the site is visited as
part of measurement follow-up.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No data available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: State official attended an EPA training
course.
4. Health Risk Studies: The State Department of Health started a cancer
registry, which includes lung cancers, about two years ago.
Information specific to indoor radon exposure is not included.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": More
than 18,000 copies of each pamphlet have been sent to local
governments and libraries (8,000) for redistribution.
b. "Technical Guidance": Approximately 300 have been sent
out.
B. State Developed Materials: No State information has been sent
since receiving the two EPA brochures.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Illinois
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 225-1245 (answered by fulltime person).
b. Number of Calls: Mailed more than 3,000 brochures as a
result of hot line calls. Exact number of calls unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Full EPA RMP list is sent out.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
F. Other: State conducted a two-day $18,000 environmental radiation
course in March 1987, one day of which was devoted to radon
issues. 12 contractors and approximately 400 governmental
officials from Illinois and neighboring States attended.
In total, approximately 1,000 Illinois State and local government
officials have attended some type of radon course.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Date;
Indiana
Hal Stocks
Chief
Radiological Health Section
State Board of Health (SBH)
1330 West Michigan Street
Box 1964
Indianapolis, IN 45206
(317) 633-0152
26 May 1987
1. Program Development S Administration;
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The SBH is the lead agency
dealing with radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: State
Commerce Department has investigated the possibility of
creating a radon task force, however, no action has been
taken.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Indiana
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: An in-house (SBH) document is being
prepared which will be sent to the Health Commissioner
concerning general objectives in dealing with radon.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. Funds
are taken from general Health Department appropriations.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Approximately two and
one-half fulltime equivalent employees are working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Distributed some detectors to county
governments and also information on how to place them.
Small number of detectors sent to about 60 of the 92
counties.
b. Resources: No funding provided.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program.
b. State Sponsored: State has purchased several thousand
alpha track and charcoal detectors for distribution
throughout State. Distribution is not statistically random.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Indiana
c. Locally Sponsored: Marian County has purchased detectors
which it is providing at a subsidized cost to county
homeowners. It is expected that the data will be made
available for use in the State computer database.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: Homeowner can request to be
put on list for free State distributed detector.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: If survey measurements are greater
than 50 pCi/l, State personnel will visit site and offer advice.
There have been only three measurements greater than 50 pCi/l
thus far. For any readings greater than 10 pCi/l, a follow-up
alpha track detector is supplied to conduct a long-term test.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: A personal computer database is being
maintained with approximately 1,000 measurements from the
State detector program thus far.
b. Access to Data: Only information by county and zip code
will be released.
c. Use of Private Company Data: This type of data is not in
the database and is not expected to be included.
E. State Measurement Capability: SBH has equipment to do radon
testing.
3. Mitigation
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
—3—
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Indiana
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: All documents in SBH
concerning radon can be reviewed at the State offices.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No information available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Four or five State officials attended an EPA
training course held in Chicago.
Health Risk Studies: A State epidemiologist (M.D., Ph.D.) is
studying the radon survey results.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": More
than 2,000 of each have been sent.
b. "Technical Guidance": About 300 have been sent to
homeowners at their request.
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Indiana
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: A radon brochure similar to "A
Citizen's Guide" with more detail is currently near
completion.
b. Number Distributed: None thus far.
c. Distribution: Will be sent to homeowners.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Only primary companies are
included on the list sent out to homeowners.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Iowa
Contact A: Rick Welke (primary contact)
Title: Radiological Health Specialist
Bureau of Environmental Health (BEH)
Contact B: Donald A. Plater
Title: Supervisor
Radiological Health Section (RHS)
Bureau of Environmental Health
Contact C:
John A. Eure
Title: Chief
Bureau of Environmental Health
Agency: Department of Public Health (DPH)
Address: Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-3478 (RHS)
(515) 281-7781 (BEH)
Contact Dates: 28 May 1987
23 June 1987
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Iowa
1 • Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Bureau of Environmental
Health in DPH is the lead agency working on radon. The
agency's role has been to provide guidance to the public on
the risks of radon, how to test a home, and how to interpret
the test results.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties:
1. The Energy Conservation Section, Utilities Division in
the Department of Commerce (DOC) is using funds
provided by the Energy Office in the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) to study radon in homes and
how it is affected by home weatherization.
2. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Service has
grants to test several hundred homes. No idea of how
much money in grants.
3. Lynn and Scott Counties have worked with homeowners
to test homes and interpret the results.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: The Energy
Office in DNR formed a Radon Task Force which meets almost
once a month to coordinate ideas and exchange information.
The Task Force includes representatives from ISU, Iowa
Geological Survey, extension service of ISU, BEH and DNR
staff, and other knowledgeable persons working on radon.
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: The State views its
main role as educational and strives to provide assistance to
homeowners as best as it can.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Iowa
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: None. Using EPA
Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $123,000 from
Exxon oil overcharge litigation has been provided to DNR to
study radon in homes and how it is affected by
weatherization. DOC is performing the study.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: No specific funds assigned
to radon. Welke handles most of the specific, in-depth
radon inquiries; two other staff members handle some calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement;
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: DOC (Energy Conservation Section of
Utilities Division) has purchased 450 charcoal canisters to
monitor radon in 200 homes (100 weatherized and 100 control
homes). Will test homes before and after weatherization.
c. Locally Sponsored: Lynn and Scott Counties have been
assisting homeowners with testing equipment and information.
Scott County is testing several hundred homes.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Iowa
d. Other: ISU Extension Service is conducting a radon survey
(900 charcoal canisters have been distributed).
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: BEH will perform a follow-up if
measurement is greater than 30 pCi/l. The State used a Radon
Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit (RPISU) on loan from EPA
between 1985 and 1987 to retest eight homes (two earthmounds).
One home had originally tested between 20 and 40 pCi/l, but all
other homes were originally less than 10 pCi/l. The eight RPISU
retests averaged about 0.02 WL (the highest was below 0.04 WL).
D. Data Management: No computer database. BEH keeps a list of
homes tested by the State with the RPISU. BEH has not yet
requested data from Scott or Lynn Counties.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None. The University Hygienic Laboratory performs
radiation analysis in Iowa City. State is using this lab
(which serves as the State public health lab, but is not part
of DPH) for radon tests in water. The lab could gear-up
for radon in air analysis if funding were available.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have a RPISU on loan
periodically from EPA. Was used between 1985 and 1987.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Iowa
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: BEH will discuss
homeowner test results and provide information on next steps
(follow-up, mitigation, etc.).
C. Mitigation Statistics: None.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Two officials from BEH, two officials from
local health offices, and one from the University Hygienic
Lab attended an EPA training course.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
150-200 sent to homeowners on request. EPA sent about 500
of each to the State.
b. "Technical Guidance": Have sent or given out about six
copies. Do not send usually.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Iowa
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: BEH received 12 calls a day for about one
week when there was increased news coverage. Now receive
an average of about six calls a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No State list.
b. Distribute RMP: Will send EPA RMP upon request.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No companies in Iowa. Welke has
suggested the contractor who instructed the EPA course in
Kansas City. Haven't had many requests.
F. Other: ISU will provide a course on radon, including mitigation
procedures and diagnosis, on October 22-23, 1987. BEH will
provide list of attendees to homeowners.
Eure presented a paper on radon to the State Environment Health
Organization. The paper addressed radon in homes, mitigation,
and how to handle public inquiries. Eure also presented a paper
to the Industrial Hygiene Association.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Kansas
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Harold Spiker
Chief
Environmental Surveillance and Emergency Planning
Bureau of Air Quality and Radiation Control
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (DHE)
Forbes Field Building 740
Topeka, KS 66620
Phone:
(913) 296-1561
Contact Dates: 29 May 1987
22 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: DHE is the lead agency coordinating
radon activity.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c.
Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: There is a
newly formed Radon Advisory Committee to the Secretary of
Health and Environment formed by legislative action (HCR
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
5007). The Committee consists of health officials, building
association representatives, university professors, and other
knowledgeable persons concerned with radon. Dr. Doull of
the University of Kansas Medical Center is Chairperson of
the committee. The first meeting was June 10, 1987.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Radon strategy
falls under general public health objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None. Using EPA
Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Used about one fulltime
equivalent employee over the past year. Four employees
share answering phone inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Legislature recently formed a Radon Advisory
Committee under the direction of the Secretary of Health and
Environment (House Concurrent Resolution 5007, April 4,
1987). Committee includes members of the scientific,
academic, and health communities, builders, contractors, and
government officials.
b. Proposed: House Bill 2079 introduced January 22, 1987 to
require certification by the State of measurement, mitigation,
and consulting companies. The Bill requires certification of
these companies by the Department of Health and
Environment.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Working informally with county health
officials to provide information and advice. Distributing
pamphlets to local health departments.
b. Resources: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: The State is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 2,700 home charcoal
canister survey is underway which will be finished in winter
of 1987-1988.
Another EPA/State sponsored study of 11 homes and 10
public buildings took place in August 1985. Survey concen-
trated in Cherokee County/City of Galena. Only one home
measured above 4 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: In October 1987, the State bought 250
charcoal canisters and surveyed 100 homes (homeowners had
to request test) throughout the State (most homes were in
the eastern part of the State). Highest level was 19 pCi/l.
Average was 5.6 pCi/l for basement measurements, 3.8 pCi/l
for first level of building or home.
c. Locally Sponsored: City of Wichita conducted a survey of
about 50 homes. Recent study (no results yet).
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
d. Other: Washburn University conducted a study in Shawnee
County of about 70 homes. Conducted over last winter
(1986-1987).
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: A limited number of homes in the
EPA/State survey with elevated levels (above 20 pCi/l) will be
retested. Only one follow-up is scheduled currently.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Will put existing data into a computer
database after DHE moves to new building.
b. Access to Data: Anonymous data recorded by zip code.
Maintains a listing of names and addresses of survey
participants. General State public health statutes allow for
confidentiality. Results will be released by zip code or
county.
c. Use of Private Company Data: University of Pittsburgh,
Terradex, and Airchek have sent data.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: DHE Radiation Division lab is capable of performing
radon analysis of charcoal canisters. Participating in EPA
RMP program. Performed analysis for Washburn University
study.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: State owns one working
level monitor-300 and two working level monitor-30s; three
personnel trained in use of equipment.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
c. Frequency of Use: 12 measurements total. The equipment
was only recently purchased. Will be using more often for
follow-ups during the survey.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation. Estimates fewer
than 10 homes privately mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Three DHE officials attended EPA training
course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Kansas Geological Survey is looking at
geological formations and rock that typically release uranium or radium
into the soil.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": 1,500 copies sent upon request.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Will send only on request or if
homeowner has an interest in remediation. Less than 100
sent out.
c. "Technical Guidance": Sometimes send to contractors; only a
few copies on hand. A lot of requests from contractors and
new home builders.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Information packet for new home
builders.
b. Number Distributed: Six.
c. Distribution: Contractors involved in building new homes.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: One to 50 calls a week, depending on
media coverage.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: In the process of development.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute the section of the report specific
to Kansas. Distributed between 500 and 1,000 copies.
-6-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kansas
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: In the process of development.
b. Method of Referral: No inquiries on mitigation companies
No referrals.
— 7—
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Kentucky
Donald Hughes
Manager
Radiation Control Branch
Division of Radiation and Product Safety
Department of Health Services
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-3700
1 June 1987
18 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Radiation Control Branch
handles all radon issues in the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The State
Geologic Survey is coordinating survey house locations,
which are put on a topographic map, and is making an
overlay map with geologic information.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kentucky
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
or goals have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Less than one fulltime
equivalent employee currently works on radon, but 13
employees worked fulltime on the EPA/State survey during
detector deployment.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Supplied counties with EPA brochures
("A Citizen's Guide," "Radon Reduction Methods") and the
RMP list.
b. Resources: No funding provided.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Kentucky is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 900 home charcoal canister
survey is underway.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kentucky
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: In winter 1986, a private hospital
organization gave out approximately 500 canisters in Bowling
Green on a first come-first served basis.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: In the 4 to 20 pCi/l range, suggest
retest using alpha track over a longer period of time.
Measurements above 20 pCi/l are handled on a case-by-case basis.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer database using EPA/State survey
data only is expected to be created by fall 1987.
b. Access to Data: Data will be released on a summary statistic
basis only.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Have collected some data, but
not routinely. Will not put this data in the computer
database since it is not part of a well-designed statistical
survey.
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation;
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None,
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kentucky
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Advice over phone or,
preferably, office consultation.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No data available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State official attended an EPA
training course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Have received calls from interested
contractors, but have not formed definite plans about
holding a course.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: Kentucky Geologic Survey is reviewing
survey results against detailed geologic map covering entire State
created in conjunction with USGS.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": About 2,000 copies have been sent to
survey participants and to homeowners upon request.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Approximately 500 have been
sent on request.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Kentucky
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Complete RMP list is sent out
by State to 150 county and district health departments. Rarely
sent directly to homeowner (homeowners are referred to county or
district health departments).
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Louisiana
Contact: William H. Spell
Title: Administrator, Nuclear Energy Division (NED)
Office of Air Quality and Nuclear Energy (OAQNE)
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Address: P.O. Box 14690
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4690
Phone:
(504) 925-4518
Contact Dates: 2 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DEQ is the lead agency in the
State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Department of Health and Human Resources may be looking
into radon. Not aware of their activities.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Louisiana
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: NED is relying on general public health
objectives to guide its radon policy. Its policy is only to answer
questions and provide information when requested. There
appears to be little public interest in radon and little public
concern. Using EPA Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: No funds or
personnel appropriated now. $3,000 budgeted for a very
limited study in FY 88, with the possibility of matching
funds from the medical community.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: About one-tenth or less
fulltime equivalent employee on radon at present. One or
two employees answer phone inquiries.
There may be some funds for hazardous waste cleanup that
could be directed to radon if a serious need is found. Do
not have the data or findings to prove a problem yet.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: .Will not apply to EPA's State Radon
Survey Program at present because EPA's survey method is
labor-intensive. NED has been understaffed and working on
issues of higher priority.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Louisiana
b. State Sponsored: No activity except proposed study for
FY 88.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None. No requests for this service.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: No. Limited collection of measurement
results kept in files.
b. Use of Private Company Data: Terradex and University of
Pittsburgh have sent about 25 results of homeowner testing.
Only one sample above 4 pCi/l (4.1 pCi/l). All others
averaged about 1.8 pCi/l.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Lab facilities are not capable of handling analysis of
radon. May gear-up under budget request if it is
economically efficient and feasible.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: No activity other than
limited suggestions on "next steps" over the telephone.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Louisiana
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation projects that are
being performed.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: NED put on a seminar for NED staff (about
15 people).
b. EPA Sponsored: One NED official attended EPA training
course in the spring of 1987 in Kansas City.
4. Health Risk Studies: None by NED.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None by NED.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": About
25 of each pamphlet have been sent to homeowners on
request. EPA sent 100-200 copies of each to the State for
distribution.
b. "Technical Guidance": Not routinely distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Only one to three calls a week.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Louisiana
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Have a list of companies prepared from RMP
report. Send to homeowners upon request. About 10 or 15
sent.
b. Distribute RMP: Do not distribute entire RMP.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No referrals requested by
homeowners yet. Will send out "Radon Reduction Methods" on
request.
