United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and
Radiation
(ANR-464)
EPA 520/1-91-006
February 1991
Radon Measurement
Proficiency (RMP)
Program
Handbook
Printed on Recycled Paper
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RADON MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY (RMP) PROGRAM
HANDBOOK
EPA 520/1-91-006
February 1991
First Edition
Mitigation, Prevention and Quality Assurance Branch
Radon Division (ANR-464)
Office of Radiation Programs
Office of Air and Radiation
United States Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
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DISCLAIMER
This Handbook was prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EP A). The purpose of
this document is to provide participants in the Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program with the
necessary information about the Program. The mention of laboratories, companies, individuals, trade names,
or commercial products herein should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation.
Neither the EP A nor other persons assisting in the preparation or revision of this Handbook, nor any
person acting on the behalf of EPA. (a) makes any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with
respect to the information contained in the document; or (b) assumes any liability with respect to the use of,
or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, method, or process disclosed in this document or
any other statutory or common law theory governing liability.
NOTICE
A listing in the RMP Program does not confer Federal certification, licensing, or accreditation, and
participants should not represent themselves as having such credentials.
The Agency reserves the right to release all information submitted by participants in the RMP Program
or generated as a result of participation. This includes information and numerical performance data created
as a result of the radon measurement test conducted at EP A laboratories, and information relevant to a
participant's history with the RMP Program.
The Program does not believe that information collected in the nonoptional portions of the RMP
Program Application is likely to be regarded as entitled to confidential treatment pursuant to Title 40 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 2, Subpart B (41 FR 36902, Sept. 1, 1976; as amended at 43 FR
40000, Sept. 8, 1978). Nor does the Program intend to entitle information collected in the application's
supplementary portions to confidential treatment. Please do not include business information that you deem
to be confidential in the supplementary portions of the application. Your application will not be adversely
affected if you leave the supplementary section blank or incomplete. The EPA does, however, encourage
participants to complete the supplementary information to help the Agency improve programs that serve the
radon community.
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PREFACE
This Handbook is intended for use by participants in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EP A)
Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program. The Handbook describes the Program's goals and
objectives, policies, and requirements that a participant must meet in choosing to voluntarily participate in
the RMP Program.
For information on how to obtain a copy of this Handbook, theApplication, or other information about
the RMP Program, call the:
RMP Program Information Service (RIS) at (919) 541-7131,
or write the:
RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC)
c/o Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
3040 Cornwallis Road, Building 7
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194
NATIONAL RADON HEALTH ADVISORY
(September 1988)
Indoor radon gas is a national health problem. Radon causes thousands of deaths each year. Millions
of homes have elevated radon levels. Most homes should be tested for radon. When elevated levels are
confirmed, the problem should be corrected.
U.S. Public Health Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Completing this Handbook required the cooperation and contributions of many staff members and
others associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In particular, the Agency wishes to note its appreciation for contributions made by: Suzanne Askew,
Lewis Battist, Florence Blair, Edith Boyd, Mike Boyd, Byron Bunger, Jamie Burnett, Athena Clark, Chris
Clark, Maggie Fitzpatrick, Susan Galbraith, Lynne Gillette, Jed Harrison, John Hoornbeek, Dick Hopper, Ed
Howard, Phil Jalbert (Project Manager), Bob Lyon, Katherine McMillan, Erin Newton, Jim O'Rourke, Max
Peterson, Sam Poppell, Shawn Price, Vanessa Rodriguez, Ed Sensintaffar, Anita Schmidt, Henry Singletary,
J. Mike Smith, Karen Stevenson, Theresa Whitaker, George Woodruff, and the many others whose collective
effort made this Handbook possible.
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CONTENTS
Section
Pal!e
Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. iii
National Radon Health Advisory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. iii
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. iv
List of Exhibits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Part 1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Purposes of the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
Agency Approach in the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
Classification of RMP Program Participants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.1 Commercial Radon Service Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.2 Government Departments and Agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.3 Other Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Participants May Be Listed in Two Categories of Radon Measurement Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.1 Primary Measurement Services (Primary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.2 Secondary Measurement Services (Secondary) .................................. 3
1.4
Part 2 RMP Program Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 Submit a Correctly Completed Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Notify the RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC) of Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.3 Develop and Implement a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) ............................... 7
2.4 Have and Use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 FoIlow EP A Radon Measurement Method Protocols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.6
FoIlow EP A Guidelines in Advertising RMP Program Listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.7 Provide Information to Consumers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8
2.8 FoIlow Guidelines in Reporting Measurement Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.9 Comply with Requests for Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
2.10 FoIlow EPA Instructions in Application Processing, Test Scheduling, and Listing. . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
2.11 Participants with Secondary Services Must Use Listed Primary Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
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2.12 Participants with Primary Devices Must Pass a Radon Measurement Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11
2.13 Delisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Part 3 How the RMP Program Operates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
3.1 General Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
3.2 Applying to the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
3.3 Scheduling and Conducting Measurement Tests for Primary Participants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
3.3.1 General Administrative Procedures for the Radon Measurement Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
3.3.2 Administrative Procedures for Walk-In Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
3.3.3 Administrative Procedures for Mail-In Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
Procedure for Evaluating Radon Measurement Test Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18
Objection Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
3.5.1 Prior to Listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
3.5.2 After Listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
3.4
3.5
Part 4 How Participants in the RMP Program Are Listed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
4.1 Meaning and Content of RMP Program Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
4.1.1 General Participant Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
4.1.2 Listing for Primaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
4.1.3 Listing for Secondaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
4.2 Availability of RMP Program Participant Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
4.2.1 Participant Notification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
4.2.2 Published Proficiency Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
4.2.3 RMP Program Data Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
Part 5 Entering Radon Measurement Devices into the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27
5.1 Applying With a Device Not on the Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . .. 27
5.2 Evaluating the Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27
5.3 Determining an Appropriate Method Category. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
5.3.1 Assignment to an Existing Method Category. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
5.3.2 Method Protocol Development and Device Evaluations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
5.3.2.1 Method Protocol Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
5.3.2.2 Device Evaluations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
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Part 6 Office of Air and Radiation Programs (ORP) Laboratories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31
6.1 National Air and Radiation and Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31
6.2 Las Vegas Facility (LVF) [[[ 31
6.3 Laboratory Exposure Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
6.3.1 Number of Radon Test Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
6.3.2 Environmental Parameters in EP A Chambers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
6.3.3 Measurement Exposure Durations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
Part 7 Whom to Contact If You Need Information or Have a Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37
7.1 Research Triangle Institute (RTI) ................................................ 37
7.2 The EPA Headquarters RMP Program Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
7.3 EP A Regional Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
7.4 State Agency Radon Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
7.5 Regional Radon Training Centers (RRTCs) ........................................ 38
7.6 National Technical Information Service (NTIS) ................................. . . . .. 39
Appendix
A Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-1
B Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. B-1
C RMP Program Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-1
D RMP Program Radon Measurement Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
E RMP Program and Radon Contacts: EP A and State Offices and Regional Radon
Training Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. E-1
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number and Title
Pa2e
1-1
RMP Program Radon Measurement Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2-1
RMP Program Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
Overview of the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14
Radon Measurement Test: Walk-In Measurement Test Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
Radon Measurement Test Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20
Radon Measurement Test: Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21
4-1
Example of a Participant Listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24
5-1
Entering Radon Measurement Devices into the RMP Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
6-1
6-2
Local Area Map: National Air, Radiation and Environmental Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
Local' Area Map: Las Vegas Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33
Radon Measurement Test: Number of Measurements and Exposure Duration. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35
Radon Measurement Test: Device Exposure Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36
6-3
6-4
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INTRODUCTION
When the seriousness of the public health threat posed by radon gas was recognized, it became
important to disseminate information concerning measurement techniques and to identify technically
competent organizations capable of providing the public with radon measurement services. Consequently, in
February 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) established the voluntary Radon
Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program as a basic quality assurance (QA) program.
The Agency's primary goal is to assist consumers in selecting radon measurement organizations that
meet EP A indoor radon measurement proficiency requirements. To realize this goal, the Agency seeks to
promote standard measurement and QA practices, and to improve the quality of radon measurements, in the
radon measurement service community. The EP A initiated the RMP Program as a basic quality assurance test
designed to evaluate a participant's ability to correctly measure a radon concentration in indoor air.
EP A recommends that consumers purchase radon measurement services from organizations that have
successfully participated in the RMP Program. The Agency publicizes this recommendation in public
information brochures, press announcements, information provided to State radon program offices, and other
communications.
Applicants to the RMP Program used to be processed with fixed application deadlines. However, due
to a sharp increase in the demand for the RMP Program by radon measurement service organizations, EP A
began implementing changes that transformed the RMP Program into a continuous program. The Agency also
began implementing a number of other program improvements. This Handbook reflects these changes and
improvements to the RMP Program. It will be updated as additional changes are made.
The primary purpose of this Handbook is to provide participants with the general information needed
to apply and participate in the RMP Program. A secondary purpose of this Handbook is to inform the States
and the general public about the Program. Information important to participants appears in both the body
and the appendices of the Handbook. In particular, the reader should refer to the glossary (Appendix A) and
become familiar with the meaning of the terms used in the Program. To more clearly describe the Program,
generic terms are sometimes used in the Handbook. For example, "radon" includes radon gas and radon decay
products. For a key to the abbreviations used in the Handbook, see Appendix B. Key RMP Program
documents are listed in Appendix C. The radon measurement methods included in the RMP Program are
briefly defined in Appendix D.
