c/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Air and
Radiation
Washington DC 20460
EPA<600'8-87'033
June 1987
Research and Development
EPA Indoor Air Quality
Implementation Plan:
Appendix C. EPA Radon
Program
Appendix D. Indoor Air
Resource History
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EPA-600/8-87-033
June 1987
EPA Indoor Air Quality
Implementation Plan
Appendix C: EPA Radon Program
Appendix D: Indoor Air Resource History
Prepared by:
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region V, Library ^
230 South Dearborn Street -
Chicago, Illinois 60604 ..,..^.-
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NOTICE
This document has been reviewed in accordance with
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and
approved for publication. Mention of trade names
or commercial products does not constitute endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
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Appendix: C
EPA RADON PROGRAM
(Excerpted from the EPA Interim
Report to Congress on Indoor Air Pollution
and Radon under Title IV
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986)
NOTE TO READER: Excerpt begins
with page 12
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INDOOR RADON
Radon is a radfoactive gas produced by the radioactive decay ot radium-
226, which occurs naturally in almost all soils and rocks. Radon is present
in the atmosphere everywhere due to its release from radium decaying in the
ground. Outdoor radon levels generally are low. Typical indoor levels are
usually about five times higher than average outdoor levels, but can be
over ten thousand times higher. Exposure to such elevated levels may
greatly increase an individual's risk of developing lung cancer. Further,
since everyone is exposed to radon in buildings, it is believed that radon
substantially contributes to the incidence of lung cancer in the United
States. The Environmental Protection Agency and other scientific groups
estimate that from about 5,000 to about 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year in
the United States may be attributed to radon. (The American Cancer Society
expects that about 130,000 people will have died of lung cancer in 1986. The
Surgeon General attributes around .'-55 percent of all lung cancer deaths to
smoking.)
While the Reading Prong area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York
is the best known high-radon area in the United States at this time, indoor
radon is potentially a widespread problem. Elevated radon levels have been
found in houses in many States—not only where suspected geological factors
or the presence of uranium deposits suggest that radon might be a problem.
Preliminary data indicate that perhaps more than 10 percent or the approxi-
mately 85 million homes in the U.S. may have radon levels reaching or exceed-
ing four picoCuries per liter—the level recommended by EPA as a target for
corrective action. This level was based on both health considerations and
on the limitations or current technology in reducing radon levels below
this target level.
A. GOALS
In response to growing concern about elevated indoor radon concen-
trations in houses situated on the Reading Prong and those located else-
where, the EPA Administrator established the Radon Action Program in
September 1985. The goals of EPA's Radon Action Program are to:
3 Determine tire extent of the problem. Information is needed not
only on the "hot spots" in "the United States, but also on the
distribution of radon levels in homes throughout the country.
0 Reduce exposure to radon in existing homes. The development
and demonstration of cost-effective mitigation techniques will, it
is hoped, eventually enable homeowners to correct a radon problem
as easily as they might correct a water or electrical problem in
their home.
- Prevent radon problems in new housing. By addressing the problem
in new construction is well as in existing houses, the potential
risk to people who live in new homes can be reduced and consequently,
the national average concentration of radon in houses can be lowered.
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B. STRATEGY
EPA lades clear statutory authority to prescribe what honeowners should
do about radon. Moreover, it does not appear that a regulatory approach is
suitable to deal with this naturally-occurring health hazard. Consequently,
the Agency is pursuing its objectives, not by the usual regulatory means
(except that it has recently proposed standards Cor radon in drinking water
under the Safe Drinking Water Act^), but rather by trying to ensure that
the needed technical knowledge exists and that homeowners, contractors, and
State and local officials have access to it.
Indoor radon levels can vary greatly not only fron community to commun-
ity, but also from house to house. In addition, the problem areas are
widely dispersed throughout most of the country. Therefore, the Agency
believes that the primary line of response to the problem should be the
State and local governments and the private sector. These groups are in the
best position to provide homeowners with the day-to-day support necessary
to understand the problem and reduce the risks.