—5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Maine
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates
Eugene Moreau
Manager
Occupational and Residential Health Program
Division of Health Engineering
Department of Human Services
State House Station #10
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 289-3826
18 May 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Lead agency is Division of Health
Engineering, which is within the Department of Human
Services.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Maine Public
Health Lab performs analysis of State-provided radon detec-
tors. Division of Disease Control considers health aspects.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maine
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: The Maine
Study Commission on Radon was recently established. The
proposed 13-member commission would consist of legislative,
academic, State government, municipal government, and
private industry (real estate, construction, labor and a
physician) members. The Commission is charged to
undertake a comprehensive study of the problems associated
with radon and to submit a report together with any
recommendations requiring legislative action to the Maine
legislature no later than January 15, 1988.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: A radon protocol document has been
prepared by the Division of Health Engineering including a de-
scription of the problem and action levels for radon in air and
water and also gross alpha readings in water.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One and one-half fulltime
equivalent employees are working on the radon program, and
approximately two fulltime equivalent employees are working
analyzing radon testing devices in the Maine Public Health
Laboratory.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Radon Commission legislation (see I.A.c. above)
was passed recently (Bill LD1023).
b. Proposed: Several legislative bills were considered during
the last session but only the Radon Commission legislation
passed. Proposed legislation included legislation authorizing
the State to measure and evaluate radon levels in public and
private schools (Bill LD563). Real estate transfer legislation
was also proposed, but not passed.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maine
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Advice on request, informal training
b. Resources: No funds supplied.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: Through "at cost" testing program, 1,260
air tests and 4,560 water tests have been recorded. Of the
air tests, 63 percent are less than 4 pCi/l, 32 percent are
between 4 and 20, and five percent are greater than 20.
Also beginning in summer 1987, a survey in cooperation with
the University of Maine will be conducted of daughter
products on charcoal water treatment devices.
c. Other: An air survey will be conducted in several towns
using charcoal packs sponsored by a grass-roots organization
called Citizens Against Nuclear Trash (C.A.N.T.). 60
measurements were recently completed in one community.
Other C.A.N.T. sponsored surveys are planned during Fall
1987.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: Detectors are provided at cost
to homeowners, $18 for an air test and $22 for a water test. The
Maine Public Health Laboratory analyzes the charcoal canisters.
—3 —
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maine
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Interpretation is offered over the
phone. Retests are generally recommended according to EPA
guidelines. "Radon Reduction Methods" is sent if the air reading
is above 4 pCi/l.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Data is stored in a personal computer
database program. Data is stored by name; address;
measurement location; screening or follow-up; water, air, or
gross alpha; house structure; etc.
b. Access to Data: Only summary statistics are being released.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Currently, University of
Pittsburgh, Air Chek, and Terradex information is being
received and entered into the computer database.
E. State Measurement Capability: Two fulltime equivalent employees
analyzing air and water radon test devices in the Maine Public
Health Laboratory. Also a Pylon unit is being used by the State.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: No air mitigation projects. However,
diagnostic projects pertaining to soil and water radon have
included recommendations for corrective action and
follow-through. Projects performed are based on extreme
potential health risk and available State resources.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maine
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Will provide technical
assistance over phone. Will visit home if air reading is
greater than 50-60 pCi/l.
C. Mitigation Statistics: More than 12 private air mitigations, and
more than 40 water mitigations are known to have taken place.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State official attended an EPA training
course given in Massachusetts.
c. Other: Terry Brennan and Bill Turner presented an
abbreviated course funded by the Maine Division of Energy
Resources and Maine Lung Association. This program was
co-sponsored by the Division of Health Engineering.
Health Risk Studies: University of Maine, Department of Human Ser-
vices, and the Maine Medical Center are jointly conducting a study
to investigate the health effects of radon.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Spot checking of gamma and alpha outside
air readings is being performed. Maine also developed (in the 1970s)
a highly detailed bedrock geologic map.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Approximately 10,000 copies have been
sent to homeowners on request.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maine
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Approximately 6,000 copies
have been sent out upon request or after "at-cost" tests.
c. "Technical Guidance": Have given copies to housing
contractors at their request. About 40 total have been sent.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Two brochures dealing with radon in
water were prepared by the Land and Water Resources
Center, University of Maine, at the request of the Division
of Health Engineering.
b. Number Distributed: Approximately 10,000 total sent.
c. Distribution: Homeowners.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Currently averaging about 300 calls a
month on radon.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Offer at-cost testing with Maine Public Health
Laboratory for air and water analysis in lieu of a special
State list.
b. Distribute RMP: A list of RMP-qualified companies who
service Maine is provided upon request.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: Four companies are on an informal
list for water radon mitigation based on personal knowledge of
individual company qualifications. One company is presently on a
list of air mitigation companies; the company has completed an
EPA training course.
-6-
-------
State:
Contact:
Title:
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Maryland
Dick Brisson
Public Health Radiation Specialist
Division of Radiation Control
Agency: Department of the Environment
Address: 201 West Preston Street, 7th floor mail room
Baltimore, MD 21201
(301) 333-3130
Contact Dates: 27 April 1987
15 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Division of Radiation Control
within the Department of the Environment handles all aspects
of radon program.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties:
Geologic Survey is reviewing measurement results.
State
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maryland
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A radon task
force has been created by the legislature with members from
academia, legislature, private industry, and homeowners.
Task force is to determine extent of problem in Maryland and
to recommend a course of action.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific radon
policies have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: Coals are expected
from task force report due in 1988.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. All
money taken from Radiation Control budget.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Two fulltime equivalent
employees are assigned to radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: House Joint Resolution No. 24 passed to create
task force (see above), also to conduct a comprehensive
radon survey throughout the State.
b. Proposed: All other legislation including certification has
failed. Those proposed included: 1) one company cannot
both measure and mitigate, 2) all test results must be
reported to the State, 3) radon test conducted before
transfer of real property, 4) certification of measurement
and mitigation companies, and 5) the EPA RMP list would be
used as the list of certified measurement companies.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maryland
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Publication given to counties monthly,
listing radon test results by zip code as they are voluntarily
provided by Maryland homeowners. Also, training was
provided to local official involved in the EPA sponsored
mitigation project work.
b. Resources: No funding provided.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: None yet. State sponsored survey
covering all areas of the State expected to result from
legislative resolution creating radon task force.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Visited about 100 homes in last year
which had reported radon readings greater than 20 pCi/l.
Confirmed readings, checked water, and discussed mitigation
actions with homeowners. Threshold screening test for future
visits is expected to be 50 pCi/l, but will vary depending on the
resources available.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer database is long-range goal.
b. Access to Data: Level of detail contained in database has
not yet been formulated.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maryland
c. Use of Private Company Data: Collected and filed.
E. State Measurement Capability: Lab is used to analyze charcoal
canisters exposed during onsite visits. There are no working
level monitors or grab samplers.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Joint mitigation project of 15-20 homes with
EPA/ORD is underway. Hope to extend to a total of 35
homes.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: See follow-up program
at 2.C.
C. Mitigation Statistics: The State knows of at least 24 private
mitigations being performed in the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Three State officials attended an EPA
training course.
-u-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maryland
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Three-day cooperative program with
Virginia and Delaware conducted in April 1986. Three local
government officials and some private contractors attended.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Measurement results submitted by
homeowners are being reviewed by Maryland geological survey group.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Over
16,000 copies have been sent upon request.
b. "Technical Guidance": Over 100 have been sent to
homeowners upon request.
B. State Developed Materials: Discontinued after publication of EPA
brochures.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 872-3666. Answered by a person.
b. Number of Calls: Averages 1,100 a month.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Maryland
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Extract of RMP list is sent out
consisting of all alpha track testers and charcoal canister testers
from Maryland and contiguous States.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: Contractors must request to be
placed on referral list. Currently there are six on the list. List
is given out over phone only.
F. Other: Mitigation material vendors — have created a list for
homeowners to use to help them locate vendors who sell materials
used in radon mitigation.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Massachusetts
Contact: Robert M. Hallisey
Title: Director
Radiation Control Program (RCP)
Agency: Department of Public Health (DPH)
Address: 150 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 727-6214
Contact Dates: 29 May 1987
22 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: RCP is the lead agency in the
State coordinating radon activities.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: RCP is
assisting the Department of Environmental Quality
Engineering (DEQE) in sampling some deep well water
supplies. Providing technical information. RCP is analyzing
the results of DEQE's findings.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Massachusetts
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Relying on general public health
objectives. Coal is to educate public on radon issues, assist
DEQE in water sampling. Using EPA Action Levels.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One professional and
one-half secretarial fulltime equivalent employee over the
past year were devoted to radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: None. However, a legislative Commission on
Indoor Air Pollution was formed to study radon and related
issues under Chapter 10 of the Massachusetts Resolves of
1986. The Commission provided two public forums with
experts on a question/answer panel. Senator Carol Amick
and Rep. Patricia Walrath co-chair the commission.
b. Proposed: None.
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Distributed radon fact sheets to health
departments of 351 towns in Massachusetts and provided
technical guidance for a community planning a local survey.
b. Resources: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Massachusetts
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: Towns of Beverly and Brookline plan to
survey a small number of homes.
d. Other: Local Boston TV Channel 7 sampled 200 homes from
November 1986 - February 1987. No more than 25 percent
had screening measurements above 4 pCi/l. Could be as low
as 1U percent above 4 pCi/l.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Will perform RPISU follow-up on homes
with levels above 20 pCi/l.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Keep all data collected by public and private
sources (about 3,000 test results) on a personal computer.
b. Access to Data: One fulltime person is analyzing data for
indications of trends, hot spots, potential areas of concern.
Data from private companies is by zip code only.
c. Use of Private Company Data: State gets reports from all
companies on its vendor list that are providing services to
homes in State; anonymous data by zip code.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Massachusetts
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: University of Lowell has lab capabilities. No State
labs used.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: State has three Radon
Progeny Integrating Sampling Units (RPISUs) on loan from
EPA and also has grab sampling capability. 24 alpha track
detectors and 48 charcoal canisters have been purchased by
the State.
c. Frequency of Use: As needed for follow-ups. Have made
about 30 installations to date.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Mitigation statistics are not collected.
Estimates 10 to 50 homes mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Two DPH officials and one DEQE official
attended an EPA training session.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Massachusetts
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Reprinted over 20,000 copies ($460 for
2,500) copies. Channel 7 distributed about 12,000. Distri-
bute to homeowners upon request.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Will give only to those with
elevated levels above 20 pCi/l which DPH confirms with a
follow-up. If levels are 4-20 pCi/l, DPH will suggest
long-term follow-up measurement.
B. State Developed Materials: Radon Fact Sheet distributed to
homeowners. Over 10,000 distributed. Hallisey wrote a ques-
tion/answer column for the Health Agents newsletter on radon.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Up to 300 calls a day after media
presentations. 50-100 calls on average a week. About two
people from RCP handle calls.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Developed list by writing to people in measure-
ment industry. Companies must be EPA approved and
submit measurement results to State.
b. Distribute RMP: Do not send at all.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Michigan
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: There is an
Indoor Radon Subcommittee under the Radiation Advisory
Board (in DPH) consisting of four members (one university
professor, two health physics consultants, and one industrial
hygiene company employee). There will also be, within the
next few months, a task force set up by DPH within the
Environmental Health Advisory Committee (within DPH) with
seven to eight members (one University of Michigan
professor and the rest government people) which will provide
philosophy and guidance concerning the radon issue, and
more clearly delineate responsibility between State and local
health departments.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: None.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: No formal goals
currently. May eventually be formulated by task force
under the Environmental Health Advisory Committee.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None. All
funds taken from radiation health program.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One and one-half fulltime
equivalent employees.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
F. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provide EPA documents for dis-
tribution.
b. Resources: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates
Michigan
Robert DeHaan
Chief, Environmental Monitoring Unit
Division of Radiological Health
Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health
Department of Public Health (DPH)
3500 North Logan Street
Box 30035
Lansing, Ml 48909
(517) 335-8193
22 May 1987
16 June 1987
Program Development & Administration:
A.
Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Division of Radiological
Health within Department of Public Health handles all radon
issues.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The Energy
Administration within Department of Commerce follows the
radon issue's impact on home weatherization.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Michigan
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Consultations over the
phone. EPA technical manual will be sent after consultation.
C. Mitigation Statistics: None available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Two State government officials and one
university person attended EPA training course held in
February in Chicago. No Michigan contractors attended.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Approximately 10,000 sent by State and local health agencies
at request of homeowners.
b. "Technical Guidance": Sent out after consultation with State
personnel; approximately 150 have been sent thus far.
B. State Developed Materials: One legislator has sent out a brochure
which is basically a combination of "A Citizen's Guide" and
"Radon Reduction Methods."
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Michigan
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Michigan is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 2,700 home charcoal
canister survey is underway. About 500 measurements have
been taken.
b. State Sponsored: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None. At one time, Washtenaw
County distributed testers at cost to residents.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: No program has yet been formulated.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: EPA/State survey results will be compu-
terized.
b. Access to Data: Accessible under FOIA but will be released
only by zip code.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Data is collected as available.
E. State Measurement Capability: State has recently acquired some
grab sampling equipment to test for radon decay products.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None,
-3-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Michigan
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: State is currently receiving approximately
100 calls a month, from a high during winter 1986 of 300-500
a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Part of EPA RMP list is sent,
consisting only of those who use alpha track and charcoal testers,
unless the full list is requested.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list.
b. Method of Referral: Names may be mentioned informally,
more generally the type of contractor to locate is stressed.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Minnesota
coordinating radon efforts. Essentially a shared effort by
several agencies and organizations.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: See below.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: Seven
agencies and organizations meet with DOH under an
informal task force agreement to advise DOH on development
of State information materials.
1. Department of Public Service (MN)
2. Pollution Control Agency (MN)
3. Geological Survey (MN)
4. Moorhead State University
5. University of Minnesota
6. St. John's University
7. American Lung Association
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy: Not yet formulated.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: Requested
and denied funds in three consecutive years.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Less than one fulltime
equivalent employee.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact A
Title:
Minnesota
Alice T. Dolezal-Hennigan
Chief
Radiation Control Section
Environmental Health Division
Contact B
Title:
Bruce Denney
Health Physicist
Radiation Control Section
Environmental Health Division
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Department of Health (DOH)
717 Delaware Street, SE
P.O. Box 9441
Minneapolis, MN 55440
(612) 623-5323
Contact Dates: 2 June 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The DOH is the lead agency
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Minnesota
(3) Moorhead University performed a study in
Moorhead/Fargo area. This study showed a range of
1.8 pCi/l to 15.8 pCi/l.
(4) Minnesota Power Company did a study in northern
Minnesota in September 1986. Range: 0.4-7.2 pCi/l.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: Information kept in files.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Have capability to perform analysis, although no
personnel available for radon analysis. Need a program to
provide funds.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: Four homes were retrofitted in a project by
the Department of Energy and Economic Development (now the
Department of Public Service).
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of statistics on mitigation.
Estimate fewer than 10 homes privately mitigated.
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Minnesota
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Two State officials attended an EPA
training course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: EPA conducted a study on radon in water in
the early 1980s. Minnesota Geological Survey may have conducted a
radon in water study.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": No distribution. Developing own
version.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": 4,000-5,000 distributed on
request.
c. "Technical Guidance": No.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: "Minnesota Homeowner's Guide to
Radon" is sent in lieu of "A Citizen's Guide." Very similar
to EPA pamphlet. Changed some of the wording in a few
sections, deleted the risk charts and graphs, and added MN
DOH name as the agency to contact for questions.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Minnesota
b. Number Distributed: About 4,000-5,000 on request.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: Two toll-free numbers where radon questions can
be answered: (800) 642-5864 - American Lung Association;
(800) 652-9747 - Department of Public Service (used
minimally; number not actively publicized).
b. Number of Calls: Most people call DOH directly. One
person handles a majority of phone calls (Bruce Denney).