Please read this Handbook carefully before applying to the RMP program or before making additions
or amendments to your listing. Participants in the RMP Pr02ram assume responsibility for meetin!! pro!!ram
requirements as outlined in this Handbook. The Agency welcomes comments and suggestions concerning this
Handbook and the RMP Program. Please direct any comments you may have to the RMP Program Manager
at EP A Headquarters; Section 7.2 contains the appropriate address.
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PART 1
OVERVIEW
1.1 PURPOSES OF THE RMP PROGRAM
The RMP Program's primary purpose is to assist consumers in selecting radon measurement
organizations that meet EP A indoor radon measurement proficiency requirements. The Program emphasizes
(1) evaluating organizations that analyze measurement devices and (2) providing the public with information
on proficient radon measurement analysis organizations. The Program also promotes -the use of standard
operating procedures and improved quality assurance and control among members of the radon measurement
community.
Another purpose of the Program is to assist State agencies responsible for advising consumers about
radon services. States use the RMP Program in two principal ways: (1) to help them disseminate information
to the public on measurement service providers, and (2) to help them make certification decisions. States and
local governments may also use participant listing information in selecting radon measurement service
providers for their own radon projects.
The RMP Program provides organizations with an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in radon
measurement analysis. Participating organizations also agree to adhere to quality assurance/quality control
(QNQC) principles and appropriate radon measurement protocols. Successful participants in the Program
may derive market advantages and other benefits from their EP A listing.
1.2 AGENCY APPROACH IN THE RMP PROGRAM
Any individual, organization or institution that provides radon measurement services may apply to
participate in the RMP Program. For simplicity, this document uses the term "organization" to refer to all
such individuals and groups.
Radon measurement service organizations participate voluntarily in the RMP Program. There is no
Federal requirement that organizations participate. However, some States and local governments regulate the
activities of radon measurement services organizations and/or require participation in the RMP Program.
Address and telephone information for State radon agencies is provided in Appendix E.
Applicants must meet certain requirements to successfully enter and be listed in the Program.
Applicants become participants in the Program when their Application is accepted by the Agency. Participants
must meet all Program requirements to become listed and to maintain their listing. Part 2 of this Handbook
describes the Program's requirements. More specifically, a participant is an individual or organization at a
specific location engaged in offering a primary or secondary radon measurement service to consumers and
others. The EP A encourages anyone who offers radon measurement services to consumers to participate in
the Program.
Key features of the RMP Program described in this Handbook include:
. Applications Are Accepted Continuouslv: The Agency will accept first-time Applications or
Application amendments (i.e., Applications to add a measurement device, method, or service to an
existing listing) at any time during the year. Each Application will be processed as quickly as
possible.
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. A Radon Measurement Test is Required: Participants who submit an Application to be listed as
proficient in providing consumers with primary (analysis) radon measurement services must pass a
radon measurement test to demonstrate their proficiency. Passing a radon measurement test is not
required for participants offering a secondary radon measurement service. An RMP Program listing
does not represent proficiency for participants listed with a secondary service.
. Listing RMP Program Participants: Successful participants in the Program are generally "listed" by
organization name. Additionally, measurement organizations that operate from more than one
location are listed separately for each location. Each participant listing includes information on
address/phone, contact person, the radon measurement device(s) or methods successfully used in the
Program, the States served with each device or method, and other relevant information. Listed
participants may choose to be included in published proficiency reports and other Program
documents.
. Participant Listinl!S are Continuouslv Updated and Available: EP A will make listing information
available to States, participants, and others on an ongoing basis. Updated information is available
through the RMP Program Information Service (see Section 7.1 of this Handbook for information
about the RIS). This information supplements notifications issued to participants at the time they
achieve listed status for a particular type of radon measurement service.
. Acceptable Phrasinl! for Advertisinl! Listinl!s is Clearlv Defined: Participants listed in the Program
may advertise their status using the words "meets EPA requirements.' The EPA will reference this
phrase in its publications. Participants may use the phrase only in reference to specific devices or
methods for which they are currently listed.
. Improvements and Chanl!es will be Phased In: The Agency will make changes in the Program
periodically. Participants will be required to meet new Program requirements to maintain their
listed status. EP A will provide notice of changes before implementing them.
The Agency strongly recommends that participants obtain training in all aspects of radon measurement.
Persons who provide consumers with radon measurement services should obtain up-to-date training in the
latest radon measurement procedures and be familiar with EP A guidance on radon measurement. Individuals
can obtain radon measurement training through EPA's Regional Radon Training Centers (RRTCs). The
names, addresses, and phone numbers of the RRTCs are shown in Appendix E.
1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF RMP PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
The Agency classifies Program participants based on the category of organization they represent and
the services they offer. The RMP Program uses these classifications for listing purposes and in published
documents. The three categories of organizations that are recognized in the RMP Program include
commercial organizations, government departments and agencies, and other organizations.
1.3.1 Commercial Radon Service Orl!anizations
Any organization that offers or intends to offer radon measurement services for a fee is classified as
commercial. These organizations are encouraged to enroll in the RMP Program.
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1.3.2 Government Departments and Aeencies
Any government organization that offers radon measurement services to its constituents, including
government-operated research groups, is included in this category. Participation in the RMP Program allows
government departments and agencies the opportunity to demonstrate both their capability to make accurate
radon measurements and their adherence to QNQC principles.
1.3.3 Other Oreanizations
Any organization that is noncommercial or nongovernmental, whether or not it offers radon
measurement services to consumers, may also participate in the RMP Program. Private and university research
groups fall into this category. Participation in the RMP Program allows these organizations to demonstrate
their capability to make accurate radon measurements and their adherence to sound QNQC principles.
1.4
PARTICIPANTS MAY BE LISTED IN TWO CATEGORIES OF RADON MEASUREMENT
SERVICES
Participants in the RMP Program can be listed for two general types of radon measurement service.
It is possible for the same organization to be a primary for some radon measurement services and a secondary
for others.
1.4.1 Primary Measurement Services (Primary)
Organizations that offer radon measurement services that include the capability to analyze or read radon
measurement devices are defined as WprimaryW for that device. Radon measurement tests are required for a
primary participant to become listed. The test allows participants to demonstrate their ability to analyze
accurately the level of radon to which their device(s) was exposed and to report the correct result. Successful
participants are listed as proficient for an individual radon measurement device. Participants also will be
tested periodically thereafter to maintain their primary listing with a given device. Participants who provide
primary services must also operate using an acceptable quality assurance plan (QAP), and meet other
requirements described elsewhere in this Handbook.
1.4.2 Secondary Measurement Services (Secondary)
Organizations that offer radon measurement services, but rely on another party (a primary) for analysis
or reading of the measurement device, are defined as .secondaryW for that method. This type of service may
include consulting with the consumer, placing and retrieving the measurement device, or providing consumers
with measurement results. It does not include over-the-counter retailers of measurement devices. Secondaries
are listed by the measurement method they use rather than by device (see Exhibit 1-1 for a list of these
measurement methods). An EP A measurement method may include a number of specific types of
measurement devices. Participants are not required to pass a radon measurement test for secondary methods.
Requirements for secondary participants include operating according to an acceptable QAP, using listed
primary devices and analysis services, and using appropriate procedures for conducting radon measurements.
Participants for secondary services must also meet other requirements, described elsewhere in this Handbook.
3
EPA 520/1-91-006
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ExhlbR 1.1
RMP Program Radon Measurement Methods
Radon Measurement Methods.
1. AC Activated Charcoal Adsorption
2. AT Alpha Track Detection (AID)
3. UT Unfiltered Track Detection
4. LS Charcoal Liquid Scintillation
5. CR Continuous Radon Monitoring
6. EL Electret-ion Chamber: Long-Term
7. ES Electret-ion Chamber: Short-Term
8. GC Grab Radon/Activated Charcoal
9. GB Grab RadonlPump-Collapsible Bag
10. GS Grab RadonlScintillation Cell
11. SC Evacuated Scintillation Cell
12. PB Pump-Collapsible Bag
Radon Decav Product Measurement Methods.
13. CW Continuous Working Level Monitoring
14. GW Grab Sampling-Working Level
15. RP Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit (RPISU)
. A variety of specific devices fall into these 15 method categories, which are
defined in Appendix D.
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EPA 52011-91-006
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PART 2
RMP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
An organization that submits a signed Application is agreeing to meet the Program requirements
described in this Handbook. The requirements apply upon submittal of a completed Application, and continue
to apply once a participant has obtained listed status. Participants listed for primary measurement services
and participants listed for secondary measurement services must meet different Program requirements.
In addition to this Handbook, participants need to be familiar with other key Program documents,
including the RMP Program Application, the Application Device Checklists, and the EPA radon measurement
protocols. Procedures for obtaining and maintaining RMP Program listed status are included in these
documents and the rest of this Handbook, particularly this part and Parts 3 and 5. Appendix C provides more
information on these and other Program documents.
Participants are required to comply with all applicable Program requirements. Exhibit 2-1 differentiates
between requirements that apply at the time of "entering" the Program and "continuing" requirements that
must be met on an ongoing basis. All participants must adhere to continuing Program requirements to
maintain their listed status. The EP A may periodically review a listed participant's operations and
performance to verify compliance with continuing Program requirements. This review may occur through blind
tests, EP A information requests, and/or responses to complaints.
Participants who do not meet the requirements of the RMP Program-either for entrance into the
Program or for continuing participation-will not be listed in the Program. Sections 2.1 through 2.12 describe
the Program requirements as they apply to participants offering primary or secondary services. They also
indicate what participants must do to obtain and maintain listed status. As described in Section 2.13,
participants who fail to meet continuing Program requirements are subject to delisting.