However, EPA and other parts of the Federal government have unique
capabilities and expertise to offer the State and local governments and the
private sector. Thus, EPA has developed a program that provides for both
information development and information delivery. The Agency is developing
and disseminating technical knowledge to encourage, support, and facilitate
the development of State programs and private sector capabilities in the
areas of radon assessment and mitigation. It is acting as a catalyst to
bring together the appropriate expertise and responsibilities of Federal
agencies, the State and local governments, and the private sector.
The Radon Management Ccmmitt.ee (RMC), which is comprised of senior
.•nanagement officials from the various headquarters and regional offices
within EPA, was established to provide broad policy advice and guidance to
EPA's Radon Action Program and the Administrator. The RMC identified
priorities for the FY 1987 radon program, and developed the following
consensus ranking of the most important tasks:
1. Identify cost-effective mitijation technology for existing
houses.
2. Assist States in developing programs to help citizens under-
stand radon-related health risks and take action to assess
and, if necessary, reduce their exposure.
3. Develop information materials that States and private sector
groups can use to help citizens and homeowners.
3 Volatile radon can be transported to indoor air by drinking water that
is derived from sane groundwater sources. The mechanisms for the release
of radon from drinking water to indoor air include: showers, baths,
clothes washers, dishwashers, cooking, and flushing toilets. The average
contribution from the drinking water source to indoor air radon levels is
in the range of one to seven percent.
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4. Promote good practices in radon measurement (e.g., use of
recognized methods, proficiency in making measurements).
5. Develop training courses and materials useful for govern-
mental and private sector personnel.
6. Assist States in designing and conducting surveys to identify
high-radon areas.
7. Conduct a national survey to determine the distribution of
indoor radon levels and identify the factors that influence
such levels.
8. Share with States and the private sector all available tech-
nical knowledge about radon measurement, mitigation, preven-
tion, and other key topics, and help them learn how to use
that knowledge.
9. Identify cost-effective prevention technology for new housing.
ID. Reaffirm or revise the Agency's estimates of the health risks
associated with radon exposure.
In establishing this ranking, the Management Committee agreed that all ten
areas are important in achieving the Agency's goals and should be supported
to the extent possible.
The Management Committee also recognized the importance of the contri-
butions of otner Federal agencies to the overall goals of EPA's Radon
Action Program. Consequently, they recommended that a portion of the
Agency's efforts be devoted to working with Federal agencies such as the
Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
the U.S. Geological Survey.
C. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
To provide a better focus to its efforts, the Agency's radon program
consists of *ive maj.or elements and objectives:
0 Radon exposure and health risk: To identify areas with high
levels of radon in houses and to determine the national dis-
tribution of radon levels and the associated risks.
u Mitigation and prevention: To identify cost-etfective
methods to reduce radon levels in existing structures and
to prevent elevated radon levels in new construction.
0 Capability development: To stimulate the development of
State and private >-!>,tor capabilities to assess radon
problems in homes and to help people mitigate such problems.
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" Public information: To work with States to provide informa-
tion to homeowners on radon, its risks, and what can be done
about it.
0 i-ederal coordination: To take advantage of the expertise, re-
sponsibilities and resources in this Agency, the Department of
Energy (DOE), and throughout the Federal government in addressing
the radon issue and to coordinate the activities ot each Agency-to
maximize the effectiveness of the overall Federal effort.
The following discussion describes the tasks necessary to meet the
objectives of the Agency's indoor radon program. Included in this discus-
sion is a brief outline of the progress made to date on each of the activi-
ties and a projection of what remains to be done. A crosswalk between the
requirements of Title IV and the activities of EPA's Radon Action Program
is provided in Appendix 0.
1. RADON EXPOSURE AND HEALTH RISK
(a) Conduct a National Assessment of Representative Structure
Types and Geographical Locations
The Agency plans to conduct a national assessment to better define the
distribution of radon levels in houses across the country and to determine
the national average. Existing information on indoor radon levels is
fragmented and is very likely to be skewed because a disproportionate
number of measurements have been made in known problem areas, such as the
Reading Prong. A determination of the distribution of radon levels through-
out the United States is essential in determining the risk to the general
population from indoor radon.