Most calls are information inquiries. Several hundred phone
calls a day during media survey results coverage, 10 calls a
week otherwise.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Using an updated list of companies from EPA's
RMP.
b. Distribute RMP: Do not distribute unless requested.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list. Very few referrals. Unaware of
any companies in mitigation.
b. Method of Referral: Levels reported have been as high as
30 pCi/l. Refer homeowners to the "Minnesota Homeowner's
Guide" or EPA regional representative or members of the
other agencies.
-6-
-------
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Mississippi
Gregg Dempsey
Branch Director
Environmental Monitoring and Emergency Response
Division of Radiological Health
Department of Health (DOH)
3150 Lawson Street
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 354-6657
Contact Date: 28 April 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DOH is the lead agency working
on radon in the State. Very little activity.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Mississippi
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Using general
public health objectives in educating public about radon.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: No specific policies.
Simply answering homeowner questions and requests for
information. No active education program. Not much public
concern. Using EPA Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Trying to use as few
resources as possible. One or two people in the office are
capable of answering phone calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Other: Biloxi TV station sponsored testing of 240 homes in
the fall of 1986. Four homes had levels greater than 4 pCi/l
(4.3, 7, 7, 8).
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Mississippi
TVA also sponsored a study to look at 30 homes built with
potentially contaminated phosphate slag in 1985. Only one home
had levels greater than 4 pCi/l (5.97 pCi/l).
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: No computer. Information kept in files.
E. State Measurement Capability: No measurement or lab analysis
capability.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of mitigation in State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course: None.
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: DOH official attended an EPA training
course.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation; Reviewing prior State geological surveys of
soil content.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Mississippi
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods"
Fewer than 50 distributed upon request.
b. "Technical Guidance": None.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: One to two a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: None.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute in its entirety upon request.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-------
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Missouri
Kenneth V. Miller
Administrator
Bureau of Radiological Health (BRH)
Department of Health (DOH)
1730 East Elm Plaza
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(314) 751-6083 (X6088)
Contact Date: 27 May 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DOH is the lead agency assessing
whether there is a radon problem in the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and for Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Missouri
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: None.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None. Missouri is
still in the very early stages of developing a radon program.
Beginning to assess the potential for a problem in the State.
State does not believe there will be a significant problem.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: About three BRH staffers
handle phone calls. No idea of number of fulltime equivalent
employees.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program.
b. State Sponsored: Performed measurements of about 140
homes. No results or conclusions yet.
c. Other: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Missouri
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: Information is kept in files.
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation;
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Consultation and advice
over the phone.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation in State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Six BRH officials attended an EPA training
course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Missouri
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Unaware of number sent (less than 200). Sent to
homeowners who request information and to homes surveyed
by State.
b. "Technical Guidance": None distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Zero calls to 6-12 calls a week; depending
on news coverage.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute RMP in full.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list of referrals.
b. Method of Referral: Homeowners are encouraged to speak
with contractors. Very few calls regarding mitigation re-
ferrals.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Montana
Contact:
Title:
Larry Lloyd
Chief
Occupational Health Bureau (OHB)
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (DHES)
Address: Cogswell Building
Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
(406) 444-3671
Contact Dates: 29 May 1987
15 June 1987
1. Program Development 8 Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Occupational Health Bureau
(in DHES) handles radiological health and environmental
issues and is the lead agency handling radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Department of Natural Resources' Energy Office put alpha
track detectors in more than 100 homes that have
participated in their "energy-efficient home" program; no
further Energy Office activity.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Montana
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Completing screening in Helena Valley.
Trying to get an abatement program started.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One-fourth fulltime
equivalent employee devoted to radon for entire department.
Three employees answer phone inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives: Legislature meets biennially. No
prospective action for next two years.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Insufficient resources to participate
in EPA's State Radon Survey Program. Current study of
250 homes in Helena Valley (100 homes surveyed with
charcoal canisters supplied by EPA) indicates moderate to
fairly severe problem (74-90 pCi/l). There was also a joint
State-EPA study performed from 1979-1983 in the Butte area.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: City of Great Falls - 25 alpha track
detectors throughout city. No elevated measurements.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Montana
d. Other: National Park Service performed measurements in W.
Yellowstone, Gardnier, and W. Glacier. Found Park Service
buildings to have elevated levels. U.S. Forest Service
measured 200-300 structures.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: DHES/OHB provides evaluation
of homes and technical advice on mitigation as time and resources
permit.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: State performs follow-up measurements
in homes with levels of 20 PCi/l and higher. Recommends
long-term measurements to homeowners with levels above 4 pCi/l.
D. Data Management: Have a computer but no staff to handle data
input.
E. State Measurement Capability: A continuous radon monitor and
grab sampling kits are used for follow-up measurements. (Only a
few conducted to date.)
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: 15 homes mitigated in Montana with
DHES/OHB advice. Nine homes complete; $75-$300 to remediate.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Montana
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": 500 copies received from EPA sent out.
2,000 reprinted by Department of Natural Resources.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": 500 copies received from EPA
sent out. 2,000 reprinted by Department of Natural
Resources.
c. "Technical Guidance": Will send technical document only to
contractors and homeowners with abatement problems.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: At least six calls a day. 500 to 600 calls
in two months after extensive media coverage of Helena
Valley radon problem.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Recommend companies supplying charcoal
canisters and alpha track detectors. Will recommend
Landauer by name as it is the sole source for Track Etch
detectors.
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Montana
b. Distribute RMP: Send extract of EPA RMP report if
requested.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No companies in State performing
mitigation. Homeowners are encouraged to do the work on their
own under OHB direction (when time and resources permit).
-5-
-------
-------
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Nebraska
Harold Borchert
Director
Division of Radiological Health (RH)
Department of Health (DOH)
301 Centennial Mall, South
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2169
Contact Dates: 2 June 1987
17 June 1987
1 • Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DOH is the lead agency handling
radon in State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nebraska
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Enforcement of State regulations and rules
for certification of radon measurement and mitigation companies to
protect homeowners from unscrupulous firms. Will work to
educate Homebuilders Association, Board of Realtors, lending
institutions. Using EPA Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
However, under recent revisions to the Radiation Control Act
(RCA), DON can now assess fees on measurement and
mitigation companies wishing to be certified by the State.
Revisions to RCA require development of funded radon
program.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One-quarter fulltime
equivalent employee over last year spent on radon. Six
employees answer phone inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Revisions to the Radiation Control Act (Legislative
Bill 390) will call for the development of a radon program,
revision and strengthening of current certification
regulations, and a requirement for contractors to submit
copies of proposals to mitigate homes before mitigation
occurs. The bill was passed May 28, 1987, signed by the
governor May 29, 1987, and will be effective August 30,
1987.
b. Proposed: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nebraska
c. Regulations:
Register: Future rewrites to regulations and new rules
enforce the existing regulations.
wi
fees.
E.
Certify: Regulations already on the books requiring certifi-
cation of radiation measurement firms. DOH chose not to
enforce them. Developing new rules and regulations to
require certification and enforcement. Will be able to assess
£~~ _
Assistance to Local Governments: No financial assistance but
involve local health officials in EPA training (pay transport).
Distribute EPA information to district health offices.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Used EPA donated grab sampling kits
to survey 120 homes on volunteer basis in certain areas of
State. 50 percent exceeded 4 pCi/l. Highest was 40 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: TV station and local newspaper in
Omaha performed small surveys.
d. Other: Private consulting firm tested 10 to 15 homes in
Omaha. Homes belonged to employees. Results unknown.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nebraska
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: No. Have capability but keep data in files.
b. Access to Data: Keep a record of names, addresses, and
phone numbers for future study. Under the RCA, there is
language to maintain confidentiality and will prohibit the
disclosure of names.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: No facilities capable of radon analysis as yet.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have had EPA loaned
grab sampling kits.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Suggest a follow-up
test (year-long average) before mitigation. Suggest least
expensive remediation.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Aware of only one home mitigated.
Estimates less than 50 homes mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nebraska
b. EPA Sponsored: 12 State, local, county officials and one
university person attended EPA training course in March
1987.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Received second case of pamphlets for each document.
b. "Technical Guidance": No.
B. State Developed Materials: Developed an information sheet for
homeowners before "A Citizen's Guide" was available. Now only
distributing EPA pamphlets.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Five to 10 calls a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: 50-100 copies of EPA RMP list
distributed.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nebraska
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No referrals. Discuss results with
homeowner, would help evaluate contractor's proposal. New rules
and regulations will force contractor to submit copy of proposal to
DOH as well as homeowner (see I.D.a.).
-6-
-------
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Nevada
Stan Marshall
Supervisor
Radiological Health Section
Health Division
Department of Human Resources (DHR)
505 East King Street, Room 202
Carson City, NV 89710
(702) 885-5394
Contact Date: June 5, 1987
Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: DHR is the lead agency in the State
handling radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nevada
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Using general
public health objectives to disseminate information.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: No specific policies
developed. Answer public inquiries, no effort to actively
educate the public. Very little activity.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: None. Trying to draw on
funds from other programs as little as possible. No existing
resources are anticipated to be devoted to radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: Very little data collected
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nevada
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: No measurement capabilities.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have borrowed Radon
Progeny Integrating Sampling Units (RPISUs) in the past
from EPA, but not recently.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Not aware of any mitigation.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Entire State staff (three people)
participated in an EPA training course in Las Vegas in March
1987.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
*»• Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Nevada
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": 15 of
each pamphlet have been distributed to homeowners since the
first of the year.
b. "Technical Guidance": No, but may distribute EPA
Screening Measurement Protocols.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Five to six calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute only upon request.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list.
b. Method of Referral: No referrals. Not capable of discerning
capable companies.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: New Hampshire
Contact: Dianne Tefft
Title: Manager
Radiological Health Program (RHP)
Division of Public Health Services (PHS)
Agency:
Address:
Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS)
Health and Human Services Building
Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-4588
Contact Date: 27 May 1987
1- Program Development S Administration:
A.
Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: The Division of Public Health
Services in DHSS is the lead agency designated by the
governor to coordinate and direct the radon program.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Water Supply
and Pollution Control Commission oversees the radon in
drinking water program.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Hampshire
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: The governor's
Energy Office and Division of Public Health Services are
working together on an 18-month survey. The agreement,
signed in April 1987, provides for sampling, data analysis,
and personnel.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Relying on general
public health objectives for radon program.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: No written formal
policies developed. Tefft hopes 18-month study with Energy
Office will determine the magnitude of the problem.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $105,000 from
Exxon oil overcharge litigation has been allocated to the
Energy Office of the governor for an 18-month survey of the
State. The budget request made in the last legislative
session for the biennium failed.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One fulltime equivalent
employee in the last year was devoted to radon. Five
of seven staff have radon training. One employee is
assigned to handle phone calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Hampshire
b. State Sponsored: 18-month survey is scheduled to begin
this fall.
c. Other: Dartmouth College students using State-owned Alpha
Nuclear Working Level measurement devices will report to
EPA. 50 homes are in the study.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: (1) The State acted as
middleman in distribution of 1,000 alpha track detectors.
Consumer paid full price - $11.95. (2) Prior to full-price
program, the State had also purchased 1,000 alpha track devices
for $2,000 and consumers paid the balance - $9.95 each.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Database contains information on over 1,000
local test results from detector distribution programs.
Updated as results come in.
b. Access to Data: As necessary.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Computer database includes
State of Maine and University of Pittsburgh data.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: No measurement capability.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Two alpha detectors; used
very rarely. No personnel allocated.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Hampshire
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: EPA sponsored research project to study
three different ways to remove radon from drinking water in
three areas of the State.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: None.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: State official attended EPA training course.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: State geologist mapped areas of potentially
high radon in State; map is available to public.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": EPA
provided 5,000 copies of each and one camera-ready copy.
Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) printed 10,000
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Hampshire
copies for their distribution. PSNH sold 5,000 copies to
DHSS at a reduced cost. DHSS and PSNH have distributed
over 10,000 copies.
b. "Technical Guidance": None.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Nine to 10 calls per day (depending on
news media coverage). One person is assigned to handle
phone calls.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Distributes EPA RMP.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: Using information from other
states. Refer homeowners to other States such as Pennsylvania.
_c _
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: New Jersey
Contact: Mary Cahill
Title: Radiation Physicist
Bureau of Environmental Radiation
Agency: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Address: 380 Scotch Road/CN 411
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 530-4016
Contact Dates: 8 June 1987
10 June 1987
1 • Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Legislation signed on January 10,
1986 established DEP as the lead agency for New Jersey's
radon program.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
legislation also provided funding to the Department of Health
(DOH) to complete an epidemiologic study. The Department
of Community Affairs (DCA) is involved in the certification
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
of mitigation contractors, as well as with EPA/ORP research
on new home radon prevention techniques. The New Jersey
Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, a quasi-State
agency, has expanded its low-interest loan program for home
improvements to include radon mitigation work. DEP staff
includes State geologists active on radon.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: Task forces
or working groups are convened from time to time as needed
to consider natural indoor radon issues. For example, a peer
review group was formed to review soil and geologic studies
of the Clinton area.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: None.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: Specific program
objectives are set forth in legislation. DEP provides action
level guidelines that are the same as EPA's, starting at 4
pCi/l.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: Assembly
Bill 4112 (signed January 8, 1986; P.L. 1985, Chapter 408)
and Senate Bill 1797 (signed August 14, 1986; P.L. 1986,
Chapter 83) provide $3.6 million to DEP and $0.6 million to
DOH to carry out the provisions of these acts. Bill S-1797
also appropriated $140,000 to DCA to carry out the
provisions of this act.
Radon-specific legislation pays for 20.5 fulltime equivalent
employees in DEP.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: In addition to positions
appropriate to radon, DOH funds five fulltime positions (one
of three professional and two semi-professional positions are
performing the epidemiologic study). Additional personnel
within DEP have also worked on radon in the past. Four
people in DCA work part-time on radon (about one-half
fulltime equivalent employee). State total: 26 fulltime
equivalent employees.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: Assembly Bill 4112 was introduced by Assemblyman
Zimmer on September 9, 1985 and signed into law on January
10, 1986 by Governor Kean. The Bill provides for a general
study (including State survey) by DEP, an epidemiologic
study by DOH, and programs for confirmatory monitoring
and for public information. The Bill requires a report to
the governor and legislature every six months, with the first
report due May 1, 1986. Reports 1, 2, and 3 are expected
to be released by the end of July 1987. The Bill
appropriated $2.6 million to DEP and $0.6 million to DOH.
Senate Bill 1797 was introduced by Senator Dorsey on
February 27, 1986 and signed into law by Governor Kean on
August 14, 1986. It provides for certification of testing and
mitigation companies and mandatory reporting of results to
DEP. The Bill includes confidentiality provisions. The Bill
appropriated $1 million to DEP and $140,000 to DCA.
b. Proposed: Assembly Bill 2940 has been introduced and is in
committee. It would provide for an income tax deduction for
remediation. Enactment is uncertain.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
c. Regulations: Requirements are specified in legislation.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: Local health offices are
included in the confirmation monitoring program together with DEP
and DCA. The cost of monitoring performed by local health
officers is reimbursed by DOH at $50 each. The State has also
provided training on radon and measurement to local health
officials.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Measurements are performed in three
separate EPA/State mitigation projects (see 3.A. below).
b. State Sponsored: Phase I of the State survey (charcoal
canisters; 6,000 measurements including 180 in public
buildings) was begun in December 1986. Phase I results due
June 1987. Phase II will include follow-up in 200 of the
6,000 homes, and 300 radon in water measurements.
c. Other: Several local health offices have canister programs
where canisters are provided at reduced rates.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: DEP provides free screening
tests to homes in the Cluster Identification Program, i.e., those
homes within the survey area of a home exceeding 200 PCi/l.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Free confirmatory tests are provided
if a screening measurement exceeds 4 PCi/l, or if a home is in
the Cluster Identification Program.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Measurements performed by DEP or provided
to DEP are computerized. DEP will eventually add data from
State survey when complete. Monthly summary reports are
issued.
b. Access to Data: By law, access is limited to DEP and DOH,
except for summary statistics.
c. Use of Private Company Data: By law, results of all
measurements must be provided to DEP, but information is
confidential. Participation by private companies is currently
voluntary but will be mandatory as of January 1988.