2.1 SUBMIT A CORREcrL Y COMPLETED APPLICATION
Applicants must submit a correctly completed Application. This is an entrance requirement for the RMP
Program. All applicants must follow the procedures described in the Application package. A primary
participant must apply separately with each specific brand/model/type of measurement device or instrument
and submit a sample detector or clear photograph of their equipment. Secondaries must apply with a
method(s) for which EPA has a measurement protocol.
An applicant must submit a separate Application for each location from which it provides radon meas-
urement services. The Application solicits information on the organization submitting the Application, the type
of radon measurement services provided, and other information necessary for the operation of the RMP
Program. Organizations may apply to be listed for additional types of radon measurement services at any time.
Instructions on how to amend an Application for additional types of measurement services are included with
the Application.
5
EP A 520/1-91-006
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Exhibit 2.1
RMP Program Requirement.
The requirements listed below apply to both primary and secondary measurement services, unless
otherwise indicated. Please refer to the appropriate section of Part 2 for a description of each requirement
and how it applies to participants with a primary or secondary service.
Requirements that show an .X" in the "Entrance" column must be met in order to achieve initial listing
in the RMP Program. Requirements that include an "X" in the "Continuing" column must be met upon listing
and on an ongoing basis. Requirements that have an .X" in both columns must be met at the time of
Application and on an ongoing basis.
Section in
Handbook
Requirement
Entrance
Continuin2
2.1
Submit a Correctly Completed Application
X
2.2
Notify the RMP Program Quality Assurance
Coordinator (RQAC) of Changes
X
2.3
Develop and Implement a
Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)
X
X
2.4
Have and Use Standard Operating Procedures
X
X
2.5
Follow EP A Radon Measurement Method
Protocols
X
2.6
Follow EP A Guidelines in Advertising
RMP Program Listing
X
2.7
Provide Information to Consumers
X
2.8
Follow Guidelines in Reporting
Measurement Results
X
2.9
Comply with Requests for Information
X
X
2.10
Follow EP A Instructions in Application
Processing, Test Scheduling, and Listing
X
X
2.11
Use RMP Program Listed Primary Services
(applies to secondaries only)
X
2.12
Pass Radon Measurement Test
(applies to primaries only)
X
X
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2.2 NOTIFY THE RMP PROGRAM QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR (RQAC) OF CHANGES
Notification of changes is a continuing requirement of the RMP Program. All participants must notify
the RQAC immediately whenever a change that affects information in the Application occurs, such as:
. Participant or organization name;
. Listing, mailing, or business addresses;
. Telephone number or FAX number;
. Person, or position of the person, signing the Application;
. Person named as the RMP Program contact person and his/her telephone or FAX number;
. Other information relevant to the listing; or
. Withdrawal from the Program.
All notifications of changes must be made in writing and should be addressed to the RQAC (see Section
7.1). All written communications from participants to the RMP Program must include the seven-digit
participant ID number. Notifications will only be accepted from the designated RMP Program contact person
or person who signed the Application. Exceptions to this restriction will only be made under extenuating
circums tances.
2.3 DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN (QAP)
All primary and secondary participants are required to develop, operate by, and maintain QAPs
throughout their participation in the Program. This is both an entrance and a continuing requirement.
Participants with primary capability must have a QAP that is appropriate to each device used. A QAP must
provide details, practices, and procedures unique to the devices used by the participant at that location to
provide radon measurement services. Secondaries must have a QAP that is appropriate to any device(s) being
used to provide consumers with a radon measurement service within a measurement method(s). The QAP
must be updated whenever a participant chooses to add a primary device or a secondary method.
QAPs developed by primaries should address all four of the elements highlighted below. QAPs
developed by secondaries should focus on chain-of-custody procedures and on ensuring that they receive
accurate and precise measurements from their primary organizations. The EP A will emphasize these elements
when reviewing and approving a participant's QAP:
. Chain of Custody: The QAP must demonstrate custody procedures for tracking specific measurement
devices. RMP Program listed devices must each carry a unique identifier, such as a serial number.
. Calibration: Participants should describe their procedures and schedule for calibration to ensure that
the results of analyses are accurate within acceptable limits and to indicate when corrective actions
should be taken.
. Checks for Backl!round: The QAP should provide for assessments of how much effect background
radiation has on measurement results.
. Spiked. Blank. and Replicate Samples: Depending upon the measurement device or method, a QAP
may include regular use of one or more of these checks on accuracy and precision. Spikes are samples
that have been exposed to a known radon concentration. Blanks are unexposed samples. Replicates
are two or more samples exposed over the same time interval at the same location.
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The above are basic elements of a QAP. EP A is developing more specific guidance to assist
measurement organizations. It will provide guidance on how to prepare an adequate QAP and will describe
required elements of acceptable QAPs. When that guidance becomes available, EP A may review QAPs on the
basis of updated criteria. Participants are responsible for obtaining the Agency's revised QAlQC guidance and
method-level protocols as they are issued. Participants are also responsible for adjusting their QAlQC plans
as necessary to be consistent with Agency-issued documents.
The Agency reserves the right to conduct an on-site audit in order to ensure that the participant actually
adheres to its QAP on a day-to-day basis.
2.4 HAVE AND USE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)
The use of standard operating procedures is both an entrance and continuing requirement of the RMP
Program. All participants must have a written, device-specific SOP in place for each radon measurement
device for which they are listed. Applicants and participants are required to provide a copy of their SOP(s)
to EP A upon request at any time after submitting an Application.
An SOP must include specific information describing how to operate and/or analyze a particular
measurement device. Primaries must develop their own SOPs or use manufacturer-developed SOPs for their
devices. Secondaries may develop their own SOP or obtain and use SOPs from the manufacturer or primary
that supplies their measurement devices. Secondaries must have a device-specific SOP for each
brand/modeVtype of device that they use within the EP A method categories indicated on their Application.
The SOP must be consistent with the applicable EP A radon measurement method protocol.
The Agency reserves the right to conduct an on-site audit in order to ensure that the participant actually
adheres to its device-specific SOPs on a day-to-day basis.
2.5 FOLLOW EP A RADON MEASUREMENT METHOD PROTOCOLS
All participants must follow the current EP A radon measurement method protocol that applies to their
device(s) when making measurements for consumers. This is a continuing requirement of the Program.
2.6 FOLLOW EPA GUIDELINES IN ADVERTISING RMP PROGRAM LISTING
Adherence to EP A guidelines in advertising RMP Program listings is a continuing requirement. All
participants may only represent or advertise their listings using the phrase "meets EPA requirements: and may
use that phrase only in reference to devices or methods for which they are currently listed. The EP A will
reference this phrase in EP A brochures, publications and other communications that recommend use of RMP
Program listed organizations. A Program listing does not confer Federal certification, licensing, or
accreditation, and participants should not represent themselves as having such credentials.
2.7 PROVIDE INFORMATION TO CONSUMERS
All participants listed for primary and secondary measurement services must provide consumer
information, as specified below. This is a continuing requirement of the RMP Program. The EP A may
evaluate compliance with this requirement through blind tests (see Section 2.12) and special information
requests.
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EPA 520/1-91-006
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. Participants who sell devices to consumers must include instructions on how to use their measurement
device with each device sold. These directions must be consistent with the EP A's current Radon
Measurement Method Protocol that applies to the device. The instructions must also include specific
information on the (minimum-maximum) length of time the device must be exposed. This information
must be consistent with Application information given to EP A
. All participants must provide information on how to mitigate to the consumer along with
measurement results. Use of the Advertising Council mitigation brochure ("Has Your Home Been
Invaded by Radon?") or State-required brochures fulfills this requirement. If the Ad Council
mitigation brochure is used, it must be reproduced in total and the company's name may not be placed
so as to suggest EP A endorsement. Participants may obtain camera-ready copies of the Ad Council
mitigation brochure from the RIS, (919) 541-7131. The EPA may update this brochure periodically
and make it available to participants. If participants use State-required brochures, they must use them
in a manner that is consistent with State requirements.
When the participant sends the report on measurement results to the consumer, the mitigation
brochure must accompany the results. Alternatively, if a participant provides the measurement results
to the consumer at the time the measurement is made, the participant must give the consumer a copy
of the mitigation brochure when reporting the results.
2.8 FOLLOW GUIDELINES IN REPORTING MEASUREMENT RESULTS
Radon measurement results must be provided to consumers in a manner consistent with the guidelines
listed below. Adherence to these guidelines is both an entrance and a continuing requirement for RMP
Program participants. To verify that participants meet this requirement, EPA may periodically request a copy
of the measurement result report (or notice) provided to consumers. The EPA also may evaluate result
reports as a part of its blind radon measurement tests.
. Numerical Values: Any measurement result based on radon gas (picocuries per liter [pCilL) of air)
must be reported to no more than one decimal place, e.g., 4.3 pCilL. A measurement result based on
radon decay products (working level [WL)) must be reported to no more than three decimal places,
e.g., 0.033 WL.
. Timeliness: Participants must return radon measurement results to the consumer within 30 calendar
days after measurement exposure or after receiving an exposed detector that has been delivered to the
participant for analysis. This requirement applies to both primaries and secondaries, regardless of
whether the participant reports the result directly to the consumer.
. Interpretation of Grab Sample Results: Participating organizations that offer primary services with
devices designated as grab methods (see Appendix D, Table D-l) must provide consumers with written
notification that grab sample results should not be used as the sole basis for deciding whether or not
to mitigate.