A design for the national assessment was submitted to the Radiation
Advisory Committee of EPA's SAB in September 19b6. They offered the Agency
so;ne initial recommendations, and EPA is revising the design accordingly.
Trie SAB's final review is expected to be completed by mid-1987, at which
time EPA will make the SAB's final report, along with any Agency comments,
available to Congress.
The national assessment is likely to involve 3,000 to 5,000 structures
randomly distributed throughout the United States. In its initial recom-
mendations, the SAB stressed the importance of obtaining a high rate of
participant return to maximize the value of the survey results. In addition,
the cost of the assessment has been estimated tt> range from $300 to $500
per dwelling. These two factors have been influential in determining the
number of houses that will be included in the survey. While the sample
size planned will yield a good picture or the distribution of radon levels
across the United States, it will be minimally useful in assessing the
factors which influence those levels, such as geology and house character-
istics.
EPA expects to begin deployment of measurement devices in FY 1988.
Devices will be placed in houses for a one year period to obtain the annual
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average radon concentration in each structure. The survey and the associated
data analyses will take approximately two to three years to complete.
Another important feature in determining public exposure to indoor
radon is the concentrations found in schools, office buildings, and other
non-residential structures. The Agency's national assessment is devoted to
private residences, because they are usually the major sources of exposure.
However, EPA plans to look at what data exist for other types of structures
and to conduct a feasibility study of what needs to be done to provide an
indication of the levels in non-residential buildings. The results of this
study will be provided to Congress in October 1987, in the Agency's report
to Congress mandated by Section 118(k)(l) of SARA.
(b) Provide Technical Assistance to State Survey Efforts
While it is important to determine the national distribution ot radon
levels, it is also important to locate areas of particular concern. The
Agency considered including this objective in the national assessment, but
realized that it would be too resource intensive, and the information would
not be available soon enough to ,neet the demand to identify high-risk areas.
Therefore, the Agency designed a program to provide assistance to States in
conducting their own surveys. The objectives of EPA's State Survey Program
are to: (1) find areas of high indoor radon levels; (2) implement consistent
survey methods to assure comparable results; and (3) determine how geology
can be used to predict 'nigh indoor radon levels. Assistance offered by EPA
depends on an individual State's needs, but may include survey design,
measurement tevices (charcoal canisters), laboratory analysis, etc.
Ten States (Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan,
Rhode Island, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) are participating in the
survey program this winter. These ten states were selected, from a total
of 21 requestors, primarily on the basis of their ability to deploy measure-
ment devices during the 1986-1987 heating season. Ten is the maximum number
of States that EPA can provide assistance to at one time. The Agency
expects to eventually provide .is-1 :e to the other 11 States who
requested it, as well as to any future requestors.
While "he State surveys will provide more detailed information in a
shorter time period than the national assessment, it will be several years
before the majority'of surveys are completed, the data analyzed, and the
reliability of geological factors in predicting high indoor radon levels
are determined. However, data from the first ten States will be available
this summer and will be incorporated into EPA1*'Section 118(k) report to
Congress.
The national assessment and the State survey program were designed to
complement one another and to rnaximize the effectiveness ot the Agency's
resources. Completion of t'i«*se tasks will provide information necessary to
:>etter define the distribution of indoor radon levels across the country,
and to identify those areas of the United States in which elevated indoor
radon concentrations may be a problem. In addition, data gathered through
these survey efforts will be used to determine and characterize the factors
which may influence such levels.
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(c) Develop Models to Predict the Potential for Structures
Built on Certain Land Types to Have Eleva-ted Indoor Radon
Concentrations
An important adjunct to the survey efforts to identify high-risk areas
is the ability to predict the occurrence of elevated indoor radon levels
based on models. One can think of this task as a ladder, with the lowest
rung being the ability to predict whether large blocks of land, such as the
northwestern portion of a given State, might cause high indoor radon levels.
The middle part of the ladder would be the ability to predict whether
smaller areas of land, such as individual counties, might have an indoor
radon problem. Finally, at the top of the ladder would be the ability to
predict whether an individual parcel of land might cause high radon levels
in a house built on it. This latter piece or information is the most
useful, but also the most difficult to obtain.