Measurements are included in database.
E. State Measurement Capability: State has capability to perform
grab samples, analyze charcoal canisters, and use continuous
working level monitors. State also participates in EPA's RMP
program.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None sponsored solely by State.
b. EPA Sponsored: EPA/ORD are performing measurement and
mitigation of 10 Clinton homes, and evaluation and diagnosis
of 20 additional Clinton homes. State provided some services
in kind.
— 5_
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Study of 15 homes as part of
EPA/ORP House Evaluation Project (Phase II). Also
studying ii» houses with EPA/ORD as part of the Piedmont
Study. Also underway is a DCA new home construction
project with EPA and the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB).
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: State Housing and Mortgage
Finance Agency has extended low-interest loan program for
home improvements to include radon mitigation.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Information,
confirmatory measurements. Direct diagnosis and/or
mitigation is provided only if involved in a mitigation
project.
C. Mitigation Statistics: As of April 1987, 332 follow-up
measurements had been conducted after mitigation on
approximately 300 homes. Many other private mitigations are
probably unreported. Mitigation follow-up is included in State's
monthly report.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Courses:
a. State Sponsored: None yet. Plan to in future.
b. Other: State/EPA sponsored five courses in New Jersey (20
attended each of first four; 80 attended last one, total of
160). About 40 State officials have attended a course.
Health Risk Studies: DOH is conducting an epidemiologic study using
alpha track devices and charcoal canisters. Measurement results are
due next winter, with a report to follow in May or June of 1988. DOH
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
is also maintaining a radon exposure registry based on questionnaire
information collected from homeowners in residences where radon
testing has been performed.
5« Geology/Land Evaluation: DEP conducted a geologic study of the
Clinton area (report is due out in three months). In addition, DEP
conducts limited geologic assessments as part of the Cluster
Identification Program.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": At
least 25,000 copies of each pamphlet have been distributed.
b. "Technical Guidance": Estimate 3,000 copies have been sent.
B. State Developed Materials: At least 2,000 copies of lists of
measurement and mitigation companies and guidance on
interpreting measurement results have been distributed. Also
developing an information packet similar to "A Citizen's Guide,"
and slide show presentations.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 648-0394 (required by legislation).
b. Number of Calls: 31,000 calls since July 1985. Averages
1,000 to 1,500 a week.
-7-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Jersey
D. Measurement Company Referrals: A State list is developed for
distribution based on vendor applications (companies are placed
initially on list if they meet voluntary guidelines). Company
performance is monitored through required monthly reports and
records of consumer complaints, if any.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: A mitigation list is being
developed in a manner similar to the one used for measurement
companies. Started recently.
F. Other: A public relations professional within DEP gives radon
presentations on request. About 10 presentations per month are
being provided.
-8-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
New Mexico
Contact: Margo Keele
Title: Program Manager
Surveillance and Monitoring
Environmental Improvement Division
Agency: Department of Health and Environment (DHE)
Address: P.O. Box 968
Sante Fe, NM 87504-0968
Phone: (505) 827-2948
Contact Date: 5 June 1987
1 • Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: DHE is the lead agency working on
radon in the State.
b.
Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: New Mexico
Solar Research Institute has investigated the relationship
between solar home construction and radon. They have
reported their results to DHE but do not participate in
policy decisions.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Mexico
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Using public health
objectives to inform public of health risks.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: None. Program
initiated about six months ago; still in very early
development stage. Want to have some data on highly
populated areas of State.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Working from existing
resources in the monitoring and surveillance section. One
person on radon fulltime; approximately one and one-half
fulltime equivalent employees on radon during the past year.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State sponsored: Do not currently have the personnel
for EPA's survey structure.
b. State Sponsored: Selecting 50 homes in each community of
interest on a volunteer basis for measurements by State.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Mexico
Have measured about 250 homes in northern New Mexico
using working level monitors to take 24-hour grab samples.
Will try to purchase charcoal canisters in the future when
funding becomes available.
c. Other: New Mexico Solar Energy Institute survey tested 20
solar homes across State.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Using EPA Action Levels as guidelines.
Will provide alpha track detectors for follow-up if measurement is
above H PCi/l (about 30 percent of homes tested with grab
samples). Will purchase 200 more alpha track detectors in near
future.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Keep all data collected in computer, including
characteristics of home.
b. Access to Data: Statistical information is available to anyone
on computer network, but access to names and addresses of
homes tested is limited.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Terradex submitted data on
200-300 homes.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: No State lab facilities are .performing radon analysis.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Mexico
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have a working level
monitor in inventory purchased years ago for outdoor radon
monitoring on uranium mill tailing sites.
c. Frequency of Use: Take about 17 samples per week.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: State informs
homeowners that it is their decision whether to mitigate.
State does not advocate any special policies.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Fewer than five homes have been privately
mitigated. State has no specific information on extent of
private mitigation.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None yet.
b. EPA Sponsored: Three State officials attended EPA seminar
on mitigation in Las Vegas.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Mexico
Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: No State activities. A University of New
Mexico professor of geology studied emanation of radon from different
soils and rocks in State. Site selection study. No results available
yet.
6. Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": More
than 500 of each pamphlet have been sent to homeowners
upon request.
b. "Technical Guidance": Provided to contractors upon
request.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Six calls on average a week. Increased
number of calls after press releases
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distribute copies of sections of the RMP.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New Mexico
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list.
b. Method of Referral: Does not think there are many market
factors to stimulate mitigation industry. Unaware of any
mitigation firms.
F. Other: Planning to have discussions with homeowners with similar
results to advise on next steps.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact A:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Contact B:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Date:
New York
Dr. Karim Rimawi
Director
Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection
Department of Health (DOH)
#2 University Place
Albany, NY 12237
(518) 458-6461
29 April 1987
9 June 1987
John Paul Reese
Director of Radon Programs
New York State Energy Office (SEO)
Two Rockefeller Plaza
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-7243
4 May 1987
22 July 1987
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
Contact C: Joe Rizzuto
Title: Program Manager
Agency: New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (ERDA)
Address:
Phone: (518) 465-6251
Contact Date: 10 June 1987
1 • Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The majority of New York's
radon program activities are administered by one of three
offices: DOH, SEO, or ERDA. No agency is formally given
the lead for all activities. DOH leads on health and some
technical activities. SEO administers training and technical
assistance activities. ERDA administers grants for various
purposes, including grants to DOH, and generally does not
have direct staff involvement in the programs.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Other
groups with limited involvement include the State Geologist,
the New York Department of Labor (which oversees mine
radon measurements), and various county health
departments.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
C. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: An informal
working group, headed by DOH and SEO, includes
representatives from NY Public Service Commission,
Department of Environmental Conservation, Consumer
Protection Board, and the president of the Conference of
County Health Departments Environmental Health Directors,
has been formed to draft a report mandated by 1986
legislation. A draft report is in review prior to being
presented to the governor and legislature.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: General public
health objectives regarding protection of the public from
radiation provide the basis for New York's radon program.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: No written state-
ments issued. New York uses EPA's Action Level guidelines,
but emphasizes that decisions should be based on average
levels in living spaces. Accepts linear dose/responle
assumption as a prudent assumption for public health
protection; but leaves as open the question of whether this
is a scientific fact.
C. Budget: Originally operated without radon-specific appropriation;
in part used indoor air quality budget.
a. Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $6.7 million current funding
for radon:
Appropriations:
DOH: $5,675,000. $1.975M from Exxon oil overcharge
litigation funds for three years beginning April 1987; $3.5M
from stripper well exemption litigation funds; $200,000 other
funds with no time limit.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
SEO: $1,025,000. $525,000 from Exxon oil overcharge
litigation funds; $500,000 from stripper well exemption
litigation funds.
ERDA: Funds from tax on electric and gas sales.
Expenditures:
DOH: $1.975M (Exxon overcharge funds) for hot line and
free detectors for homes participating in State energy
conservation program; $750,000 (stripper well funds) for
free testing program; $2.75M for financial assistance for
diagnostic services for homes over 20 pCi/l screening, or 4
pCi/l annual average, up to $400 per house; $200,000 (other
funds) to establish $100,000 revolving fund. "At cost"
detectors for homes not participating in energy conservation
program.
SEO: Radon specialist/diagnostician training program, and
preparation of a list of trained persons for distribution to
homeowners.
ERDA: Funding is project-specific. Involved in five
projects; funding of some projects drawn in part or in whole
from EPA grants or services in kind provided by DOH, EPA,
or others. $1,167,000 (total includes 50 percent of $1.6M
Indoor Air Quality study to radon).
b. Personnel:
DOH: Seven fulltime and 90 percent of time of six part-time
= 12.4 fulltime equivalent employees. Also two to three staff
part-time on radon in State labs. 10 staff in regional offices
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
who assist on radon occasionally. Recruiting two staff short
term, two long term for main office, and three in regional
offices.
SEO: Two to three full time equivalent employees and
assistance from EPA-funded training programs.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: In 1986, New York enacted radon-specific
legislation at Chapter 645 of the State laws, which mandated
certain studies and authorized specific funding for several
activities (especially measurement). The legislation mandated
a report to the governor on selected radon issues, including
the relationship between radon and energy efficiency,
financial aspects of remediation (including mechanisms and
the need for financial assistance to homeowners), and other
topics. The legislation identified health and some technical
roles for DOH, and a technical role for SEO. Senate Bill
6496 and Assembly Bill 8594 were enacted on July 10, 1987
as an amendment to Chapter 50 of the 1987 laws. This
legislation appropriated the stripper well funds for radon, as
described above.
b. Proposed: Several pieces of proposed legislation have been
read to the full legislative body and referred to
subcommittees, including Senate Bills 4516 and 4338 and
Assembly Bills 6363 and 6311. Final legislation is still
pending; however, the recent stripper well appropriation
addressed several of the issues. Legislative topics included:
1. Subsidized mitigation financing for homeowners with
elevated radon levels.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
2. Expenditure of additional oil overcharge funds for free
testing, training, education, and research.
3. Mitigation education and research.
c. Regulations: Regulations under general health statutes
proposing certification of radon testing laboratories and
"radon assessment specialists" (i.e., individuals providing
onsite diagnostic services, but not remediation) are under
consideration. New York is considering future certification
requirements for mitigation contractors (those installing
remedial measures), and is deferring consideration of
building code changes pending a better understanding of the
problem. Proposed regulations for "radon assessment
specialists" are now in intradepartmental review.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: All counties have been invited to
participate in the new measurement program (detectors
provided at cost), but no direct financial assistance will be
provided by the State to counties. Many public sector
employees have also participated in the training programs.
Seven counties and one city have elected to participate in
the detector program, and will receive devices in bulk.
Other counties will participate in follow-up with DOH on high
measurements.
b. Resources: No direct financial assistance to local
governments.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: In conjunction with mitigation
demonstration program (funded by EPA/ORD and ERDA), 430
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
homes were prescreened in order to identify 16 for mitigation
demonstration (see S.A.b.). EPA/ORP, DOH, and ERDA are
also sponsoring a study to compare seasonal charcoal canister
and alpha track measurements. EPA provided $50,000 plus
$10,000 services in kind; ERDA provides $62,000; DOH
provides $70,000 for services in kind (total value, $192,000).
b. State Sponsored: One-year living level measurements (alpha
track) of 2,401 homes (funded by ERDA). Study is part of
a $1.6 million study of Indoor Air Quality, and includes
geologic assessment of 60 homes (15 homes in four areas).
EPA has provided a grant for $100,000. Draft report due
end of summer 1987.
c. Locally Sponsored: Several counties have also made home
measurements, including Rockland, Westchester, Onondaga,
Putnam, Cattaraugas, and Orange (with DOH). One county
also measured public buildings.
d. Other: Several companies also share results with State, with
locations of homes masked.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: Beginning formally June 1,
1987, DOH provides detectors "at cost" to anyone on request and
has a commercial lab under contract to do the analysis. DOH also
provides free detectors to homes that participated in the State
energy conservation program (both a charcoal canister and an
alpha track detector).
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: If a home measures above 200 PCi/l,
DOH measures 25 homes in a one-mile radius (done once so far)
as part of its "cluster program." As part of free detector
program or cluster program, DOH sends both a charcoal canister
-7-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
and an alpha track detector. If charcoal test is below 20 pCi/l,
DOH sends results and recommends leaving alpha track in place
for one year. If over 20 PCi/l, DOH sends results and suggests
follow-up measurement (two charcoal canisters automatically sent;
one lowest living and one lowest livable area). DOH may also
visit the homes if living area is above 20 pCi/l. If lowest living
area follow-up measurement is above 20 pCi/l, alpha track is
removed after three months and DOH offers to visit home to
provide information and assistance. 20 pCi/l trigger level for
follow-up may be revised if demand on DOH resources is too
great.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: DOH will maintain a confidential database of
measurement results. DOH gives reports to other State
agencies only by zip code or political subdivision (e.g.,
town, county). Database is in initial stages of development.
b. Access to Data: Names and addresses are not releasable
under Freedom of Information law. Legal questions are still
outstanding. DOH will publish summary statistics.
c.
Use of Private Company Data: Collect data. Data will not
be combined since comparability is uncertain.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Also have a State lab with analysis capability, but
won't use this for screening analysis purposes. Lab will be
used primarily for water and soil analysis.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Can do grab samples.
c.
Other: ERDA is providing $100,000 in funding to a private
company doing research on electret measurement techniques.
-8-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: ERDA and Niagara Mohawk jointly
sponsored mitigation work on 14 homes three years ago.
b. EPA-ORD/State Sponsored: ERDA and EPA/ORD sponsored
mitigation work is ongoing at 16 homes. Four homes each
were chosen in two upstate New York areas, and eight homes
are on the Reading Prong. This same project includes
follow-up study of the previous 14 home mitigation effort.
Next phase of work will involve new structures (15 new
homes). EPA has given ERDA two grants totaling $300,000;
ERDA in turn has given a private contractor work for
$491,000 and a cash grant to DOH of $114,000 (for services
in kind valued at $143,000).
c:
State/EPA-ORP Sponsored: NY is also participating in Phase
II of the House Evaluation Program of EPA/ORP (15 homes),
where the homeowner pays for remediation, but free testing
and diagnostic work is provided.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: Currently none, but considered
in proposed legislation.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: On request, especially
during monitoring follow-up.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Private mitigation is occurring, but have no
mechanism in place to gather results. Mitigation certification
(regulations being considered) may provide a means to collect
data in future.
-9-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Courses:
a. State Sponsored: SEO originally developed a training course
for builders addressing indoor air quality issues, including
radon. This course was used as the basis for a course
developed later with EPA (see below). SEO will also provide
250 hours of expert radon specialist assistance to builders
and contractors selected by SEO.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: With EPA, SEO developed a three-day
workshop on "Reducing Radon In Structures," focusing on
radon diagnosis and mitigation. Program was given 28 times
throughout USA thus far. Plans over next two years to
update this course. SEO and EPA are also developing a
one-day course for radon mitigation quality control issues,
and a one-day course on real estate and financial issues. 50
State personnel have attended the three-day course. SEO
plans to give the three-day course 12 times over the next
two years in New York State, directed towards diagnostic
and radon contracting services (available to local government
officials too). SEO will give each of the one-day courses
seven times over the next two years.