. Consumer Measurement Result Disclaimer: Whenever a listed participant is delisted for a primary
measurement device or service, the participant and any of its secondary clients that report results to
the consumer must add the following disclaimer to the measurement result report:
"This radon measurement result was analyzed and prepared by an organization
that does not currently meet the requirements of the U.S. EP A Radon
Measurement Proficiency Program."
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2.9 COMPLY WITII REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
All applicants and participants must provide EPA with information upon request at any time following
EP A's receipt of an Application. This compliance is an entrance and continuing requirement of the RMP
Program. Requests may include: (1) device-specific SOP(s); (2) QAP(s); (3) control chart(s); (4) consumer
operating instructions; (5) measurement result reports; (6) calibration records; (7) identification of
measurement device operators; (8) inventory of measurement equipment; (9) consumer information brochures
and reproductions; (10) updated Application information; (11) a listing of primaries used by secondaries; (12)
advertising materials, and consumer and marketing information; and (13) device effectiveness information.
Participants are required to submit documents for review within one week of an EPA request. Falsification
of documents is grounds for delisting.
The Agency reserves the right to release all information that is submitted by participants in the RMP
Program or that is created as a consequence of participation. This information includes, but is not limited
to, that contained in the Application and correspondence, participant file histories maintained by the Agency,
and performance data from the radon measurement test.
2.10 FOLLOW EPA INSTRUCfIONS IN APPLICATION PROCESSING, TEST SCHEDULING, AND
LISTING
Applicants and participants must follow all Agency instructions and requests involving the processing of
Applications, and the scheduling, labeling, identification, mailing, and shipping of measurement devices made
in conjunction with the Program. This is both an entrance and a continuing requirement of the RMP Program
and applies to both primaries and secondaries.
2.11 PARTICIPANTS WITH SECONDARY SERVICES MUST USE LISTED PRIMARY SERVICES
All participants listed as secondaries must use a listed primary to analyze the radon measurement
device(s) they use within the method categories covered by their Application. This is a continuing requirement
of the Program. For example, if a commercial organization uses activated charcoal adsorption as its principal
measurement method with consumers, its charcoal adsorption devices must be analyzed by an organization that
is RMP Program listed as a primary for those specific devices. Once notified by the primary of the Agency's
delisting decision, a partipant offering consumers a secondary radon measurement service must:
. Add the caveat required in Section 2.8 of the Handbook to every written (or oral) radon measurement
result reported to a consumer,
. Stop placing or selling device(s) that the delisted primary analyzes,
. Use another listed device/analysis primary service if that participant offers a radon measurement
device/service to consumers.
Secondaries are responsible for maintaining knowledge of their primary's RMP Program status by inquiring
about its status when they purchase or obtain primary services. Applicants and participants are required to
submit to EP A upon request a list of the primaries they use for analysis of devices within the methods covered
by their Application.
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2.12 PARTICIPANTS WITH PRIMARY DEVICES MUST PASS A RADON MEASUREMENT TEST
All primaries must pass a radon measurement test to obtain and maintain a listing for a specific device.
This is both an entrance and a continuing requirement. It applies to all devices for which a primary
participant is listed. The radon measurement test is designed to assess the participants' ability to produce
accurate results. Primaries are expected to provide measurement results that are within 25% of EP A's target
value. They are also required to submit results to EP A in a manner consistent with requirements outlined
in Section 2.8.
Radon measurement tests within the Program are either announced or blind. Announced tests are
scheduled with the knowledge of the participant. Participants submit their measurement devices, which are
exposed to known radon concentrations in EP A laboratories. After exposure, the devices are returned for
analysis. Blind tests are conducted without the participant's knowledge. During blind testing, EP A acquires
the device or measurement service for exposure to a known concentration of radon, typically in an EP A radon
chamber. The participant must then report the measured value, which is compared to the target value. In
both announced and blind types of testing, primaries are required to return accurate measurement results in
accordance with all RMP Program requirements. Primaries who fail to do so are subject to delisting.
For RMP Program purposes, devices are designated as either "mail-in" or "walk-in." Mail-in devices are
shipped to EP A for radon measurement test exposure. For walk-in devices, a participant must send an
operator and a device from its inventory to one of EP A's laboratories. For some devices, the participant will
be given a choice between walk-in and mail-in procedures. The Agency reserves the right to ask for specific
operators and equipment that are used to provide measurements to consumers. Participants using portable
or self-contained measurement devices must provide information about their inventory and measurement
technicians upon EP A request. Specific information on EP A laboratory exposure procedures is provided in
Section 6.3 of this Handbook.
In announced tests, participants must conduct all exposures and analyses in the same manner as they are
conducted for consumers. For example, participant analyses must be done by employees of the participating
organizations using equipment that the participant uses in analyzing consumer measurements. For walk-in
devices, no operator may perform an announced radon measurement test for more than one organization in
a 2-year period. For mail-in devices, no analysis personnel or equipment may be used in announced radon
measurement tests for more than one organization in a 2-year period.
The RMP Program radon measurement test is used in two ways:
. As an entrance requirement: The test is required before listing in the RMP Program. Participants
must pass a test for each specific radon measurement device for which they have applied. Most initial
measurement tests are announced, and are conducted with the knowledge of the participant. However,
the Agency reserves the right to conduct blind tests at any time after receipt of a correctly completed
Application. Blind test results may be used to determine whether a participant receives initial listing.
. As a continuine: requirement: Participants should expect to be tested a minimum of once every 2 years
for each measurement device listed. This continuing test may be administered as an announced or as
a blind test. The EP A conducts blind tests to evaluate the performance of participants who have
achieved an initial listing. Participants who fail a measurement test may be subject to more frequent
continuing testing.
The flowchart in Exhibit 3-3 in Part 3 is a simplified example of the radon test and retest procedure.
Part 3 presents additional information on procedures used in scheduling, conducting, and evaluating the radon
measurement test.
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2.13 DELISTING
Participants may be removed from the EPA RMP Program list for not meeting requirements of the
Program. EPA will exercise its discretion in determining when an individual's or organization's violations
of Program requirements warrant its removal from the RMP Program list. Participants listed for primary
services that are delisted should notify their secondary and retail clients of their delisting. Participants may
object to an Agency delisting determination. Procedures for objections can be found in Section 3.5.
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PART 3
HOW THE RMP PROGRAM OPERATES
This part of the Handbook describes the processes that take place when an organization applies for listing
with the RMP Program. More specific instructions are provided in the RMP Program Application and other
communications to participants. The EP A's current RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC)
contractor, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), is responsible for many communication and evaluation functions
under the direction of EP A staff.
3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The RMP Program operates on a continuous basis. Organizations may apply to the Program at any time.
Exhibit 3-1 outlines the process through which Applications flow in the Program. The process differs
depending on whether the organization offers primary or secondary measurement services.
The Agency processes Applications on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the selected measurement
device, the status and availability of EP A radon chambers, and other factors may affect the Agency's ability
to process Applications and schedule radon measurement tests as quickly as anticipated. The Agency will
process Applications on an individual basis, and will issue performance and listing notifications as evaluations
are completed. The Agency reserves the right to make changes in the RMP Program at any time. Participants
will be notified of changes in Program requirements.
3.2 APPLYING TO THE RMP PROGRAM
Applications are available from and must be returned to the RQAC:
RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC)
c/o Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
3040 Cornwallis Road, Building 7
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194
A written notice is sent to applicants after receipt of an Application or an Application amendment.
Incomplete or incorrect Applications will be returned to the applying organization.
The EP A enters data from accepted Application forms into the RMP Program data base and produces
a data verification form. The Agency then sends the data verification form to the participant for review.
Participants must review the data, make any necessary changes, and return it to the RQAC. Participant failure
to verify the data may result in an incorrect listing or interfere in communications with EP A
EP A acceptance of an Application has different meanings for primaries and secondaries because of the
different Program requirements that apply to each type of measurement service. Primaries are scheduled for
a measurement test at one of EP A's laboratories after their Application is accepted. Primaries, unlike
secondaries, must pass the measurement test before being listed. EP A sends more specific information on
measurement test procedures to participants at the time the tests are scheduled. Secondaries that submit a
correctly completed Application agree to meet Program requirements specified in Part 2. The EP A notifies
secondaries of their status after reviewing or accepting their Application.
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Exhibit 3-1
Overview of the RMP Program
Organization completes primary and/or
secondary application
No
Correct
and
reapply
Yes
Participant receives
application acceptance
notification; verifies
application information
generated by RMP Program
data base
EPA notifies
participant
of listing
Participant
documents
corrective
action to
reapply
Remains
listed
14
No
Notification
sent by EPA;
participant verifies
application information
generated by RMP
Program data base
EPA 520/1-91-006
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3.3 SCHEDULING AND CONDUCfING MEASUREMENT TESTS FOR PRIMARY PARTICIPANTS
3.3.1 General Administrative Procedures for the Radon Measurement Test
Devices entered into the RMP Program are designated as either walk-in or mail-in. For each device
entered, EPA will notify the participant either to ship devices (mail-in) or to bring the device(s) to the EPA
test facility (walk-in) for the announced test. The Application Device Checklists indicate whether a particular
device can be mailed in or walked in. Some walk-in devices are optional mail-in. Specific administrative
procedures for scheduling and testing of primary participants vary depending on whether the devices are walk-
in or mail-in.
Most entrance tests are announced, although EP A reserves the right to conduct blind tests at any time
after receipt of a correctly completed Application. In general, EP A's procedure for administering the radon
measurement test is to:
1.
Schedule the test and obtain devices from the participant, as appropriate. In announced tests, EP A
will request that the participants provide the devices (either by mail or by bringing the devices to
an EP A laboratory); in blind tests, EP A will obtain the devices without participant knowledge.