The Agency presently has a modest effort underway to identify those
geological factors and characteristics which are most useful as indicators
of high radon levels. EPA also is conducting some preliminary work on the
use of soil gas measurements to predict the radon potential for individual
parcels of land. This technique appears promising, but is a long way from
being a reliable and accurate predictor of high radon levels. Ultimately,
work in the area of hazardous land evaluation should yield a model that can
predict, on both a macro and a micro level, the potential for a particular
area to cause high indoor radon levels.
(d) Develop Measurement Protocols
Since many radon measjrements are now done by commercial firms, it is
critical that these measurements be comparable and that the public has some
assurance that they are being done accurately. To meet this need, the
Agency published standardized measurement protocols in February 1986, for
seven of the most commonly-jsed measurement methods. This document was
followed by a protocols applications document in September 1986, which
outlines the procedures for determining where measurements should be made
in a house and under what conditions. DOE is also pursuing improved
measurement protocols.
Protocols are needed to ensure that the new devices being developed to
measure radon indoors are used correctly. In addition, further protocol
applications are needed for specific circumstances, such as epidemiological
studies and radon diagnosis for remedial action. Limited work is beginning
in these areas.
(e) Conduct Epidemiological and Other Health Studies
to Determine the Link Between Lung Cancer and Radon
Exposure in Houses
There are many unanswered questions concerning the health effects of
radon. Current risk estimates are based on underground miners; however,
there is a strong need to establish a link between increased risk of lung
cancer and exposure to radon in a residential setting. In addition, there
are questions about the risk to children and the potential synergistic
effects between radon and smoking.
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Several epidemiological studies are planned to address these questions.
Two or the larger studies, sponsored by DUE and the New Jersey Department
of Health, are just^beginning and will be conducted in Pennsylvania and New
Jersey, respectively. It is important to note that preliminary results
from these studies will not be available for several years because of the
latency period associated with lung cancer. Preliminary results from the
eastern Pennsylvania study, conducted by Argonne National Laboratory, will
be available in 3-5 years.
The Agency is tracking the epidemiological studies now underway, and
is identifying study populations and additional epidemiological research
opportunities to assess the exposure of the general population to indoor
radon. In addition, EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission are sponsor-
ing a study by the National Academy of Sciences to review all existing
available data on health risks from radon. The study report is expected to
be published in the spring of 1987.
?.. MITIGATION AND PREVENTION
(a) Develop and Demonstrate Cost-effective Mitigation Methods
to Reduce Radon Levels in Houses
There are four ways to reduce radon levels in a structure: (1) prevent
radon from entering a house; (2) ventilate the air containing radon and its
decay products from the house; (3) remove radon and/or its decay products
from indoor air; and (4) remove the source of the radon. The Agency is
conducting a program to demonstrate these various mitigation techniques.
T'ir> results to date have been very promising. Our experience, thus
far, indicates that the use of techniques that prevent radon entry by
ventilating the radon-laden soil gas from under or around the foundations
jr From within basement bloc* walls is effective. This approach can reduce
radon levels by more than 95 percent, even in houses with very high initial
radon levels (greater than 1000 picoCuries per liter). The costs of these
techniques are expected to range from $1UO to 55,000 per home, with an
average of approximately $1,OUO per home. The costs of radon reduction
methods are expected to decrease as more qualified mitigation contractors
enter the market. Thus, indoor radon levels can be reduced substantially
at a relatively low cost. Our experience also indicates that the mitigation
schemes are very house-specific, and more than one mitigation method may
have to be used to reduce radon to an acceptable level in a given house.
Finally, methods to prevent radon from entering a house are most effective
in reducing extremely elevated levels.