Health Risk Studies; Data registry is under development to follow
homeowners in houses measuring above 20 pCi/l (prospective program).
Within DOH (Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational
Health), measurement follow-up includes confidential information
questionnaire.
-10-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
5. Geology/Land Evaluation:
A. State Activities: Some research on soil characteristics as part of
other programs (see 3.A.b.). ERDA also has research ongoing in
four areas in the State.
B. Other: USCS may study some areas.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Distributed 10,000 copies from first
printing. Have printed an additional 10,000 copies and
distributed an additional 5,000 (150-300 per day).
b. Distributed "Radon Reduction Methods": Distributed 7,500
copies from first printing. Have printed an additional 10,000
copies and distributed 5,000 additional (150-300 per day).
c. "Technical Guidance": Several hundred copies distributed.
a
B. State Developed Materials: Distributed 15,000 copies of
State developed information packet (out of print). Now replaced
by EPA materials. The State's information packet is being
revised to a simpler reading level.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Lines: (800) 458-1158 (DOH).
(800) 342-3722 (SEO).
b. Number of Calls: DOH hot line currently averages 170 calls
a day as a result of recently announced detector program.
Peak response was 300 calls in one day. About 17,000 calls
-11-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
New York
total between April 1986 and July 1987. DON hot line is
manned fulltime (office hours) by two people. After hours,
a taped message promises to mail materials if name is left.
SEO hot line receives about 20 calls a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: State provides a list of
companies from New York's part of EPA's RMP list supplemented
with NY local companies (often local distributors of RMP listed
companies).
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: SEO will distribute the list of
training course attendees, but otherwise does not provide
diagnostic and mitigation referrals or recommendations.
F. Other: DOH and SEO also attend public meetings on request,
and arrange such meetings in areas of high measurements and
special study areas. ERDA is participating in an information
evaluation program with EPA/OPA (funded by EPA for $250,000).
SEO will also develop a 20-minute videotape on onsite mitigation
and diagnostic procedures. The tape will be shown at public
workshops and should be ready in early 1988.
-12-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: North Carolina
Contact: Dayne H. Brown
Title: Chief
Radiation Protection Section (RPS)
Division of Facility Services
Agency: Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Address: 701 Barbour Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone:
(919) 733-4283
Contact Date: 2 June 1987
24 July 1987 (written verification)
1- Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Radiation Protection Section
of DHR is the only agency working on radon in the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Other
agencies have expressed interest in radon, but no activity
yet.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Carolina
B. Goals/ Strategy /Pol icy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: DHR is
implementing its program under general public health
policies.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: Current strategy is
predominately gathering and disseminating information to
public. DHR performed a 500 home study between December
1986 and February 1987. Would like a follow-up study in
those areas with geological potential for high risk, and
homes with screening levels above 4 pCi/l.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Using general funds from
Radiation Protection Section. Level of personnel effort
unknown.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: (1) 500 home survey (five homes in each
of 100 counties) with the University of North Carolina (UNC)
at Chapel Hill. Charcoal canisters and personnel for
canister measurements provided by UNC, and survey design
and analysis provided jointly by the State and UNC. The
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Carolina
homes were chosen by county health departments
(predominantly health department employees). Results
indicate that one to two homes in Coastal Plains region above
4 pCi/l, with average of about 0.5 pCi/l. Piedmont area
showed 11 percent above 4 pCi/l, with average of 2.1 pCi/l.
No measurements were above 20 pCi/l. Mountain counties
averaged 3.4 pCi/l. Two homes were above 20 pCi/l (just a
bit over). The survey collected considerable information on
characteristics of homes.
(2) About 12-18 months ago, UNC performed a limited survey
of 35 homes using alpha track detectors in areas of
suspected "hot spots." Funded by a UNC cooperative study
(State educational funds) and the State.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer database exists.
b. Access to Data: Anonymous data with details of character-
istics of homes surveyed.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Measurements of several
hundred homes are stored in the computer.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: UNC lab fabricated charcoal canisters and performed
analysis in the 500 home study.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Carolina
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: State owns (1) Pylon
radon/decay products device, (2) Lucas cells for radon
measurement, and (3) lab equipment for radon analysis.
c. Frequency of Use: Will use equipment to follow-up homes
after remediation. Only one home tested so far.
3. Mitigation;
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No information on mitigation.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Several RPS officials have attended several
EPA training sessions.
c. State/EPA sponsored: None.
. Health Risk Studies: None.
5' Geology/Land Evaluation: No radon-specific geological survey. USCS
and DOE aerial surveys related to uranium exploration efforts have
been used to determine potential "hot spots."
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Carolina
6. Public Information;
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Over
1,000 of each have been sent to homeowners on request.
b. "Technical Guidance": About 20 copies have been sent to
homeowners on request.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Prepared a list of mail order companies
with testing capabilities.
b. Number Distributed: No estimate.
c. Distribution: Homeowners requesting names of measurement
firms.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: (1) Must be on EPA list. (2) Must include rate
structure for testing.
b. Distribute RMP: Will distribute if requested.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list.
b. Method of Referral: Will not make a recommendation on
mitigation.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Carolina
F. Other: Co-sponsored with UNC a workshop in March 1987 for
contractors, consultants, realtors, news media. Some health
officials from counties participated. Other interested parties were
welcome.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Phone:
Contact Dates
North Dakota
Jeff Burgess
Manager
Radiation Control Program (RCP)
Division of Environmental Engineering
Department of Health and Consolidated Laboratories
(DOH)
Missouri Office Building
P.O. Box 5520
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58502-5520
(701) 224-2348
2 June 1987
23 June 1987
1 • Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: RCP under the Department of
Health is the only agency working on radon in the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Local health
units are active in referring contacts to State.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Dakota
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Primary goal is to inform citizens about
radon by disseminating information to the public and interested
parties. The strategy is to use EPA's "A Citizen's Guide" with
slight modifications to inform the public and interested parties.
The policy is to use EPA Action Levels and guidelines when
advising people.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Devoted about one fulltime
equivalent employee over past year to radon. Answering
calls, sending out monitors for follow-up, and disseminating
information.
D. Legislative Initiatives: No activity for next two years. Biennial
legislature.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program.
b. State Sponsored: 100 follow-up measurements over the last
year.
c. Other: None. A small study performed by a university
group (non-statistical study).
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Dakota
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: If homeowners perform a screening
measurement, then State may conduct a follow-up test if levels
are above 8 pCi/l (subjective level established to handle
workload). Conduct follow-up with Passive Environmental Radon
Monitors (PERMs) and Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units
(RPISUs). On average, DOH places two monitors a week. About
100 follow-up measurements over the last year. Trying to
determine equilibrium ratios with data collected. Follow EPA
guidance on what to do once follow-up is made.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer has data on homes that have had
follow-up measurements, as well as information on house
construction, heating system, ventilation, if homeowners are
smokers, etc. Also, keep a file with the names, telephone
numbers, and addresses of all homeowners with inquiries.
b. Access to Data: DOH attempts to maintain homeowner
confidentiality.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Have some company reports on
file.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Limited capacity. Not currently performing radon
analysis.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have about 20 PERMs and
about 15 RPISUs on loan from EPA. State owns two
working level monitors. Four trained personnel to place
monitors. Killingbeck will attend EPA training course on
RTP in August 1987 to learn about the EPA Radon Survey
Program (States Assistance Program).
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Dakota
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Provide limited
consultation over the phone. Give homeowners a list of
prudent alternatives. Only a few homeowners have needed
to consider mitigation to date.
C. Mitigation Statistics:
a. Number Underway: Unknown.
b. Number Complete: Aware of only three homes that have
been mitigated. Estimates fewer than 10 homes mitigated.
Homeowners paid all expenses.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Burgess has attended EPA training course
in Denver in September 1986.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None. Some interest expressed by independent
researchers.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Dakota
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: State Geological Survey analyzed uranium
occurrence data and developed maps of areas with potentially high
radon levels.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": About 200-300; send a slightly revised
version to anyone requesting information.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": 100 copies sent to people who
specifically asked for this pamphlet or people with high
levels confirmed by follow-up measurement.
c. "Technical Guidance": No distribution to date.
B. State Developed Materials: Revised "A Citizen's Guide" slightly.
Textual deletion of x-ray risk factor .comparison in chart. Added
ND DON as a contact and deleted regional EPA representatives.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: 20 a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Have a list of companies in the region that have
successfully participated in EPA's proficiency testing
program (RMP) and have requested to be on State list.
Distributed about 300 copies of list (sent with "A Citizen's
Guide").
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
North Dakota
b. Distribute RMP: Do not distribute.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: Out-of-State companies that have indicated
capability to mitigate a home for radon.
b. Method of Referral: Have not made referrals to out-of-State
companies yet. Have suggested air to air heat exchange
installers in State to about two or three homeowners
-6-
-------
State:
Contact A:
Title:
Contact B:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Phone:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Oklahoma
Dale McHard
Chief
Radiation and Special Hazards Service (RSHS)
Paul Brown
Director
Radiation Protection Division
Radiation and Special Hazards Service (RSHS)
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
(405) 271-5221
Contact Dates: 30 April 1987
22 June 1987
1 • Program Development & Administration;
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: RSHS under the Department of
Health is the lead agency.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oklahoma
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Use to address
radon issues.
b. Radon Specific Policy/Goals/Strategy: None. Using EPA
Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
Request for three people and specific funding in FY 88
budget (July 1) failed.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Working from general DOH
funds. Three people in the office have been trained to
handle calls, but all 17 employees of RSHS have attended
EPA training. About one-eighth fulltime equivalent employee
is devoted to radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: Provide information and advice
to local health departments.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Will consider a proposal to participate
in the EPA State Radon Survey Program next year (after
due consideration, proposal was rejected in current year due
to budget constraints).
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oklahoma
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: Tulsa City Health Department performed
a study of 42 homes in Tulsa County during the winter of
1986. Maximum level found was 2.8 pCi/l, average was 0.9
pCi/l.
d. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: RSHS maintains a computer database of
public inquiries. Will call homeowners with information
specific to their inquiries as it becomes available.
b. Use of Private Company Data: University of Pittsburgh
sends results from testing in Oklahoma. Results indicate
levels lower than 4 pCi/l on average.
E. State Measurement Capability: None.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any private mitigation.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oklahoma
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: RSHS officials and Tulsa and Oklahoma City
health department officials attended EPA training course in
fall 1986.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Oklahoma State University offers a course in
geology (graduate) in which they perform analysis of surface soil
Not specific to radon but RSHS will receive results. The State may
consider a follow-up on OSU research, if necessary.
Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Have
sent about 500 of each pamphlet upon request.
b. "Technical Guidance": Five to 10 sent to homeowners on
request.
B. State Developed Materials: None. Information sheet for county
health departments on what radon is and how to handle radon
inquiries being written.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None (use (405) 271-5221).
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oklahoma
b. Number of Calls: 20 to 25 calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Will distribute RMP upon
request. Distributed about 70 copies.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No requests for referrals.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State: Ohio
Contact A: Robert Quillin
Title: Director
Radiological Health Program (RHP)
Contact B: Debbie Steva
T"tle: Health Physicist
Radiological Health Program (RHP)
Agency: Department of Health (DOH)
Address: 1224 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: (614) 481-5800
Contact Dates: 28 May 1987
24 June 1987
Program Development & Administration:
A.
Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DOH is the lead agency
responsible for radon program development.
-------
c.
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Ohio
Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Dayton area
Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) of the
Combined Health District Montgomery County has been
involved in conducting studies. Some city governments have
conducted studies, as have local television stations. Survey
results are usually reported to DOH.
Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: No formal policies. Major activity or role
is to disseminate information. Steva is currently involved in
wntmg legislation to require certification of measurement and
mitigation companies by the State. Using EPA Action Level
guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Avai.ab.e: One and one-half ful.time
equ.valent employees over the past year devoted to radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Distribute "A Citizen's Guide" and
"Radon Reduction Methods" and "Radon/Radon Progeny
Measurement Proficiency Program (Ohio)" to city/county
health offices and Agricultural Extension Agents.
b. Resources: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Ohio
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: Over the past two years, RHP has pur-
chased alpha track devices for selected testing in individual
homes. Between 100 and 500 detectors have been
purchased; approximately 60 homes have been tested to date.
c. Locally Sponsored: The Akron Regulatory Air Quality
Management District and the RAPCA of the Combined Health
District Montgomery County have performed surveys of their
districts. Some city governments have also made limited
measurements. No results of these studies were available.
d. Other: 1) RAPCA-Montgomery did a study of 160 homes in
1986 (February-September) in the Dayton area; 2) Channel 7
in Dayton performed surveys in early spring 1987. The
study targeted about 10,000 charcoal canisters that were
distributed to homeowners in the Dayton area. The devices
were available through local fire departments. Channel
7 and RAPCA-Montgomery purchased detectors and
homeowners paid for the analysis; 3) Channel 8 in Cleveland
performed a study in the summer of 1986 with guidance
provided by RHP. Approximately 82 homes were tested with
charcoal canisters.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: The State does not provide monitoring
or follow-up measurements; however, they did test two homes
after the homes underwent remediation. (State did perform
follow-up tests, before detectors were commercially available).
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Ohio
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: In the process of putting data from the
studies mentioned above into a computer database as it
becomes available.
b. Access to Data: Data is separated by name and address and
test results. Each home has an identification number.
Under Freedom of Information Act, people could request the
information. No protection of confidentiality.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Some companies provide
information occasionally (when requested by RHP).
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Ohio DOH has a lab and capability to measure radon in
water only.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Four trained personnel
can perform measurements. EPA has lent a few Passive
Environmental Radon Monitors (PERMs) and one EPA grab
sampling kit.
3. Mitigation;
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Ohio will participate in Phase II of
the EPA House Evaluation Project (10 homes in July 1987).
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Ohio
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Consultation on next
steps to follow over the phone.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Three homes underwent mitigation.
Estimates 50 to 100 homes privately mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One RHP official, one RAPCA official, two
people from Ohio State University, and one person from
Battelle Memorial Laboratories attended EPA training course
in Chicago.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Using State geologist and existing maps.
No field work.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reducfon Methods":
Reprinted 12,000-15,000 copies of each pamphlet. Sent to
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Ohio
every homeowner who calls in. About 10,000 copies of each
(rough estimate) sent out.
b. "Technical Guidance": Have sent about 200 copies.
B. State Developed Materials: Question and answer sheet of common-
ly asked questions sent with EPA information. Reprint various
articles on radon and occasionally send to homeowners who want
more information.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 523-4439 - RHP.
b. Number of Calls: Varies; about 20 a week when media
activity is low; increases substantially when media activity is
high.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distributed 10,000 copies of RMP to
homeowners who requested it. 10,000-20,000 copies
reprinted.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No list. Not many companies in
Ohio. Have referred to one company outside of Columbus. Less
than 50 homeowners requesting information on mitigation. Only
made about 10 referrals.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates
Oregon
Ray D. Paris
Manager
Radiation Control Section (RCS)
Health Division
Department of Human Resources (DHR)
1400 Southwest Fifth Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 229-5797
15 May 1987
23 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: The Health Division of DHR is
the lead agency in the State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oregon
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: No formal policies regarding radon.