Expose the device(s) to a known concentration of radon in a radon chamber at an EPA laboratory.
Return the exposed device(s) to the participant for analysis.
Receive the participant's report on the radon values measured.
Compare the reported results to the known EPA radon chamber value (target value).
Determine whether the participant is eligible to be listed with the specific device using the 25% IRE
criterion (see Section 3.4), whether a retest is possible, or whether the participant must reapply.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The number of devices to be exposed independently in EP A's radon chamber facilities varies, depending
on the EPA method category. For example, if a participant applies for listing with an activated charcoal
adsorption device (AC method), EP A will expose four detectors in its radon chambers. Each device will be
exposed at a different time or in a different chamber. Only a single exposure is required for devices classified
as continuous monitors (CR and CW), radon progeny integrating sampling units (RP), and pump-collapsible
bag (PB) devices. See Exhibit 6-3 in Part 6 of this Handbook for summary information on the number of
measurements required for a device that falls within one of the 15 measurement method designations used in
the Program.
Although reasonable precautions will be taken, EP A will not be responsible for device failures or losses
that result from shipping and handling by the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service, or other carriers.
EP A simply returns mail-in devices after exposure. It does not generate or interpret analyses produced by a
participant's instrumentation. EP A will designate on a case-by-case basis whether a device not on the
Application Device Checklists is a mail-in or walk-in device.
3.3.2 Administrative Procedures for Walk-In Tests
After accepting an Application for a walk-in device, EP A notifies the participant specifying the time and
location of the participant's measurement test. The appointment notice also includes instructions on how
devices will be exposed and returned to participants for reading and reporting of results. The EP A schedules
measurement tests at the EPA laboratory of the participant's choice to the extent possible; however, the
Agency may not be able to meet participant wishes in all cases. EP A will send appointment notices as far as
possible in advance of the scheduled appointment.
The participant may respond to the appointment notice in two ways: (1) return it to accept and confirm
the scheduled appointment; or (2) return it requesting that the appointment be rescheduled. The EP A will
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reschedule participants only once. If a listed participant does not respond as indicated above, that participant
will be subject to delisting. If an unlisted participant does not respond in one of the above ways, no further
action will be taken on the Application.
If a participant has confirmed an appointment and fails to appear at the scheduled time for the radon
measurement test, one of two actions will be taken: (1) listed participants will be delisted; or (2) unlisted
participants will be designated as inactive, with no further action taken on their Application.
Participating organizations generally use the operator and device of their choice for the entrance
measurement test, as long as both the operator and the device are a part of their day-to-day measurement
operations. The EPA does, however, reserve the right to request a listing of the firm's-operators and devices,
and to designate the operator and device(s) to be used during testing. Organizations that intend to send
operators who are not U.S. citizens should notify the RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC).
Because the National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) is on Gunter Air Force Base,
access by foreign nationals may not be possible. Consequently, scheduling at EP A's Las Vegas Facility (L VF)
may become necessary in these cases. The Agency may require participants to stay at the facility for more than
one day to complete their measurement tests.
Operators for participating organizations must arrive at their appointments on time with the
brand/model/type of instrument indicated in their Application and appointment notice. In addition to the
instrument identified in the appointment notice, the Agency advises participating organizations to bring
another instrument of the same brand/model/type to use as a backup instrument in the event their first
instrument is unavailable.
Participants will be directed to a waiting area when they arrive at one of EP A's laboratories. Anyone
accompanying the designated operator must remain in the waiting area, and will not be allowed into the radon
chamber testing area. Prior to the scheduled time of the test, RMP Program personnel will direct the
operators to a working area where they may set up their instruments. Exhibit 3-2 provides an overview of this
process.
Walk-in participants are required to provide their measured value(s) (MV) to RMP Program staff at the
conclusion of the radon measurement test or prior to leaving the EP A laboratory facility. Exceptions to this
requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must notify the RQAC at the time their
Application is submitted that they will be unable to meet this requirement. Applicants must also submit a
written request for an exception that explains why they are unable to meet the requirement. The Agency will
only schedule and confirm an appointment involving an exception request after it has determined whether the
exception is warranted. Participants will be notified of the radon measurement test results as soon as possible
after completion of the radon measurement test.
3.3.3 Administrative Procedures for Mail-in Tests
After accepting an Application for a mail-in device, the RQAC sends a notice to the participant requesting
the appropriate devices. Participant failure to send the devices promptly may necessitate rescheduling of
device exposure, resulting in substantial delays and potential delisting. The Agency exposes the devices to
radon concentrations in EP A's laboratory chambers. Depending on the method type, participants may have
up to four separately exposed devices. After exposure, devices are returned to participants for analysis.
Devices may be returned in one or more packages. Participants must return their measured values within the
time frame specified in the Analysis Reporting Form. The Agency evaluates the measured values submitted
by the participant against the Agency's test criteria, then notifies the participant of the results.
16
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Exhibit 3-2
Radon Measurement Test:
Walk-In Measurement Test Procedure
Participant arrives at designated EPA facility
and registers with EPA personnel
+
Participant is directed to waiting area
.
Participant is taken to testing area
and prepares for testing
Ir
Continuous Grab
methods methods
,. Ir
EPA personnel deploy Participant draws four samples from
instrument in radon chamber radon chambers and analyzes them
.
Participant leaves facility
+
Participant returns to complete test
+
EPA personnel retrieve instrument
.
Participant analyzes data
... Participant completes and submits Analysis .....
- Reporting Form (ARF) before leaving facility -
17
EPA 520/1-91-006
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3.4 PROCEDURE FOR EVALUATING RADON MEASUREMENT TEST RESULTS
The criterion used in the measurement test requires that the value of the individual relative error (IRE)
of each radon measurement not exceed 25%. The success or failure of each measurement in the test is
determined by comparing EP A's target value to the measured value reported to EP A by the participant.
The IRE measurement test criterion formula is:
IMVi - TVi I
IRE = x 100%
TVi
Where:
IRE = absolute value of the individual relative error for device "i," in percent, for each
measurement;
MVj = measured value for device "i"; and
TVj = target value for device "i."
EP A's procedure for evaluating radon measurement test results includes an initial test and a possible
retest. In their entrance radon measurement test, participants may: (1) pass; (2) fail but be eligible to
complete a retest; or, (3) fail to meet the retest criteria and be required to reapply. Therefore, the possible
outcomes are:
Initial Test:
Pass: If the results of all IRE measurements are less than or equal to (S) 25%, the
participant is eligible to be listed for that device, or to remain listed, if already on the list.
Fail/Retest: If the result of any IRE measurement is greater than (» 25%, but all results
are s50%, then the participant can retest. Participants who do not pass a retest will not
obtain or maintain their listing. Participants who fail an initial blind test and are eligible
for a retest will be notified prior to their retest opportunity.
Fail/Reapply: If the result of any IRE measurement is >50%, the participant will not be
given an opportunity to retest, and the Application or listing will be dropped from
consideration; or the participant will be delisted for that device if the participant was already
on the list.
Retest:
Pass: If the results of all IRE retest measurements are S25%, the participant is eligible to
be listed for that device or to remain listed, as long as other Program requirements are met.
Fail/Reapply: If the result of any IRE retest measurement is >25%, the participant will not
be listed and the Application will be dropped from consideration; or the participant will be
delisted for that device if the participant was already on the list.
Reapplication:
Participants not meeting the s50% IRE retest eligibility requirement for the initial test, or
the s25% IRE requirement for the retest, will be dropped from the RMP Program for that
device. To reapply to the Program, participants must submit (1) an explanation of the
problem they believe occurred during their measurement test and actions taken to correct
the problem; and (2) a specific description of the participant's calibration procedures. EP A
may also require these participants to submit their QA/QC plan and/or other documents for
review prior to reentering the Program. Participants who fail to submit the above
18
EPA 520/1-91-006
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documentation within 6 months of the date they were notified of their retest failure must
also submit a new and correctly completed Application.
Exhibit 3-3 is a simplified example of the radon test and retest procedure; Exhibit 3-4 contains examples
of the measurement test using an activated charcoal canister (AC), a continuous radon monitor (CR) device,
and a continuous working level monitor (CW).
3.5 OBJECTION PROCEDURES
3.5.1 Prior to Listinl!
If a participant objects to an EP A determination regarding its performance, it should first contact the
RQAC. Any participant who is not satisfied by the RQAC's response may submit an objection in writing to
the RMP Program Manager. All written objections must clearly specify the basis for objection, and be
received within 21 days of the date that the RQAC's determination was received by the participant.
The Agency will review written objections. The Agency may seek additional information from the
participant in order to assist it in this review. The EP A will make a decision resolving the objection as
expeditiously as possible after collecting appropriate supporting information.
3.5.2 After Listinl!
If a participant objects to an EP A determination regarding its performance, it should submit an objection
in writing to the RMP Program Manager. All written objections must outline the basis for objection, and be
received within 21 days of the date that the EP A determination was received by the participant.
The Agency will review written objections. It may seek additional information from the participant in
order to assist it in this review. The EP A will make a decision resolving the objection as expeditiously as
possible after collecting appropriate supporting information.
19
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Exhibit 3-3
Radon Measurement Test Procedure
Initial test measured
values
are evaluated
No
Yes
Participant qualifies
for retest
Retest measured values
are evaluated
Yes
Participant submits
documentation of corrective
action to reapply to program
20
Participant
meets
requirements
List
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exhibit 3-4
Radon Measurement Test: Examples
In both parts of this exhibit, the radon measurement test and retest use a criterion known as the absolute
value of the individual relative error (IRE).