The information gained through research on 18 homes in Pennsylvania
contributed to two Agency publications in August 1986: "Radon Reduction
Methods: A Homeowner's Guide," and "Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached
Houses: Technical Guidance." These publications will be revised in FY 1987
based on additional research in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
For the next several years, EPA plans to continue the demonstration
program in existing homes in the Reading Prong, and begin demonstrations in
States outside or the Reading Prong to gain experience in a wider variety
of housing types. In FY 1987, the Agency plans to conduct demonstrations
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in up to 110 homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and up to three
other States.
Thus far, the demonstration program has focused on active soil ven-
tilation techniques. Most of the houses involved hav,a had high radon
levels (greater than 100 picoCuries per liter). In addition, some research
has been done on heat recovery ventilators and methods for reducing radon
in household water supplies. Research on these techniques will continue,
and studies on passive soil ventilation techniques will be initiated.
Future work will be directed towards houses with lower concentrations--
levels in the 4 to 100 picoCuries per liter range—the range in which most
affected houses fall.
To approach the demonstration program in a systematic manner, EPA has
developed two matrices that enable the Agency to maximize the use ot its
resources and ensure that all the key variables in housing and mitigation
technology are tested adequately. One matrix has been developed for exist-
ing houses and another for new houses. These .natrices have been reviewed
by the Agency's SAB, which supports their use. Each matrix includes various
radon reduction .techniques, initial radon levels, house substructure types,
important house design features, soil characteristics, and other relevant
factors. The cells in the matrix need to be filled with a minimum of five
replicates each to achieve the confidence levels that homeowners are likely
to want before they install a mitigation measure in their homes. EPA's
current estimate is that at least 600 existing homes and 125 new houses
will have to be tested to fulfill this objective.
EPA is developing and validating diagnostic protocols that researchers,
States, and private contractors can use to determine mitigation approaches
in houses. The protocols will also help EPA and others to collect comparable
data from those who install and test the effectiveness of radon reduction
techniques in houses.
(b) Apply and Evaluate Mitigation Methods
Once mitigation methods have been developed and demonstrated under
research conditions in a selected number of houses, they must be more widely
applied and evaluated in a large number of varied housing types under
conditions likely to be faced by the average homeowner. To meet this need,
the Agency has initiated a House Evaluation Program with three objectives:
(1) to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of mitigation methods in the
private sector; (2) to train State and private sector personnel in diagnos-
ing and mitigating radon in houses; and (3) tCKprovide feedback to the
Agency's mitigation demonstration .jrogram.
In carrying out the objectives of this program, State personnel, in
cooperation with EPA, diagnose a house with elevated radon levels and offer
the homeowner several alternative mitigation schemes. In exchange for this
service, the homeowner permits the State and EPA to obtain data on radon
levels in the homes after the installation of control techniques. Thus,
valuable information is gained on the cost-erfectiveness or the installed
techniques. An important facet of this program is the homeowner chooses
whether to undertake the mitigation work, and is responsible for selecting
the contractor. This is a significant difference between the house evalua-
tion program and the Agency's demonstration program.
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An additional beneMt or this project is that it provides "hands-on"
training in radon diagnosis and mitigation to State and local governments,
and to private sector personnel, and promotes the use of local contractors
to conduct mitigation work, thus expanding the cadre of experienced mitiga-
tion professionals. It is also expected that many homeowners will attempt
mitigation on their own. The results of these efforts will provide informa-
tion on the feasibility of radon mitigation being conducted by the homeowner,
and will serve to better focus public information materials.
The Agency has already evaluated approximately 80 homes in Pennsylvania.
During the remainder of FY 1987, EPA plans to evaluate up to another 150
homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and in States that may have
identified problem areas through their survey efforts.
(c) Develop and Demonstrate Techniques to Prevent Radon Entry in
New Construction
A critical element in reducing the health risk from radon exposure is
to prevent radon entry in new construction. This can be accomplished by
using specific building techniques. Some research has been conducted in
this area by groups outside of EPA. The evidence clearly indicates that it
is easier to prevent a radon problem before a house is built than it is to
correct it afterwards. Thus, the Agency is designing a program for FY 1987
to conduct demonstrations in up to 25 new houses in New York and other
States. The Agency is trying to situate the demonstrations on land that
has the potential for causing radon problems and where the developer is
willing to build preventive techniques into some of the houses while keeping
others of the same design as controls. Generally, EPA will build in passive
control measures, but will make it easy for the homeowner to use active
soil ventilation techniques should they prove necessary.