Disseminating EPA information, answering public inquiries. Using
EPA Action Level guidelines.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Using other funds but no
information on the amount available. About one-twentieth
fulltime equivalent employee devoted to radon. Two
personnel handle phone calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: In 1985-1986, 50 homes were measured with
alpha track devices. No levels above 4 pCi/l for annual
average. Some seasonal readings above H pCi/l.
c. Other: (1) Study of homes in weatherization program
sponsored by Bonneville Power Authority (BPA). About
5,000 homes studied. (2) Environmental studies of uranium
mill tailings. Health Division has information. (3) Pacific
Power 6 Light, Hood River Project, has surveyed about 500
homes participating in their weatherization program.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oregon
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: No State assistance is provided.
State recommends long-term screening measurements if screening
measurements are above 4 pCi/l. No requests for follow-up.
D. Data Management: Relying on data, reports, and news releases
provided by BPA.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Extensive lab facilities. Has the capability to perform
measurements but not used to date.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Have some alpha track
detectors to perform follow-up measurements in homes with
high readings. Not used to date.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: BPA may be funding some mitigation work.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Provides information on
mitigation methods.
c. Other: BPA provides financial assistance to homeowners who
weatherized with BPA funds.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No statistics available. Estimates fewer
than 10 homes being mitigated.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oregon
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
d. Other: State officials attended an informational workshop
presented at Regional CRCPD Meeting in February 1987.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Relying on EPA and USCS maps showing
potential "hot spots" in State.
6- Public Information;
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": About
100 copies of each have been sent to homeowners. State is
reprinting its own copies.
b. "Technical Guidance": Receiving technical documents as
issued by EPA for in-house use only.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Oregon
b. Number of Calls: Three to four calls a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No List. No EPA RMP measurement companies in
Oregon.
b. Distribute RMP: Distributes most recent RMP for all
northwestern states.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: BPA has taken the lead in provid-
ing interested homeowners with referrals for consultants or
mitigation companies. BPA may keep a list. No requests for
referrals from the State.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Pennsylvania
Thomas M. Cerusky
Director
Bureau of Radiation Protection
Deputate of Environmental Protection
Department of Environmental Resources (DER)
P.O. Box 2063
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-2480
4 May 1987
19 May 1987
20 May 1987
2 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Extensive radon activities have
been initiated in Pennsylvania since the discovery of radon
levels above 200 pCi/l in homes on the Reading Prong in late
1984. The DER established a radon office in Gilbertsville,
Pennsylvania. DER was also charged with administering the
Radon Gas Demonstration Project under 1986 legislation.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (a quasi-governmental
body) was empowered by 1986 legislation to administer a low-
interest loan program for radon mitigation, although DER
must verify the mitigation plan and implementation and
conducts follow-up testing (payment is not contingent on
successful mitigation). Other involved State agencies include
the Bureau of Topographic and Geological Survey (different
Deputate within DER), the Department of Health (DOH),
Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Department of
Public Welfare (DPW). DCA is working on a model municipal
ordinance targeted at radon prevention in new homes.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: DER formed a
Radon Advisory Committee in the fall of 1986 to advise them
on a broad range of radon issues. The Committee is an
officially recognized and chartered group of voluntary
members (currently 15; targeted for 20), including
representatives from the medical, scientific, and education
communities, local government officials, business
representatives, and private citizens. DER provides expense
reimbursement.
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy:
Use of General Public Health Objectives: General public
health objectives provide the basis for the Pennsylvania
radon program. Specific activities are also carried out
pursuant to the Radiation Protection Act (1984).
Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: Pennsylvania has
adopted 0 pCi/l as a guideline for average annual exposure
(i.e., after accounting for time spent in home, living
conditions, etc.).
a.
b.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: For fiscal
year 1987 (which ends in June 1987), DER has a budget of
$1.3 million for general radon operations. In addition, the
Radon Gas Demonstration Project (for mitigation research)
has a $1 million FY 87 appropriation (period was extended
six months to December 31, 1987). Finally, the low-interest
loan program has a $3 million appropriation for an indefinite
time period, of which about $75,000 has been spent to date.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Radon staff consists of 14
fulltime people (RMPO plans to add two more) in Gilbertsville
and five people in Harrisburg. The Bureau of Topographic
and Geological Survey has one person assigned fulltime to
radon. Personnel elsewhere within DER (at the Bureau of
Labs), DOH, DPW, and DCA also work on radon from time to
time.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: In 1986, Pennsylvania passed the Radon Gas
Demonstration Project and Home Improvement Act. The Act
authorized DER to establish standards for building materials
and contractors participating in the project, to advise
homeowners on remedial action, to develop and implement
methods of remedial action, and to provide low-interest loans
for remediation. Senate Bill 137 was signed by the governor
on July 9, 1987. This Act requires certification of radon
detection and mitigation contractors.
b. Proposed: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Provide advice, attend public meetings,
etc., on request.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
b. Resources: No direct financial support.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Applied to participate in the FY 88
EPA State Radon Survey Program.
b. State Sponsored: The DER offered free alpha track
detectors to residents of the Reading Prong. The testing
kit costs were borne by prior year general appropriations.
21,800 were distributed beginning in October 1985 through
1986, with 60 percent of the homes measuring greater than 4
pCi/l. 35 percent of the Reading Prong homes have been
surveyed. Currently, a resolicitation program is being
conducted to encourage non-participating residents in high
radon level areas in the Reading Prong to test their homes.
In November 1985, 2,800 homes in and around Colebrookdale
Township were tested by DER using a five-minute air
sampling (Kusnetz Method) followed by alpha track devices.
Pilot screening in selected areas outside the Reading Prong
was begun in January 1987.
All public schools in the Reading Prong (131 buildings) have
been tested. Diagnostic services have been provided for 25
of these schools and a new contract will provide for
diagnostics in 25 additional schools as needed. Screening
tests have also been provided to the Allentown diocese
schools in the Reading Prong (44 schools). Close to 200
schools in total have been tested to date (in and out of the
Reading Prong area).
-4-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: Testing kits are provided free
by the State to Reading Prong residents (see A. above).
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: When DER home testing results range
from 4 pCi/l to 20 pCi/l, residents are sent another alpha track
device to install in the first floor living area to measure annual
exposure. When results are above 20 pCi/l, DER staff will offer
to visit homes to conduct additional monitoring, sample well water,
and complete a residential survey form. Residents with testing
results above 1 ,000 pCi/l are contacted as soon as possible with
advice on reducing exposure. Retesting of air in homes where
remedial action has been taken will be performed after homeowner
advises DER that work has been completed.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Yes (PC-based currently). Now modifying
system to provide for easier use. Inputs performed daily.
Monthly report on activities and computer reports
summarizing test results as needed.
b. Access to Data: Confidentiality is required by the 1987 Act.
Provide only summary information.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Private companies will be
required to submit data upon implementation of new
regulations (October 1987).
E. State Measurement Capability: The Bureau of Radiation Protection
has a large capability to perform charcoal canister analyses. DER
lab (Bureau of Labs) also has capability and is hoping to expand
their involvement by getting a fulltime person. The DER lab can
perform radon in water and charcoal canister analyses as well as
other wet chemistry and air analyses.
—D—
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: In implementing the Radon Gas
Demonstration Project, DER has contracted with a private
company to manage a $1 million remedial research program
that will 1) install and evaluate a variety of radon
remediation methods in TOO to 200 homes, 2) reduce
exposures of residents in these homes, 3) broaden the base
of qualified and competent radon remediation contractors,
and 4) advise homeowners on avoiding unqualified and
unscrupulous contractors. Of the homes, about 80 are
drawn from EPA's House Evaluation Program (HEP). DER
has used EPA's remedy prescriptions and measurements to
help select an appropriate mitigation technique.
b. EPA Sponsored: EPA/ORD is also conducting moderate cost
remedial research projects on Reading Prong homes.
Projects in i»2 homes are now underway, and several
additional projects are planned.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: In the summer and fall of 1986, 80
homes participated in EPA's House Evaluation Program (Phase
I), which provided free diagnostic services and remediation
recommendations.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
State Financial Assistance: Pennsylvania is now implementing
a low-interest loan program pursuant to 1986 legislation.
Currently, loans are administered by one of two banks in
the Reading Prong area. Pennsylvania's Housing Finance
Agency is empowered overall to administer the loans. About
a.
a
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
25 applications have been received (most completed)
requesting $75,000. The program was announced in October
1985 and became operational in June 1986, but interest in the
loan program has not been great and plans are underway to
substitute a low-income grant program for the low-interest
loans.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: A variety of information
and measurement assistance is provided, as described
elsewhere.
C. Mitigation Statistics:
a. Number Underway: At least 280 homes have been privately
remediated. This figure only includes homes where State
was requested by homeowner to test for the effectiveness of
radon reduction. In addition, at least 100 homes will be
remediated by the State.
b. Number Complete: At least 280 (see a. above).
c.
Summary of Results: Recently modified report forms to
include mitigation statistics.
Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Courses: Five courses were
delivered in Pennsylvania during the summer of 1986 (developed
and funded by EPA; DER provided logistics). One was attended
by 20 State officials; the other four were open to all. A new,
improved course was offered in June 1987. Pennsylvania
contracted with NYS ERDA. 300 applications were received;
however, each course provided for only 75 participants. The new
course was also developed by EPA.
-7-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
1- Health Risk Studies:
A. State Sponsored: The Pennsylvania Department of Health has
reviewed lung cancer statistics in selected locales, and
concluded that there is no observable increase in luna cancer
rates in these areas. Reliability of death certificate data is
questionable due to routine errors. More detailed studies are
planned.
B. Federal and/or University Sponsored Studies: The U.S.
Department of Energy, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania
Department of Health and DER. has contracted a lung cancer
mortality study and radon exposure correlation study in
Pennsylvania to Argonne National Laboratory. This study will
focus on non-smoking females. A second study by Argonne is
also planned (to be funded by NIH) that will focus on smoker vs.
non-smoker radon risks within the Reading Prong.
C. Other State Activities: The Pennsylvania Department of Public
Welfare has also considered a plan to offer treatment to those who
manifest radon-related mental disorders (e.g.. anxiety over high
indoor levels). No action to date.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation:
A. State Activities: The Bureau of Topographic and Geological
Survey continues to conduct literature searches and gamma
radiation road surveys in an effort to locate other areas of
potentially high radon release. Through its work, areas in
Lancaster and Chester Counties have been recommended for pilot
indoor radon surveys which began in early 1987.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
B. Other: The U.S. DOE conducted a radiation detection fly-over of
the Boyertown/Colebrookdale vicinity to map areas with potential
for radon emissions. A consultant performed an aerial survey of
eastern Bucks County in June 1987.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Over 100,000 copies distributed.
Telephone numbers for RMPO in Gilbertsville and Harrisburg
were added.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Over 100,000 copies
distributed.
c. "Technical Guidance": Only builders or homeowners
considering remediation receive on request. About 1,000
copies distributed.
B. State Developed Materials: Early in the program, DER developed
a fact sheet (over 100,000 copies distributed; several printings),
but this has since been largely replaced by EPA material. DER
now distributes a standard packet which includes "A Citizen's
Guide to Radon," "Radon Reduction Methods," a company list (see
D. below), and a description of the low-interest loan program.
In addition, several issue-specific letters have been developed
which address selected issues (e.g., measurement interpretation);
these are sent as needed and appropriate.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 237-2366 (800-23RADON).
-9-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Pennsylvania
b. Number of Calls: About 100 to 200 a day. Hot line is
answered by one of two clerical staff members who take
information, send out materials, and refer questions to other
RMPO technical staff as appropriate.
D. Measurement and Mitigation Company Referrals: Bureau of
Radiation Protection has developed a list of about 100 private
sector companies offering radon services (testing, diagnosis,
mitigation, equipment, etc.). List is in alphabetical order and
indicates services offered. RMPO plans to alter format of list to
one page per company with more specifics on services and
capabilities.
E. Other: Hispanic Community Outreach - contract with the Council
of Spanish Speaking Organizations of Lehigh Valley to solicit
participation of Hispanic Reading Prong residents in the home
detection kit campaign and to provide the Hispanic community with
radon information. Administered by RMPO out of Cilbertsville by
the Community Relations Coordinator. In addition, early
distribution of fact sheets included several printings in Spanish.
-10-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Rhode Island
James Mickey
Chief
Division of Occupational Health and Radiation Control
Department of Health
Canon Building, Davis Street
Providence, Rl 02908
(U01) 277-2438
27 May 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Division of Occupational Health
and Radiation Control within the State Department of Health
handles all radon issues.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Rhode Island
Saving Energy (R.I.S.E.), a non-profit private group
funded by a surtax on utility bills, is helping to implement
the EPA/State radon survey, and will also test homes for
radon as part of energy audits.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Rhode Island
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control obiec-
tives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: No formal written
policies have been developed for radon in air; however,
action levels have been developed for radon in water.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: About one-third fulltime
equivalent employee is working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Rhode Island is participating in the
EPA State Radon Survey Program for FY 87. R.I.S.E., a
non-profit group, is implementing the survey. A 500 home
charcoal canister survey ,s underway. About 200
measurements have been taken. Highest reading thus far is
64 pCi/l; only two percent of readings above 10 pCi/l.
b. State Sponsored: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Rhode Island
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. Other: The Energy Audit Croup will test "at cost" for
radon as part of an energy audit.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: EPA brochures are sent out with test
results as part of State survey.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: A personal computer database has been set
up to handle survey results.
b. Access to Data: Holding data confidential.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Private measurement data, if
available, will not be included in database.
E. State Measurement Capability: Health Department laboratory is in
the process of acquiring radon measurement equipment.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: EPA brochures sent
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Rhode Island
It is expected that those homes with readings above 50 pCi/l
will be visited and offered advice if the homeowner wants.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No reliable data available. A small number
of radon in water mitigations are know to have taken place.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Several State officials, including members
of the Energy Audit Croup, attended an EPA training course
held in Massachusetts.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Course for States in New England
region under consideration.
Health Risk Studies: None. State is maintaining a cancer registry
but it does not include radon-specific information.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6- Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods"- Ap-
proximately 500 copies have been sent to survey participants
and to people calling in.
b. "Technical Guidance": Has not been sent out.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Rhode Island
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: About 40 calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: EPA RMP list prepared for
Rhode Island is sent out.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
South Carolina
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address
Nolan Bivens
Director
Division of Radiation Monitoring
Bureau of Radiological Health
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:
(803) 734-4700
Contact Dates
5 June 1987
16 June 1987
24 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHEC is the lead agency in the
State.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Carolina
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements- The
Department of Health and Environmental Control set up the
Techmcal Advisory Radiation Council to oversee State
radiation policy. The Council is comprised of industry
experts, hea.th offices, governor appointees, contractors
and real estate representatives, and meets monthly to
d.scuss State radiation programs. Radon is an issue of
recent attention.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a- Use of General Public Hea.th Objectives: Current.y
addressing radon under general public health policies.
b. Radon-Specific Policies /Coals /Strategy: None. Would like to
survey at least 750-1,000 homes.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Less than one fuMtime
equivalent employee over the past year.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a- EPA/State Sponsored: Hoping to participate in tne EPA
State Radon Survey Program at some point in the future.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Carolina
b. State Sponsored: Surveyed 175 volunteer homes (20 of 46
counties, excluding the northernmost mountainous counties).
Six houses over 4 pCi/l. Hope to test 300 houses by end of
year. State has purchased about 500 charcoal canisters
($2.50 each).
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Provide if screening measurement is
greater than 4 pCi/l. Only six homes of 175 houses have needed
a follow-up. Highest level found is 10-15 pCi/l.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: In the process of setting up a database
program to analyze State measurement data.
b. Access to Data: One person is creating the computer
program. No FOIA opinion yet from State Attorney General's
Office.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Have called three companies
and requested copies of their measurement results. No
response.