Example 1: This example uses an activated charcoal adsorption (AC) device submitted by a participant; four
measurements are required for measurement devices in the AC method category.
Device ID Codes Measured Target Absolute Value of the Individual
Participant EPA Value (MV) Value (TV) Relative Error (IRE)
1. A1239 999996 06.2 07.2 0.14 (or 14%)
2. A5611 999997 16.4 18.3 0.10 (or 10%)
3. A2318 999998 18.6 14.4 0.29 (or 29%)
4. A 7657 999999 31.0 36.6 0.15 (or 15%)
In this example test, the result for device #3 has a calculated IRE of 29%, or 4 percentage points over
the 25% limit. Therefore, the participant fails the initial test. However, because this 29% result is less than
50%, the participant can retest. If the IRE result had been less than 25% (e.g., 18%), then all four
measurements would have passed the test, and-assuming that all other requirements had been met-the
participant would be listed in the Program with the device as a primary organization.
----------------
Example 2: This example uses a continuous radon monitor (CR) submitted by a participant; only one
measurement is required for measurement devices in the CR method category.
Device ID Codes
Participant EP A
Measured
Value (MV)
Target
Value (TV)
Absolute Value of the Individual
Relative Error (IRE)
1.
B3875
666669
15.7
35.0
0.55 (or 55%)
In this example test, the participant's test result has a calculated IRE of 55%, or 30 percentage points
over the 25% limit. Therefore, the participant fails the initial test. However, because this 55% result is also
greater than 50%, the participant is not eligible for a retest and must reapply if that organization wishes to
continue participating in the RMP Program. If the IRE result had been less than 50%, then the participant
would have been eligible for a retest. If the participant then passed the retest-assuming that all other
requirements had been met-that participant would have been listed in the Program with this CR device as
a primary organization.
-----------------
(continued)
21
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Exhlbn 3-4 (continued)
Example 3: This example uses a continuous working level monitor (CW) submitted by a participant; only one
measurement is required for devices in the CW method category.
Device ID Codes
Participant EP A
Measured
Value (MY)
Target
Value (TV)
Absolute Value of the Individual
Relative Error (IRE)
1.
C2222
123456
0.075
0.060
0.25 (or 25%)
In this example test, the participant's test result has a calculated IRE of 25%, which is equal to the 25%
limit. Therefore, the participant passes the initial test.
NOTE: Each measurement device submitted for testing is assigned an EP A identification code for tracking
purposes, in addition to any identification assigned by the participant. (Also, for summary information on the
number of measurements required for devices within any of the 15 measurement methods used in the RMP
Program, see Exhibit 6-3 in Part 6.)
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EP A 520/1-91-006
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PART 4
HOW PARTICIPANTS IN THE RMP PROGRAM ARE USTED
This part of the Handbook reviews the meaning and content of participant listings, as well as how
listings are made available to participants, States, and the interested public. An RMP Program listing includes
information that is needed to inform consumers or States about a participant's status in the Program. Listings
are continuously updated to reflect their most current status. For example, the Agency will update listings
to account for all radon measurement test results, the addition of new measurement service types, or a change
in the participant's phone number. A sample RMP Program listing is shown as Exhibit 4-1. Updated
information is maintained in the Agency's records at all times. It is also included in Proficiency Reports,
which are published periodically.
Not all participants in the Program are listed in the published proficiency report. Some participants
may choose not to be included in these reports. For example, a nonprofit participant may want to
demonstrate its proficiency, yet not offer radon measurement services to the public. In this case, the nonprofit
participant would have listed status in the Program, but may not be included in published proficiency reports.
4.1 MEANING AND CONTENT OF RMP PROGRAM LISTINGS
The participant listing presents information that is either (1) general, (2) specific to primaries, or (3)
specific to secondaries. The following subsections present brief summaries of the meaning and content of
these three possible sections of a Program listing. The content of a listing will be updated periodically to
account for changes in the listing format.
4.1.1 General Participant Information
A listed participant has met the Program requirements necessary for listing for primary and/or secondary
radon measurement services. The listing includes the participant's organization name, business address,
telephone number, and any other relevant information. EP A may include information provided by participants
on (1) consumer access and (2) the exposure duration for devices.
4.1.2 Listine for Primaries
Participants listed with a primary service have demonstrated the ability to measure radon accurately
with a specific radon measurement device and have agreed to make measurements with that device according
to QNQC principles.
The listing includes information specific to each measurement device with which the participant offers
primary measurement services. The States served with each device, the device identification number, and its
protocol designation are also shown.
4.1.3 Listine for Secondaries
Participants listed with a secondary service have agreed to follow basic procedures that will help ensure
that they provide accurate radon measurements to consumers. They have also agreed to use only RMP
Program-listed primary participants to perform their radon measurement analyses. Listing in this category
does not indicate demonstration of proficiency in providing radon placement, retrieval, consultation, or result
reporting services.
23
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exhibit 4-1
Example of a Participant Ll8tlng*
The participant listed below meets RMP Program requirements. For the radon measurement devices
shown under primary measurement services, the participant has demonstrated an ability to correctly
measure radon or radon decay products in indoor air. For the measurement methods shown under
secondary measurement services, the participant has agreed to use only RMP Program listed participants
for the analysis of measurements taken, as well as to use appropriate radon measurement procedures.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
American Radon Testing Company
1234 Detection Circle
Radiation Comers, Utah 00110
Contact Person: Mr. Ray D. Ohn
Phone: (999) 987-6543 (Inquiries, Information, and Ordering)
FAX: (999) 987-5432 (Automatic)
PRIMARY MEASUREMENT SERVICES
Method
AC
Description
4" Open-Face F&J Charcoal Canister
Area Served
U.S.
GC"
Grab-Radon/Activated Charcoal
CA, AZ, NY
AZ, CA, NM, NY, UT
ES
Short-Term (Rad-Elec) E-Perm
SECONDARY MEASUREMENT SERVICES
Methods: AT, LS, UT
Area Served: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NY, UT
-----------------......----------------------------------..-------------------------------------------------------------
. This is a fictitious example for a commercial participant intended to show the basic elements of an
RMP Program listing. The actual format and content of the listing used in written notifications and
proficiency reports may vary from this example.
.. Measurements using this method are not appropriate for making mitigation decisions if this method is
the only one used as the basis for the decision.
24
EPA 520/1-91-006
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A secondary listing, unlike a primary listing, is at the level of the measurement method. Therefore,
participants listed with a secondary method may use any device within the measurement method for which they
are listed. Secondary services presently include the AC, AT, EL, ES, LS, RP, and VT methods. EPA has
developed measurement protocols for 15 methods; see Appendix D for more information on the 15 methods.
4.2 AVAILABILITY OF RMP PROGRAM PARTICIPANT LISTINGS
Information about a participant's status and listing in the Program is available to the participant, a State,
the general public, or any other requester. This information may be made available to States in several ways,
including but not limited to: (1) status reports; (2) published proficiency reports; or, (3) access to the Program
data base. States may use these and other means to assist consumers in verifying a participant's status.
4.2.1 Participant Notification
EPA intends that participants use the listing notifications issued to them to represent their status in the
Program as needed. If necessary, the contents of such a notification can be verified by calling the RMP
Program Information Service (RIS), (919) 541-7131.
4.2.2 Published Proficiency Reports
Periodically, EP A will issue proficiency reports or other documents summarizing information about
Program participants. EP A generalIy expects to make proficiency reports available to the public through the
States.
4.2.3 RMP Prol!ram Data Base
When participants are listed or changes occur in a participant's status, the listing is updated in the RMP
Program data base. EP A intends to work with States to provide them with direct access to the RMP Program
data base to facilitate their need to know a participant's status in the Program.
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EPA 520/1-91-006
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PART S
ENTERING RADON MEASUREMENT DEVICES INTO THE RMP PROGRAM
All devices entered into the Program must be within an RMP Program radon measurement method
category. Primary applicants to the RMP Program enroll with one or more specific radon measurement
devices. Secondary applicants enroll for one or more method categories.
Applicants may enroll in the RMP Program immediately with any measurement device that is included
in theApplication Device Checklists. These checklists include all devices, equipment, and instruments that EP A
is currently aware of that have been used by an RMP Program participant in passing the RMP Program
measurement test. All of the devices, equipment, and instruments included on the checklists are associated
with one or more method categories. Appendix D includes brief definitions of the method categories currently
accepted in the Program. EP A's Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols provides a
detailed explanation of these methods.
An organization or individual who wishes to enroll in the RMP Program with a device that is not
included in the Application Device Checklists must follow EP A's procedure for entering new devices into the
Program. This procedure has three stages: (1) the applicant submits an Application to enter the new device
into the Program; (2) EP A evaluates the Application to determine whether the device should be included in
one of the currently accepted method categories; and (3a) EPA assigns the device to an existing method
protocol, or (3b) EP A evaluates the device and/or develops a new method protocol. Exhibit 5-1 is an overview
of the process for entering new devices into the Program. The three stages of this process are described in
Sections 5.1 through 5.3.
5.1 APPLYING WITH A DEVICE NOT ON THE CHECKLIST
Applicants who wish to enter a new device not included in the Application Device Checklists into the
RMP Program must submit a complete Application, a description of the device and its operating principles,
a sample device or clear photograph, and a method category recommendation. The completed Application
form must be sent to the RQAC and should indicate that the applicant wants to enter a device into the
Program. Applicants should use the summary descriptions provided in Appendix D of this Handbook and the
method descriptions in the Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols as a basis for
recommending any existing method categories that may apply to their device. Applicants who review these
documents and determine that development of a new EP A method protocol is necessary should indicate this
finding in their Application. Applications that do not include all of the above mentioned materials will be
returned to the applicant.