The Agency is working closely with the housing industry, particularly
the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), to encourage their interest
in this area. As part of a cooperative agreement, EPA and NAHB are putting
together a pamphlet on preventive construction methods. This will be even-
tually followed-up with a technical manual describing in detail various
construction practices to prevent radon entry.
(d) Develop Model Building Codes
The only way to ultimately ensure that prevention/mitigation techniques
are incorporated into new construction practices is through modifications
to local building codes. Florida has already passed legislation requiring
the use of certain construction practices in houses built in certain areas
of the State. Other States and localities are considering similar action.
The Agency is working with the Council of American Building Officials and
the three model code organizations to ensure that Agency efforts in the
area of radon prevention are reflected in local building codes.
(e) Study Fundamentals and Devices
To assist the field demonstration on radon reduction in new and exist-
ing homes, certain aspects of radon mitigation require laboratory research.
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The Agency is developing methods to evaluate the effectiveness of certain
types of air cleaning systems. This work will have applicability to indoor
air pollutants in general, as well as to radon decay products. Additional
research needs include tests of sealants and coatings, and the development
of standardized specifications for mitigation schemes, such as subslab
ventilation systems. These needs, once met, will greatly enhance the
development ot private sector mitigation capabilities.
3. CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT
(a) Provide Technical Assistance-to the States
The objective of EPA's State assistance program is to encourage self-
sufficiency within States as they address radon problems. The approach the
Agency has taken-is to transfer technical knowledge to State personnel and
help them learn how to use it. EPA will show the States how to do the
work, but will not do it for them. Similarly, EPA will provide them with
technical support services, but will not offer long-term financial assistance.
This effort has headquarters, laboratory, and regional components.
The types of assistance EPA provides to States may include:
0 Designing and conducting State surveys;
0 Hands-on experience in diagnostic evaluation;
0 Consultation on development of State programs;
0 Analytical services;
w Training courses and informational materials;
0 Communications with affected communities; and
0 Advice and technical information on radon mitigation.
Many States will require some or all of these types of assistance.
Table I indicates a typical workload for developing capabilities in a
State. The tasks range from survey design to implementing a low-interest
loan program if a State chooses this option to provide financial assistance
to homeowners. Once a State discovers a radon problem, it must develop, in
somewhat of a step progression, many of the capabilities described in Table 1.
The Agency's experience with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York indicates
that States will need EPA assistance for two to five years. EPA currently
is targeting resources to develop the types of capabilities indicated in
Table I in the States affected by the Reading Prong, but is now beginning
to move to States outside that area. It is likely that EPA will be required
to provide State assistance over the next five to seven years.
(b) Conduct State Training Programs on Measurement Techniques,
Risk Evaluation, and Remedial Methods
There is a great need for training both State and private sector
organizations about various aspects of the radon problem. The Agency has
developed a "Radon Diagnostician" training course which has been given
approximately 20 times to State personnel and their private contractors.
The course, which runs 3 days, presents the basics on the physical
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Typical Workload for Developing Capabilities in a State
Assistance Activities to a Stale
1 . Design and Development ol -a Slate Radon Program
2. Design ol a Slate Survey
3. Implementing the Survey
4. Evaluation ol the Survey
5. Development ol Stale Measurement Capabilities
ro
1X1 6. Development ol Stale Diagnostician Training
7. Development ol Stale Contractor Training Program
•.
8. Dcvclopcmnt ol Stale Certification Programs
9. Development ol Home Evaluation Program
10. Development ol (Juilding Codes
1 1 . Assessment ol Geological Risk Areas
12. Development ol Stale Disk Maps
13. Joint Demonstration Programs (where applicable)
14. Implement Slate Loan Program (where applicable)
Year 1
DB9E9
Year 2
famm
I^B9B38BEB99E^BBHS3BI
m^JBflimSQBDDDEBI
IIBBODBlBtZBB
BHB9MHBIHBBH3S
•••BOB
Year 3
a
2999
SEBSOIBBE^I
BDnanHann
Bv^B^BflDIB
Year 4
I^^3DEI
ma
These activities may vary Irum Slate to Stale. Overall period ol major involvement will) a Slate may vary from two to live years.