E. State Measurement Capability: Using Bureau of Radiological
Health lab to perform analysis of charcoal canisters.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Carolina
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: None. Unaware of any homes being
mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Bivens has attended EPA training.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health_Risk Studies: The Epidemiology Division of DHEC conducted
two studies to investigate the health effects of radon. Specifically
seeking to establish a correlation between cancer and elevated radon
levels. The studies were performed in the Charleston area and
Greenville County in homes identified by the State cancer registery.
All measurements were below 4 pCi/l.
5' Geo'ogy/Land Evaluation: State will use USGS NURE maps to
determine hot spots.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": Have
sent out about 400 packages of information. Package
contains both pamphlets and a list of measurement companies
compiled by the State from EPA's RMP report.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Carolina
b. "Technical Guidance": Would send upon request. No distri-
bution yet.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Receive about 25 calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Distribute an updated list of names and
telephone numbers of every company on EPA's list.
b. Distribute RMP: Does not distribute the report.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list. Only two or three requests for
mitigation information.
b. Method of Referral: No referrals; unaware of any companies
in State that perform mitigation.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
South Dakota
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Tammy LeBeau
Natural Resources Analyst
Office Administrator of the Radiation Program
Department of Water & Natural Resources (DWNR)
523 East Capital
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
Contact Dates:
(605) 773-3329
29 May 1987
16 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: DWNR is the lead agency in the State
handling radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: U.S.
Geological Survey is helping the State identify potential "hot
spots" by providing workshops for the Radiation Program.
Using existing fly-over data and geological maps. South
Dakota Lung Association is distributing information pamphlets
from EPA.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Dakota
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Currently
addressing radon under general public health policies.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: Provide information
to the public when requested.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Over the past year, about
one-half fulltime equivalent employee devoted to radon.
LeBeau handles almost all calls.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: One study sponsored through EPA in
late 1970s/early 1980s. Study focused on uranium mill
tailings.
b. State Sponsored: Limited voluntary (20) measurements in
Pierre and Rapid City.
c. Other: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Dakota
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management: None. Informal data collection in files.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: None
3. Mitigation
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation in State, except
for DOE uranium mill tailings remedial actions in Edgemont.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: One study performed by a group associated with
South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Not
familiar with specifics of the study. Dr. Johnson of the Department of
Health is currently conducting research on health risks in a private
study.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Dakota
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
6. Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": About
TOO of each pamphlet have been sent to homeowners.
Several hundred left.
b. "Technical Guidance": About 100 copies sent with other EPA
pamphlets.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
D.
E.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately 20 calls a week during
periods of high media coverage. Now it's about three to
four calls a week. Receives six to seven letters a week.
Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: None.
b.
Distribute RMP: EPA RMP list has been distributed to about
25 homeowners, but names of several companies in the region
or State are given over the phone to homeowners.
Approximately three or four companies are recommended,
depending on the location of the home.
Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No list.
-4-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
South Dakota
b. Method of Referral: Have not made any referrals and would
probably encourage homeowner to find mitigation services or
consultants on their own.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Tennessee
Jackie Waynick
Environmental Specialist
Division of Air Pollution Control
Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Health and Environment (DHE)
Tennessee Air Pollution Control
Customs House
701 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37219-5403
(615) 741-3931
Contact Dates: 28 April 1987
9 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Division of Air Pollution Control
within the Bureau of Environmental Health is the lead agency
for all radon activities. The Bureau of Environmental Health
is within DHE.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Tennessee
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Division of
Radiological Health, also within the Bureau of Environmental
Health, provides technical support.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A committee,
recently formed by the legislature and consisting of
legislators and private sector representatives, will report to
the legislature in 1988 concerning a recommended course of
legislative action.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: These may result
from committee set up by legislature.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $150,000 has
been appropriated to radon for the upcoming fiscal year
(FY 88). Officially three fulltime equivalent employees
beginning July 1, 1987.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Unknown.
D. Legislative Initiatives: No activity aside from formulation of
committee and appropriations.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Local Air Pollution Control Agencies
have been assisting with the placement of detectors for the
EPA/State survey. A one-day training session was held for
those involved.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Tennessee
b. Resources: No funds appropriated.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Tennessee is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. 2,000 home charcoal canister
survey is underway. About 1,800 measurements have been
taken.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: For EPA/State survey, homeowner is
notified of test results and a letter is sent with explanations and
mitigation suggestions drawn from EPA literature.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer database has been set up.
b. Access to Data: Data will be held confidential.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Collected, but not currently
included in database.
E. State Measurement Capability: No current government lab
capability.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Tennessee
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. EPA Sponsored: Working with EPA/ORD to set up joint
mitigation program.
b: State/EPA Sponsored: Will participate in Phase II of
EPA/ORP House Evaluation Program (10 homes).
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Send "Radon Reduction
Methods," offer advice over phone, provide address to mail
request for "Technical Guidance."
C. Mitigation Statistics: No data available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: A State official attended EPA training
course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: Course for 35-40 participants,
including contractors, planned in August.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: None.
-H-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Tennessee
6. Public information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Approximately 5,000 copies have been
sent in response to phone or mail requests.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Approximately 1,000 have been
sent upon request.
c. "Technical Guidance": Address to mail request is given out.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: RMP list is sent.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: Three contractors have asked to be put on
list; however, no recommendations are made, only that they
do this type of work.
b. Method of Referral: List is provided to homeowners.
F. Other: Worked with American Lung Association to hold 20 public
meetings on radon issue in State.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Texas
Contact:
Title:
Gary L. Smith, Ph.D.
Chief
Radiological Assessment Program (RAP)
Division of Environmental Programs
Bureau of Radiation Control
Agency: Texas Department of Health (TDH)
Address: 1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3189
Phone:
(512) 835-7000
Contact Date: 29 May 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: TDH is the only agency in the
State involved with radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None,
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Texas
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Working under general public health
objectives to provide information to homeowners. No educational
activities other than answering inquiries. Using EPA Action
Levels.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Smith spends about 20
hours per month on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: None. Considering a State survey, but
no funding.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Information kept in loose files. No computer
data or analysis.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Texas
b. Access to Data: Not yet an issue.
c. Use of Private Company Data: University of Pittsburgh and
Terradex have sent results.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: TDH has a full lab for radiological and other radiation
measurements. No equipment for indoor radon surveys. No
funding for indoor radon surveys.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Equipment is used for
regulatory and surveillance programs for nuclear power
plants, radioactive materials users, and uranium mining
activities.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: One home in Dallas mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Smith attended EPA training course in
Kansas City in March 1987.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Texas
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Relying on previous maps and geological
surveys.
6- Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods": 400 of
each pamphlet have been sent to homeowners on request.
b. "Technical Guidance": About 10 sent.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: About 30 a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No State list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distributes EPA RMP in its entirety.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: No State list.
b. Method of Referral: One call received for mitigation from a
homeowner in Alpine, Texas. Sent the "Technical Guidance"
pamphlet.
-H-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Utah
Larry Anderson
Director
Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC)
Department of Health (DOH)
State Office Building, Box 45500
Salt Lake City, UT 84145
(801) 538-6734
28 May 1987
23 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency and Role: The Bureau of Radiation Control
under DOH is the lead agency handling the radon program in
Utah.
b.
Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: Utah
Geological & Mineral Survey is interested in analyzing
geology to determine "hot spots." The extent of their
activities is unknown.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Utah
B.
Coals/Strategy/Policy: The State is performing a survey at the
end of the summer to determine the extent of the radon problem.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: On July ,
1987, $25.000-30,000 will become available for a State
measurement survey during FY 88. There is about $8 000
remaining from FY 87 which will also be used for 'the
survey.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: One-half fulltime equivalent
employee has been used over the past year. 10 employees in
the office have the ability to answer telephone inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: State provides information and advice to
local governments.
b. Resources: State has provided training to ,ocal health
offcials in the past as needed or requested. State training
focused on how to use a Radon Progeny integrating Sampling
Umt (RPISU) and other measurement devices
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: Gearing up for a geological hot spot survey
at the end of the summer. The State will determine which
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Utah
homes are tested and will receive alpha track detectors from
a measurement company at a reduced price. Company will
provide information on results to State.
c. Other: University of Utah graduate project may do a small
study. No specific details available.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: No current activity. Have
performed grab sampling over the years but have stopped. Will
push for long-term measurements with alpha track detectors in
State survey. Homeowners will receive detectors for free.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: None.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Working on a computer program to keep data
on homes tested.
b. Access to Data: Not yet an issue.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Will receive information from
alpha track vendor.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: The State has purchased
several grab sampling kits. They have about 15 RPISUs and
10 Passive Environmental Radon Monitors (PERMs), some of
which are on loan from EPA.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Utah
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None
C. Mitigation Statistics: There have been some homes mitigated, but
no statistics are available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course: None.
»• Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: The Utah Geological and Mineral Survey has
some analysis of existing fly-over data.
Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Do not distribute EPA's version at all.
Have made modifications to it and added DOH as the contact
for inquiries.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Distributed no more than 50
copies to homeowners requesting a copy.
B. State Developed Materials: Revised version of "A Citizen's Guide"
distributed on request. Removed the comparison of radon risk to
chest x-rays.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Utah
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: About 100 calls over the last six months.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: Using prior knowledge of two firms, names given
over phone.
b. Distribute RMP: RMP distributed to homeowners requesting
a copy.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No mitigation company referrals.
First refer homeowners to environmental consultants for assistance
in evaluating need for mitigation.
F. Other: BRC collects information on consultants, health
physicists, and others offering consulting services in radon
mitigation. BRC tries to check out each of these companies
before putting them on its list of recommended environmental
consulting firms.
-5-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact A:
Title:
Contact B:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Virginia
Charles Price
Radiation Health Director
Bureau of Radiological Health (BRH)
Division of Health Hazards Control (DHHC)
Carolyn Schrider
Radiation Safety Specialist
Bureau of Radiological Health (BRH)
Division of Health Hazards Control (DHHC)
Department of Health (DOH)
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-5932
18 May 1987
18 June 1987
1. Program Development S Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Currently, DHHC is the informal
lead, with primary effort out of the Bureau of Radiological
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
Health. DHHC reports to DOH, and the Secretary of Human
Resources (head of DOH) is the official chairperson of an
interagency task force.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The Office
of the State Geologist is also involved, especially regarding
radon in water (Stan Johnson; Charlottesville office). Other
State offices are included on task force.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: DOH was
recently directed by House Joint Resolution 229 to head an
interagency task force (including private sector parties) to
investigate the radon problem. The Secretary of Human
Resources chairs the task force. Dr. Carl Armstrong,
Director of DHHC, will act as spokesperson for the task
force. (See 1. D.)
B. Goals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: General public
health objectives are being used as the impetus for the
program thus far.
b. Radon-Specific Policies /Goals /Strategy: Virginia adopted an
early version of "A Citizen's Guide" Action Levels (with five
instead of three categories above 4 pCi/l, and shorter action
time frames compared to "A Citizen's Guide") for use in a
booklet distributed by the State (booklet dated March 1986).
Task force will probably develop additional goals.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Funding for 800 home
survey ($60,000 approximate cost), ongoing assistance work,
and recently formed task force ($16,100 estimated cost)
provided from general DON funds. About two and one-half
fulltime equivalent employees are working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives:
a. Enacted: House Joint Resolution 229 (passed 8 February
1987) requires Secretary of Human Resources (over DOH) to
form a task force to conduct a study on a broad range of
radon topics. All State agencies requested to participate if
asked. Task force composition includes representatives from
the Petersburg City Health Department, the Orange County
Health Department, the VA Air Pollution Control Board, the
VA Office of the State Geologist, the Department of Housing
and Community Development, and the Radiation Advisory
Board. First meeting was on 17 June 1987. Dr. Carl
Armstrong (Director of DHHC) is the spokesperson for the
task force. Study results are due on December 1, 1987 to
the Secretary of Human Resources, and to the General
Assembly prior to the 1988 session. The task force will meet
once a month.
b. Proposed: None.
c. Regulations: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: Technical assistance only.
Assisted Steve Church (Fairfax County) with oral advice about
choice of measurement devices for county survey.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: 800 home survey using working level
monitors at lowest living level (two-hour screening)
complete. Homes belonged to State employees who
volunteered. Results will be presented to task force.
c. Other: Fairfax County has initiated 2,400 home survey
(1,200 last winter; 1,200 next winter) using volunteers and
homes targeted by geology. No results yet. Loudoun and
Prince William Counties are possibly considering a Fairfax
County type of survey. Also, (Douglas Mose) George Mason
University has an ongoing study in Northern Virginia.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: Devices generally not
provided. State has provided devices on a case-by-case basis
(one school; a few radon in water measurements for homeowners).
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: If State survey measurement is above
4 pCi/l, State installs an alpha track device and gives homeowner
information booklet. Results not available for several months.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Yes. State measurements were given a
location code. (Health Department had previous code system
at a county level.) Home address is not in database.
b. Access to Data: State has released summary statistics for
four regions: Northern, Tidewater, South West, Central.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
Database is updated weekly. The public has access to the
data via provisions similar to the federal FOIA.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Measurements are sometimes
recorded by the State if a homeowner calls in for assistance
in interpreting measurement results.
State has asked all private companies to send data;
Terradex, University of Pittsburgh have responded. Most
companies claim they are unable to give results.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Department of Health has participated in RMP with
working level monitors. State lab hasn't yet participated in
RMP.
b. Measurement Equipment/ Personnel: Radiation health
personnel from regional offices were used to conduct State
survey (these people normally conduct x-ray measurements
for DOH). Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units
(RPISUs) were formerly available for State use (on loan from
EPA).
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: EPA/ORD is willing to perform further
tests for possible inclusion in mitigation demonstrations if
home tests are above 20 pCi/l.
c. EPA/State Sponsored: Virginia will participate in Phase II of
EPA's House Evaluation Project (10 homes).
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No data available. One private company in
northern area is doing remedial work on about 30 homes, plus
waiting list (at least 50 homes in total).
D. Mitigation Training Courses:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Three State officials attended an EPA
training course.
c. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None. However, Dr. Armstrong (DHHC) may be
considering an epidemiologic study in the future.
5- Geology / Land Evaluation: Stan Johnson in Office of the State
Geologist has reviewed fly-over data (old data; not NURE). NURE
data will be available. Primarily is concerned about radon in water.
Requesting additional funding.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Ran out after 1,000 copies were sent.
For cost reasons, will replace with modified version of State
booklet in future printings.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Virginia
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": 4,000 copies printed, half of
them sent out. Will print more if needed.
c. "Technical Guidance": Also distributed (just received). No
more than 100 copies sent so far. Distributed only on
request.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Indoor radon booklet (BRH; March
1986) based on EPA and Pennsylvania information; will
eventually incorporate "A Citizen's Guide" information into
the booklet for future printings.
b. Number Distributed: 10,000 booklets sent.
c. Distribution: Anyone who wants it.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 468-0138.
b. Number of Calls: 20-50 a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: State distributes entire EPA
RMP list, but does not recommend any companies.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None. (State notes that RMP
companies sometimes also do remediation.)