5.2 EVALUATING THE APPLICATION
The Agency will evaluate whether the device should be included in an existing method category after
reviewing the materials provided by the applicant, the summary descriptions of the methods contained in this
document, and the Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols. The Agency may also
require the applicant to submit additional materials substantiating device performance to assist it in making
this determination.
27
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exhibit 5-1
Entering Radon Measurement Devices Into the RMP Program
Additional information may be
collected from applicant
Participant and/or manufacturer
prepares draft protocol for EPA review
Application
status pending
Yes
Yes
Protocol corrections and/or
revisions required
Application
rejected
No
NOTE:
Device evaluations may be conducted in order
to assist EPA in making decisions necessary to
enter devices into the program.
28
Yes
Yes
Assignment to
existing EPA
method protocol
Yes
Protocol
incorporated into
EPA document
Application
allowed
Successful devices
not already on
checklist are added
EPA 520/1-91-006
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5.3 DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE METHOD CATEGORY
5.3.1 Assilmment to an Existinl! Method Catel!orv
If the Agency determines that the device fits into an existing method category and is capable of
measuring radon accurately, then the applicant may enter the Program using that device. If the participant
passes the measurement test and attains listed status, the Agency will add the new device to the next update
of the Application Device Checklists.
If the Agency finds that the device should not be included in an existing method category, then it will
inform the participant that development of a new method protocol and/or a device evaluation is necessary to
enter the device into the RMP Program.
5.3.2 Method Protocol Development and Device Evaluations
The Agency requires participants to request development of a method protocol when it determines that
the new device should not be included in an existing method category. Device evaluations may be conducted
in conjunction with development of a new method protocol if the Agency determines that it needs additional
evidence to verify the device's capability to measure radon accurately. Device evaluations may also be
conducted in cases in which the device appears to fit an existing method protocol category, but factors specific
to the particular device lead EP A technical staff to question the capability of the device to measure radon
accurately.
5.3.2.1 Method Protocol Development. Applicants with devices that are not within RMP Program method
categories must submit a written request to the RMP Program Manager (see Section 7.2) for developmcnt of
an EPA method protocol. The request must include background and research documents, results of tests and
evaluations conducted with the device, a draft measurement protocol for the device (consistent in format with
EPA's method protocol documents), and other information that substantiates the ability of the device to
measure radon accurately within conditions typically found in U.S. buildings.
After receiving the applicant's request for protocol development and appropriate background materials,
the Agency will determine whether the device justifies writing an EP A method protocol. The Agency then
notifies the applicant of its determination. If the documentation submitted is adequate to substantiate the
device's capability to measure radon accurately, the EP A will develop a method protocol using the applicant's
draft device protocol. The applicant will be given an opportunity to review the EP A method protocol before
it is published. As soon as the protocol is completed and approved, the applicant may entcr the RMP
Program using that device.
5.3.2.2 Device Evaluations. The Agency may conduct its own evaluation of a new device using EP A's radon
chamber facilities if it determines that existing information is insufficient to warrant development of a new
method protocol. The Agency may also conduct such an evaluation in cases in which the specific
characteristics of a device lead EP A technical experts to question its capability to measure radon accurately.
The EP A will request samples of the device from the participant when it begins an evaluation. The
EP A's evaluations assess whether the device is capable of measuring radon and/or radon decay products
accurately. The evaluations will be conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures for a Radon
Instrument Evaluation Program by EPA's Las Vegas Facility. The Agency is currently revising this document
and will issue an updated version specifically designed for the RMP Program. Device evaluations conducted
after this revision will be done in accordance with the revised document.
29
EPA 520/1-91-006
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If the Agency finds that the device is capable of measuring radon or its decay products in indoor air
accurately, the applicant may enter the Program with the device. If the participant passes the measurement
test and attains listed status, the Agency will add the device to the next update of the Application Device
Checklists. Applicants may not enter the Program with devices that are found to be incapable of measuring
radon or its decay products accurately, and these devices will not appear in updated versions of the device
checklists.
30
EPA 520/1-91-006
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PART 6
OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION PROGRAM (ORP) LABORATORIES
The EPA has laboratory facilities in Montgomery, Alabama, and Las Vegas, Nevada, where all testing in
the RMP Program takes place. RMP Program participants who bring their device to the test site will be given
appointments to come to one of these EP A laboratories to be tested. Organizations that mail their devices
will ship them to the RQAC, where they will be processed and then shipped to the EP A laboratories for
exposure. After exposure, the labs will return the devices to the participating organization for analysis. This
part of the Handbook describes both the laboratory facilities and the general conditions under which the
jaboratories will expose the participant devices.
6.1 NATIONAL AIR AND RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY (NAREL)
NAREL is an EP A laboratory facility located in Montgomery, Alabama. Formerly known as the Eastern
Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF), this laboratory provides technical support and assistance to EP A
offices, States, and the private sector. Besides making its three radon chambers available to the RMP
Program, NAREL monitors environmental radiation using a national network of radiation monitoring stations,
supports Superfund activities, maintains an emergency radiological response team, and conducts harbor surveys
for areas served by nuclear-powered vessels. NAREL also supports another radon program in which States
conducting radon surveys can mail exposed devices to NAREL for analysis and reporting. Exhibit 6-1 is a map
showing the location of NAREL. The address and telephone number at NAREL are as follows:
u.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL)
1504 Avenue A
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
(205) 270-3422 or FTS 228-3422
6.2 LAS VEGAS FACILITY (LVF)
EPA's Office of Radiation Programs also operates the Las Vegas Facility (LVF). Like NAREL, LVF
maintains emergency response capability, as well as supporting other EP A offices with radiological assessments,
technical advice, and field investigations. In addition, L VF develops and uses computer models to assess dose
and risk from radiation releases and determines compliance with emission regulations. L VFs radon chamber
facilities are used not only by the RMP Program, but also by EP A's National Ambient Radon Study; by local
and Regional radon programs (for quality assurance); and by other projects to measure radon levels in schools,
Federal buildings, and residences. Exhibit 6-2 is a map showing the location of L VF. The address and
telephone number at L VF are as follows:
u.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
Las Vegas Facility (LVF)
P.O. Box 98517
Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8517
(702) 798-2476 or FTS 545-2476
31
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exlbit 6-1
Local' Area Map: National Air, Radiation and Environmental
Laboratory
SOUTH BLVD.
DANNELLY
FIELD
AIRPORT
City of Montgomery, Alabama
32
t
N
j
GUNTER
AIR FORCE STATION
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exlblt 6-2
Local Area Map:
Las Vegas Facility
~
:.:
Q,
c
z
Q ~
II: >
W II:
!l! <
c ~
< UNIVERSITY
II: OF NEVADA
if LAS VEGAS
FLAMINGO RD.
HARMON AVE.
\\
TROPIC ANA AVE.
~ SWENSON ST.
15
33
I
IN
City of Las Vegas, Nevada
EPA 520/1-91-006
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6.3 LABORATORY EXPOSURE CONDITIONS
Devices used in Program measurement tests will be exposed at NAREL or LVF. The three following
subsections describe general conditions under which devices will be exposed.
6.3.1 Number of Radon Test Measurements
The Agency will conduct four independent sample measurements for devices in most EP A method
categories. However, in the CR, CW, PB, and RP methods, only one measurement will be taken. The number
of measurements for each of the 15 method categories is shown in Exhibit 6-3.
6.3.2 Environmental Parameters in EP A Chambers
It is important that radon measurement devices be able to provide reliable measurements under the
unique conditions that might exist when a measurement is made by or for a consumer. Exhibit 6-4 shows the
outer boundaries of environmental conditions that might exist in EP A's radon chambers during RMP Program
measurement testing. These outer boundaries are based on EP A's current estimates of environmental
conditions that might exist in buildings throughout the country. Actual values for the parameters indicated
may vary within the ranges cited. EP A laboratories may also produce condensation nuclei (CN) in their
chambers to approximate consumer measurement conditions.
6.3.3 Measurement Exposure Durations
For devices with recommended consumer exposure durations of less than 2 weeks, the EP A exposure
period will be consistent with the exposure period recommended for consumers.
EP A realizes that many devices specify exposure periods in excess of 2 weeks. However, because all
devices designed for long-term exposure are integrating devices, shorter-term measurements can be made
provided exposure is at a level above the lower limit of detection in (pCilL)-days. For example, an alpha-track
device designed for a minimum exposure period of 30 days will perform with equivalent accuracy if exposed
for only 15 days at twice that level, as long as the lower limit of detection is exceeded. Applying the known
calibration factor to the counted track density yields the integral exposure in (pCilL)-days, from which, using
the known days of exposure, the average radon concentration in pCilL can be determined.
Organizations submiuing long-term devices within methods such as EL, AT, and some RP are expected
to give EPA complete information on their lower limit of detection in (pCi/L)-days, as well as the maximum
permissible exposure level. EPA will request this information from participants after accepting an App/ication
and prior to the radon measurement test.