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characteristics of radon-, the available measurement techniques and mitigation
methods, and risk evaluation. The Agency is encouraging the States and the
private sector to take over this facet of the program. EPA plans to video-
tape large port1ons-of the course to facilitate its delivery by the States
and other appropriate groups, such as universities.
The diagnostician training course has been well-received and has
highlighted the need for additional types of training. Since new develop-
ments are occurring almost daily in the radon mitigation field, there is a
need for a one-day follow-up session to update participants on new mitiga-
tion techniques. In addition, there is a need for a longer course (perhaps
a week) which would focus on actual "hands-on" mitigation experiences. The
target audience primarily would be construction contractors interested in
conducting radon mitigation work. There is currently a very limited cadre
of qualified mitigation contractors, and demand for their services far out-
strips the supply. By designing training courses to be eventually adopted
by the States and the private sector, EPA can increase the number of mitiga-
tion professionals available to provide remedial services to homeowners.
(c) Implement a Quality Assurance Program for Radon Measurement
To reassure the public that radon measurements being made by commer-
cial firms are accurate, the Agency established the Radon Measurement
Proficiency (RMP) program to allow measurement companies to voluntarily
demonstrate their ability to measure radon and its decay products. To
assist in this effort, DUE shared with EPA its quality assurance facilities
at its Environmental Measurement Laboratory in New York. EPA has recently
developed the necessary capabilities at its Eastern Environmental Radiation
Facility to conduct this program in-house. The RMP program has been quite
successful, and several States are considering using it as part of their
certification programs.
The RMP program is likely to continue to expand over the next year,
with more vendors entering the market. The number of companies entering
the market has almost tripled since the inception of the program in February
1986, and it is expected to i-icrease over the next year or two. Therefore,
EPA has increased the amount of resources committed to this program.
However, at the same time, to conserve these resources, the number of
rounds of the program offered have been reduced from four to two because of
the large number of.participating companies. Although the number of firms
may eventually taper off, the need for the RMP program will continue well
into the future. The Agency is evaluating whether there are other feasible
funding options.
(d) Issue Technical Guidance
Many Agency activities generate technical information that is extremely
useful to the States and the private sector. This information must be
packaged and distributed in a timely fashion for these groups to benefit
from it. In August, the Agency published its "Radon Reduction Techniques
for Detached Houses: Technical Guidance." This manual will be revised and
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updated in FY 1987. In addition, the Agency is preparing technical guidance
for new home constructioa in cooperation with the NAH8. There will be a
continuing need for These types ot technical documents as new strides are
made in the field.
(e) Establish a Federal Clearinghouse for Information on
Assessing and Mitigating Exposure to Indoor Radon
A recent report issued by the U.S. General Accounting Office indicated
the need for a Federal clearinghouse on radon.4 Such a clearinghouse would
collect and distribute information and research produced by the public,
private, and academic sectors on radon. Because of the increasing volume
of data, there is a growing need for a central collection point for informa-
tion related to health effects, measurement data, radon prevention and
mitigation techniques, etc. While the Agency recognizes this need as well,
it has had to place a higher priority on first generating and disseminating
information to assist the States and the public.
4. PUBLIC INFORMATION
There is a continuing need to work with the States to provide home-
owners the information necessary to help them understand and evaluate the
radon problem. An effective public information program is an essential
component of EPA's approach to indoor radon. Last August, the Agency
published two brochures, "A Citizen's Guide to Radon: What It Is and What
to Do About It," and "Radon Reduction Methods: A Homeowner's Guide." Both
are aimed at helping the general public understand indoor radon. These
brochures have been adopted by a number of States and private sector organi-
zations. Similar types of brochures directed at specific audiences or at
other aspects of the radon problem are needed to supplement existing mater-
ials. The Agency is also working with private groups to develop educational
materials or workshops for their members. In addition to these activities,
the Agency expects to participate in various symposia, workshops, and
public meetings.