-7-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates
Vermont
Contact DORM
Division of Occupational and Radiological Health (DORH)
Department of Health
Administration Building
10 Baldwin Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 828-2886
27 May 1987
18 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Division of Occupational and
Radiological Health within the Department of Health is the
lead agency for radon and handles all radon issues. Depart-
ment of Health is within the Agency of Human Services.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A Radon
Committee has been set up consisting of six members from
the Department of Health. The Committee was created at the
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Vermont
initiative of the Division of Occupational and Radiological
Health and reviews radon policy.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control objec-
tives.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: No formal written
strategy has yet been approved by the Radon Committee. It
is State policy to recommend testing to those who contact
DORH.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Approximately one-fourth
of a fulltime equivalent employee is working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: Will provide advice on request.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: 25 to 35 detectors were placed throughout
the State in 1984 in living areas and basements. No living
areas were found to be above 4 pCi/l.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Vermont
c. Other: Some testing of radon in water has occurred, with
some private wells approaching 20 nanocuries per liter. 366
public water supplies were tested for radon about three
years ago. Most supplies were below 10 nanocuries per
liter. None exceeded 14 nanocuries per liter.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Suggest that long-term measurement
be undertaken if screening measurement is between 4 and 20
pCi/l. Above 20 pCi/l, suggest action be taken after retest.
Only three measurements above 20 pCi/l have been found in living
areas. Mitigation efforts have taken place at all three sites.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: This is a long-term goal.
b. Access to Data: Data would be held by zip code only.
c. Use of Private Company Data: This data is currently
monitored. Data of companies on the RMP is expected to be
placed in database.
E. State Measurement Capability: Limited lab capability regarding
radon. Could do some testing with modified Kusnetz procedure.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None,
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Vermont
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None. Some financial assistance
may be possible for low-income people under weatherization
program.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Advice over the phone,
would provide "Technical Guidance" manual if needed.
C. Mitigation Statistics: No reliable data available.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State government official attended an
EPA training course in Massachusetts.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
5* Geology/Land Evaluation: A study concerning uranium potential in the
1970s located areas with potential deposits. No current activity.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Approximately 200 sent to homeowners
requesting information.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Fewer than 20 sent to those
requesting this information.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Vermont
c. "Technical Guidance": Approximately 10 sent on request.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: A letter is sent with "A Citizen's
Guide" along with a questionnaire.
b. Number Distributed: Approximately 200 sent to homeowners
requesting information.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately 40 calls a month.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: RMP list prepared for Vermont
is sent out along with RMP list of nationwide testing firms.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: A list has been made by contacting contrac-
tors to determine their capability and interest in doing this
type of work.
b. Method of Referral: No referrals have been made as yet.
List will probably be sent.
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Dates:
Washington
Robert Mooney
Head
Environmental Protection Section (EPS)
Office of Radiation Protection
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Mail Stop LE-13
Olympia, WA 98504
(206) 586-3303
2 June 1987
24 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DSHS is the lead agency in the
State handling radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: There are
several agencies or organizations in the State that have
provided information or educational input into program:
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
1. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has collected
data for over 14,000 homes in the State of Washington
with radon measurements.
2. Other associated utilities.
3. State Energy Office and the Energy Extension Service
provide information on weatherization, energy
conservation, and their relationship to radon to
homeowners; they are performing some research similar
to BPA.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: There is an
unofficial task force comprised of local county health
administrators which coordinates activities in the northeast
part of the State.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: The program's goal is to provide good
information to homeowners on what radon is, how to monitor their
homes, and how to interpret the results. A long-term goal is to
educate/inform homeowners in the areas of the State where radon
appears to be a significant problem. The northeastern part of
the State (City of Spokane) has been shown to be a "hot spot."
Would like to work with BPA and other utilities in the area to
inform homeowners of potential problem.
Specific goals include:
1. Notifying homeowners in "hot spots" of radon level findings.
2. Obtaining funding to measure and mitigate (if necessary)
State buildings in hot spot areas.
3. Obtaining funding and personnel to handle expected increase
in public inquiries once homeowners are notified in suspected
problem areas.
-2-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollar Available: $50,000 available in FY 86
and $50,000 in FY 87 for environmental radiation work which
included radon information dissemination. In order to
balance the State budget, the existing radiation funds in the
general budget were cut to zero. There is no longer any
money allocated to Radiation Control from the general State
fund (which previously accounted for 20 percent of the total
Radiation Control budget. Radon as well as other radiation
work will be cut back in EPS.
Approximately one fulltime equivalent employee was devoted
to radon in FY 87 and one in FY 86. Program monies were
spent on developing, printing, and disseminating
State-developed radon materials and EPA pamphlets.
Program also sponsored training seminars for general public
and radon professionals.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Coordinating with county health
departments for distribution of information (EPA pamphlets)
and training sessions.
b. Resources: None.
-3-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Other: BPA (DOE) has supplied monitors and financial
assistance to homes participating in their weatherization
program. They have performed nearly 14,000 measurements.
BPA offers free detectors to homes with electric heating
systems.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: No activity other than BPA.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Resources only allow response to
inquiries. No outreach program exists.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: BPA provides data collected from their
program in a database. The information is by township
section (every square mile). DSHS keeps a file of telephone
and letter inquiries by homeowners, contractors, etc.
b. Access to Data: BPA data is anonymous. DSHS telephone
and mail log includes homeowner name and address, but this
is confidential information.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Collecting and reviewing data
reports from measurement device vendors and other
companies supplying data.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: Limited analysis capability in the Radiation Control lab
Could gear-up for radon analysis if needed.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: Crab sampling kits only.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: BPA is spending a lot of money for
mitigation - extensive program. If they have weatherized a home,
they will test and mitigate the house if elevated radon levels were
found.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: In FY 87 four or five general radon and
mitigation information meetings were offered to consultants,
contractors, and general public. Over 500 attended.
b. EPA Sponsored: None.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: Geographic analysis with USGS and staff
geologist. Extensive uranium survey several years ago.
-5-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
6- Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide" and "Radon Reduction Methods":
Available on request. Have reprinted 4,000-6,000 of each
pamphlet using funds from radon budget.
b. "Technical Guidance": No.
B. State Developed Materials:
a. Materials Developed: Radon brochure (fact sheet) was
distributed prior to EPA materials. Still send out with EPA
pamphlets.
b. Number Distributed: 4,000-6,000 to homeowners requesting
information.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: 200 inquiries through letters and phone
calls in FY 87 (ends June 30, 1987). 30 calls a month on
average for June and July 1987.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
State List: Companies with history of monitoring are
evaluated by State and put on a State list. The company
must indicate if it is participating in EPA's RMP. If a
company is not EPA approved, then it must apply for the
next RMP round.
a.
-6-
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Washington
b. Distribute RMP: Have sent EPA RMP upon request. Reprint
copies.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-7-
-------
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
West Virginia
William Aaroe
Title: Director
West Virginia Industrial Hygiene Division
Agency: Department of Health (DOH)
Address: 151 11th Avenue
South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone:
(304) 348-3526
Contact Date: 27 May 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DOH is the only agency in the
State handling radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: None.
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
a. Use of General Public Health Objectives: Relying on general
public health objectives until radon program becomes forma-
lized.
-------
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
West Virginia
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Coals/Strategy: Using EPA
information and forthcoming geo,ogica, surveys to determine
potentia," for a problem. Aaroe does not anticipate a major
problem in the State.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Aaroe spends 2/5 of his
t.me on radon; handles all calls, and performs measurements
w.th a Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit (RPISU) on
an occasional basis.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: None.
b. State Sponsored: 12 measurements taken with a RP.SU
monitor on loan from EPA. AM are about or below 4 PCi/L
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
West Virginia
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Phone consultation provided on next
steps but no formal follow-up measurements.
D. Data Management: University of Pittsburgh sends reports on
measurements performed in the State by homeowners. Some levels
greater than 30 pCi/l detected.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None.
b. Measurement Equipment/Personnel: RPISU is on loan from
EPA.
3. Mitigation
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs: None.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Unaware of any mitigation in the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Aaroe participated in an EPA workshop and
an EPA/CRCPD training course in 1985.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
4. Health Risk Studies: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
West Virginia
5- Geology/Land Evaluation: State using DOE geological survey to
determine potential "hot spots." Information and maps are
forthcoming.
Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": 200 copies provided to State by EPA.
20 sent to homeowners.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": 200 copies provided to State by
EPA. 12 sent to homeowners.
c. "Technical Guidance": No.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Approximately 10 calls a week.
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: No list.
b. Distribute RMP: Distributed three to four copies over the
past year.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: No one has requested referrals-
will not make them.
-4-
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State:
Contact:
Title:
SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
Wisconsin
Lawrence McDonnell
Chief
Radiation Protection Section
Division of Health
Agency: Department of Health and Social Services
Address: Box 309
Madison, Wl 53701
Phone: (608) 273-5181
Contact Dates: 30 April 1987
9 June 1987
1. Program Development 6 Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: Division of Radiation Protection
within the Division of Health in the Department of Health and
Social Services is the lead agency and handles all radon
issues.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wisconsin
b. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: A radon
advisory committee has existed since September 1986 when it
was formed by the Division of Radiation Protection. The
committee offers advice on all radon policy issues and has
five or six members, all of whom are government employees.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy:
Use of General Public Health Objectives: No specific policies
have been developed under general radiation control
objectives.
a.
b. Radon-Specific Policies/Goals/Strategy: As part of
EPA/State survey, goals are to conduct survey, identify hot
spots, make follow-up measurements, and make mitigation
recommendations.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: $25,000 for
one year budgeted for radon.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Additional funds from
general radiation budget. Two and one-quarter fulltime
equivalent employees working on radon.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Advice on request, some training.
b. Resources: No funding.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wisconsin
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Wisconsin is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. A 2,000 home charcoal
canister survey is underway. 1,200 measurements have been
taken.
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Other: None.
B. Measurement Assistance Program: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: See 3.B.b. Need for follow-up
determined on a case-by-case basis.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Computer database is being created to
analyze EPA/State survey results.
b. Access to Data: Unspecified.
c. Use of Private Company Data: Collected, but no current
plans to include in computer database.
E. State Measurement Capability: Have Passive Environmental Radon
Monitors (PERMs).
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects: None.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wisconsin
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Will send someone out
to diagnose, recommend mitigation, and re-measure after
mitigation. Currently, the State will help homeowners until
their problem is mitigated. Emphasis is on simple solution.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Four or five privately conducted mitigations
are known to have taken place in the State.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b- EPA Sponsored: State official attended an EPA training
frit lire- e\ •?
course.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
Health Risk Studies: None.
- Geology/Land Evaluation: Some coordination with geologic experts as
part of selection process for EPA State Radon Survey Program.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a- "A Citizen's Guide": Several hundred have been sent to
homeowners on request.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wisconsin
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Approximately 150 have been
sent to homeowners on request.
c. "Technical Guidance": A few have been given out.
B. State Developed Materials: None.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: None.
b. Number of Calls: Unknown.
D. Measurement Company Referrals: Two or three names off the
RMP list have been placed on a list that is sent out.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals: None.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS
State:
Contact:
Wyoming
Julius Haes, Jr,
Title: Chief
Radiological Health Services (RHS)
Agency: Department of Health and Medical Services (DHMS)
Address: Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, VVY 82002-0710
Phone: (307) 777-6015
Contact Dates: 29 May 1987
22 June 1987
1. Program Development & Administration:
A. Lead Agency and Other Agencies:
a. Lead Agency(s) and Role: DHMS is the State agency
working on radon.
b. Roles and Activities of Other Involved Parties: The
American Cancer Society is assisting the State in the radon
survey. Responsible for phone calls and verification of
homeowner eligibility.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wyoming
c. Task Forces and/or Interagency Agreements: None.
B. Coals/Strategy/Policy: Actively disseminating information.
Using action guidelines of EPA; have divided EPA Action Level of
20-200 pCi/l into two ranges of 20-100 pCi/l, and 100-200 pCi/l.
C. Budget:
a. Personnel and Dollars Appropriated to Radon: None.
b. Personnel and Dollars Available: Relying on existing
DHMS personnel (RHS has two fulltime employees) and
funds. EPA/State survey will be funded out of DHMS
expenses and other federal funds (other independent
operations). Two employees answer phone inquiries.
D. Legislative Initiatives: None.
E. Assistance to Local Governments:
a. Type of Assistance: Contacted local county governments to
educate on EPA/State study. Will contact again concerning
results.
b. Resources: None.
2. Measurement:
A. Surveys:
a. EPA/State Sponsored: Wyoming is participating in the EPA
State Radon Survey Program. This 800 home charcoal
canister survey is complete.
-2-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wyoming
b. State Sponsored: None.
c. Locally Sponsored: City of Lander performed a study of
approximately 25 homes; a TV station in Casper and one
county government did limited surveys.
d. Other: Bonneville Power Authority (BPA) is working in
Lincoln County (25 homes).
B. Measurement Assistance Programs: None.
C. Monitoring and Follow-up: Will send a second charcoal canister to
homes with screening measurements greater than M pCi/l. Every
homeowner will receive a letter suggesting a follow-up if levels
are above U pCi/l. Homeowners with levels above 10 pCi/l will
receive a phone call to discuss results and encourage a follow-up.
D. Data Management:
a. Computerized: Results of EPA/State survey are
computerized.
b. Use of Private Company Data: Have computer printouts or
reports from Terradex, University of Pittsburgh, and EPA.
c. Other: Have created a map with colored pins to indicate
"hot spots" or distribution of radon levels. Will compare to
geological survey.
E. State Measurement Capability:
a. Lab: None.
-3-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wyoming
b. Measurement Equipment/ Personnel: Have purchased a
continuous monitor for radon and decay products.
3. Mitigation:
A. Mitigation Projects:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: Talking with EPA/ORD about consultation
and possibly some funds for mitigation of a selected number
of homes.
c: State/EPA Sponsored: None.
B. Mitigation Assistance Programs:
a. State Financial Assistance: None. Have suggested a
low-interest loan, may use funds from Exxon oil overcharge
case like other States.
b. Technical Assistance to Homeowner: Consultation over the
phone to homeowners.
C. Mitigation Statistics: Estimate fewer than 10 homes privately
mitigated.
D. Diagnostician and Mitigation Training Course:
a. State Sponsored: None.
b. EPA Sponsored: One State official attended an EPA training
course in September 1986.
c. State/EPA Sponsored: None.
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wyoming
Health Risk Studies: None.
5. Geology/Land Evaluation: $2,000 allocated to Wyoming Geological
Survey to evaluate cities as potential "hot spots"; have mapped State
for hot spots which will be compared to survey results. Have also
mapped fractures and fissures.
6. Public Information:
A. EPA Materials Distributed:
a. "A Citizen's Guide": Have sent about 2,500 copies to
homeowners on request and to those participating in the
survey.
b. "Radon Reduction Methods": Will send with a personal letter
to every person who participated in the survey with radon
levels above M pCi/l.
B. State Developed Materials: RHS modified EPA pamphlets by 1)
following the Pennsylvania initiative. They divided the EPA
Action Level of 20-200 pCi/l into two ranges of 20-100 pCi/l and
100-200 pCi/l to show wider range of action; 2) emphasizing that
homeowners determine an annual average level of exposure before
taking action; and 3) encouraging homeowners not to rely on
point estimates.
C. Telephone Inquiries:
a. Hot Line: (800) 345-2091, used minimally.
b. Number of Calls: Less than 50 a month.
-5-
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SUMMARY OF STATE RADON PROGRAMS (Continued)
Wyoming
D. Measurement Company Referrals:
a. State List: None.
b. Distribute RMP: Using entire RMP list.
E. Mitigation Company Referrals:
a. Source of List: None.
b. Method of Referral: Have not had very many inquiries
regarding mitigation. Suggest homeowners use "Radon
Reduction Methods" and work with contractors. Refer to
EPA regional representative.
-6-
*U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OrFICE:1987-716-002i60712
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