5. FEDERAL COORDINATION
There is an active interest on the part of other Federal agencies to
evaluate the problem of elevated radon concentrations in homes. The Depart-
ment of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
have particular interest in the effects of -ddjn .in the indoor environment.
DOE's energy conservation activities are balanced with efforts to assess
an.i .-iiujiir! the effect of conservation on in.Joor radon levels. Further,
JOE plans to enhance its radon basic research efforts in 1988 and is devoting
an additional $10 million in the areas of health and biological effects and
geological studies; EPA and DOE have cooperated in a research project on
4 Indoor Radon Air Pollution, Government Accounting Office. GAO-RDED-86-170,
June 1986.
24
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radon mitigation diagnostics. A copy of DOE's Radon Research Program Plan
is attached as Appendix E. A draft memorandum of understanding between
EPA and DUE on radon-research and related technological activities is
in its final form. -HUD is mandated by statute to ensure that all HUD-
assisted projects are located in sate and healthful environments. In this
context, HUD is interested in developing inexpensive and effective mitiga-
tion techniques for new and existing houses.
These different agency concerns have led to the formation of several
forums for the discussion of the indoor radon problem by interested Federal
agencies. The CIAQ has a special workgroup to develop a coordinated Federal
response to the radon problem. EPA and DUE co-chair this group, which has
prepared a document which outlines the indoor radon issue, assesses current
Federal research efforts, and identifies priority information needs. These
priority tasks are consistent with those identified in this implementation
plan.
In addition, the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and
Policy Coordination (CIRRPC), under the Office of Science and Technology
Policy (OSTP), is examining the radon issue through its Radon Subpanel,
which has reviewed the Federal government's activities on radon. The
results of its findings are contained in "Radon Protection and Health
Effects" published in August 1986. CIRRPC consists of representatives from
18 Federal agencies and a subcabinet level representative from OSTP. It is
responsible for coordinating radiation matters among Federal agencies,
evaluating radiation research, and providing OSTP with advice on issues of
radiation policy.
25
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Appendix: D
INDOOR AIR RESOURCE HISTORY
27
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EPA INDOOR AIR RESOURCE HISTORY
(Dollars in Thousands)
Office of Research and Development
APPENDIX D
FY'84
FY'85
FY'86
FY'87
FY'88
Monitoring
FTE
S&E
R&D
TOTAL
Health Effects
FTE
S&E
R&D
TOTAL
Engineering
FTE
S&E
R&D
TOTAL
TOTAL ORD PROGRAM
FTE
S&E
R&D
TOTAL
-0-
-0-
$ 1,594.9
$ 1,594.9
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
$ 427.0
$ 427.0
-0-
-0-
$ 2,021.9
$ 2,021.9
-0-
-0-
$ 1,665.0
$ 2,083.7
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
$ 285.0
$ 285.0
-0-
-0-
$ 2,083.7
$ 2,083.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-0-
-0-
1,580.0
1,580.0
-0-
-0-
150.0
150.0
4.6
238.0
290.0
528.0
4.6
238.0
2,020.0
2,258.0
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.0
210.0
1,450.0
1,660.0
1.7
100.0
550.0
650.0
- -&.0-
32Q*.4~
220.0
SW.*
10.7
630.4
2,220.0
2,850.4
$
$
$
$
$
t
" $"
"$
* $
$
$
$
3.0
223.1
1,243.0
1,466.1
1.0
100.0
550.0
650.0
.«-. 6.0
340.0
370.0
.•^710.0
10.0
663.1
1,863.0
2,826.1
Office of Air and Radiation
FTE
S&E
EXTRAMURAL $$
TOTAL
FY'84
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
FY'85
FY'86
FY'87
FY'88
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
$
$
$
3.
124.
50.
174.
0
2
0
2
$
$
$
5
235
200
435
.0
.0
.0
.0
$
$
$
5
236
200
436
.0
.0
.0
.0
* U S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1987 - 748-121
28
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