34
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exhlbh 6-3
Radon Measurement Test:
Number of Measurements and Exposure Duration
Number of Exposure
Radon Gas Measurement Methods Measurements Duration
1. AC Activated Charcoal Adsorption 4 2-7 days
2. AT Alpha Track Detection (filtered) 4 2-30 days.
3. UT Unfiltered Track Detection (unfiltered) 4 2-30 days.
4. LS Charcoal Liquid Scintillation 4 2-7 days
5. CR Continuous Radon 1 20-24 hours
6. EL Electret-ion Chamber: Long-Term 4 2-30 days.
7. ES Electret-ion Chamber: Short-Term 4 2-7 days
8. GC Grab Radon/Activated Charcoal 4 s 1 hour
9. GB Grab RadonlPump-Collapsible Bag 4 s 5 minutes
10. GS Grab Radon/Scintillation Cell 4 s 5 minutes
11. SC Evacuated Scintillation Cell (three-day integrating) 4 1-3 days
12. PB Pump-Collapsible Bag.. 1 1-3 days
Radon Decav Product Measurement Methods
13. CW Continuous Working Level Monitoring 1 20-24 hours
14. GW Grab Working Level 4 3-10 minutes
15. RP Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit 1 2-30 days.
-----------
. For devices in these "integrating' categories, the indicated range is the minimum-maximum exposure
durations to which these devices will be subjected in the EP A laboratory radon chambers.
.. 2-3 liters maximum bag size.
35
EPA 520/1-91-006
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Exhibit 6-4
Radon Measurement Test:
Device Exposure Parameters
Measurement devices entered into the Program will be exposed in an ORP laboratory radon chamber
(NAREL or L VF) within the ranges indicated in the following list.
Parameter
Ranl!e
(1) Radon Gas (Rn)
2 - 200 picocuries per liter (pCilL)*
(2) Radon Decay Products (WL)
0.01 - 1.4 working level
(3) Temperature (T)
55-90 OF
(4) Relative Humidity (RH)
10-90%
(5) Equilibrium Ratio (ER)
10 - 70%
(6) Air Velocity (v)
0- 30 feet per minute (fpm)
*Or 74 to 7,400 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3).
36
EPA 520/1-91-006
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PART 7
WHOM TO CONTACT IF YOU NEED INFORMATION OR HAVE A PROBLEM
There are several contact points for obtaining information or resolving problems about the RMP Program.
The EP A Headquarters RMP Program Manager provides day-to-day Program direction. EP A contractors, such
as the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), provide technical and logistical support to the Program. State
agencies with radon responsibility and EP A's Regional offices can provide additional information and help.
These State agencies and EP A Regional offices are noted in Appendix E; information on the availability and
ordering of RMP Program documents is included in Appendix C.
In general, participants in the Program should first call the RIS or write to the RQAC for information or
assistance. All correspondence from participants concerning the Program must include the participant's
unique, seven-digit Program identification number.
7.1 RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (RTI)
RTI supports the Program through the RMP Program Information Service (RIS), and through the efforts
of the RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC). Additional details on these two services
appear after the telephone and address information that follows.
. RMP Prol!ram Information Service (RIS)
Telephone..........(919) 541-7131
Operation..........9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Eastern time; except holidays)
. RMP Prol!ram Quality Assurance Coordinator
RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC)
c/o Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
3040 Cornwallis Road, Building 7
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194
The principal purpose of the RIS is to provide a phone-based service for participants and other callers.
Participants in the Program, and others, should contact either the RIS (by telephone) or the RQAC (in
writing) to obtain any of the following:
. general information on what the Program is and how it operates;
. information on Program documents (e.g., the Handbook);
. an Application package or clarification of the Application;
. information on a participant's status in the Program;
. information on the radon measurement test, including appointments and device requests;
. help with questions about EPA correspondence (e.g., the performance notification);
. updates to the proficiency listing;
. information about measurement devices in the Program or how to enter devices;
. procedures on how to amend an existing listing or how to add a device (primaries)
(secondaries).
or method
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The principal purpose of the RQAC is to coordinate the receipt and processing of Applications, and to
schedule the radon measurement test with participants and the EP A laboratories. The RQAC is responsible
for coordinating the overall day-to-day operation of the Program with the EP A Headquarters Program office,
and for providing other technical support as requested.
7.2 TIlE EPA HEADQUARTERS RMP PROGRAM MANAGER
The RMP Program Manager has overall responsibility for the Program. Objections involving delisting
decisions, as well as comments and suggestions about the Program and requests for device evaluations, should
be directed to:
. The RMP Prol!ram Manal!er
Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program
RMP Program Manager
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Radon Division (ANR-464)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
The EP A Headquarters office is supported by the EP A Regional offices, State government agency offices,
and the Regional Radon Training Centers (RRTCs).
7.3 EPA REGIONAL OFFICES
There are 10 Regional offices of EP A The Regional offices are responsible for coordinating with the
appropriate State agency on RMP Program issues, and for providing the public with information about the
Program. Appendix E contains a map of the EP A regions and provides contact information.
7.4 STATE AGENCY RADON OFFICES
Some States have written regulations applicable to those engaged in providing radon measurement services
to consumers. Participants who intend to offer radon measurement services to the public should contact the
appropriate State agency office for more information before starting operations. See Appendix E for the
names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the State radon agencies.
7.5 REGIONAL RADON TRAINING CENTERS (RRTCS)
The EPA has established four Regional Radon Training Centers. Each RRTC is either an individual
university or a consortium of universities that offer a variety of radon-related training courses. The EP A
strongly encourages participants to be trained in all aspects of radon measurement. The four RRTCs are:
(1) Eastern RRTC (Rutgers University); (2) Mid-West Universities Radon Consortium (University of
Minnesota, University of Michigan, Kansas State University); (3) Western RRTC (Colorado State University);
and (4) Southern RRTC (Auburn University, University of Louisville, Texas A&M, University of Tulsa).
Participants should contact one of these RRTCs for further information on radon measurement training course
offerings. Appendix E contains a map of the RRTC regions and provides contact information.
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7.6 NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE (NTIS)
The NTIS is a repository and distributor of U.S. Government documents that typically are available on
microfiche or on printed paper for a fee. Appendix C lists documents related to radon that are available from
NTIS. The address is:
. National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
National Technical Information Service
5285 Pon Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Documents may also be ordered through the NTIS Order Desk by calling (703) 487-4650.
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APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
The meanings of these terms apply specifically to the RMP Program. The specialized definitions noted
here are used in place of those found in standard dictionaries.
Analvsis Reportine: Form (ARF): The form on which participants record their measured value(s) for a radon
measurement test.
Announced test: A scheduled radon measurement test of mail-in or walk-in detectors in an EP A radon
chamber with the knowledge of the RMP Program participant. Previously called a single-blind test.
Applicant: An organization or person who has submitted an application to the RMP Program, but has not
yet had it accepted by EP A
Avvlication Device Checklists: Lists of detectors and reading/analysis equipment included in RMP Program
application package. The lists include only devices that have successfully met program requirements in
previous tests. The RMP Program provides for devices to be evaluated and added to the lists as
participants use them successfully in the Program.
Application packae:e: A package of information and forms sent upon request to organizations that want to
participate in the RMP Program. The package includes such items as an application form and the
program handbook.
Appointment notice: Notice sent by the RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC) to applicants
or participants who plan to test with a walk-in device. The notice informs them of the date, time, and
location of their announced measurement test.
Backe:round radiation: Radiation arising from radioactive material other than the radiation source directly
under consideration. Background radiation may be due to cosmic rays or other radioactive substances
that are present.
Becquerel (Bq): The International System (SI) unit of radioactivity equal to one disintegration per second.
One picocurie equals 0.037 becquerel, and 1 becquerel equals 27 picocuries.
Blank sample: A control sample in which the sampler or detector is unexposed and submitted to analysis.
Blank samples are often used to determine detector or sampler background values.
Blind test: A radon measurement test of a participant's devices in an EP A radon chamber, without the
participant's prior knowledge. Previously called double-blind test.
Business location: The physical location of an applicant's or participant's place of business. This information
must be included on the RMP Program application.
Calibration: The determination of deviation from standard of a measuring instrument to ascertain necessary
correction factors.
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Chain of custody vrocedures: Procedures documenting the numbering and handling of samplers or meas-
urement devices from sample placement or purchase through analyses and result reports to consumers.
Commercial orl!anization: An organization offering radon measurement services to the public for a fee.
Condensation nuclei: Fine, statically charged particles, including dust, wax, or vapor suspended in air. These
statically charged particles attract radon decay products, keeping them suspended in the air rather than
allowing them to plate-out onto walls or other surfaces. EP A uses condensation nuclei generators in
RMP Program test chambers to control and manipulate the radon/radon decay product equilibrium
fractions.
Consumer: Any person, school, school system, business, or organization that receives a radon measurement
result or a radon measurement service.
Contact person: The one person in every organization that participates in the RMP Program who will be
responsible for handling all communications with the Program. One contact person is to be named on
the application for each organization location (address), along with position and phone number. Also
called RMP Program contact person or organization contact person.
Continuinl! prol!ram requirements: The requirements of the RMP Program that must be satisfied to maintain
listing.
Delistinl!: The process of removing a participant from EP A's RMP Program list of those organizations
meeting program requirements.
Device: Measurement device: A unit, component, or system designed to detect or measure radon gas or radon
decay products.
Device code: A unique number assigned to each mail-in detector submitted to the RMP Program. For walk-
in methods, no detectors are submitted, so a unique identification number is assigned instead to each
measurement submitted.
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facilitv (EERF): The EP A laboratory facility located in Montgomery,
Alabama. The facility moved to new quarters in 1990 and has been renamed the National Air and
Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL).
Environmental Measurements Laboratorv (EML): A U.S. Department of Energy laboratory located in New
York City. The radon chamber facility at this laboratory was used to start the RMP Program in 1986.
The EP A presently participates in an interlaboratory radon measurement comparison program
coordinated by EML.
Equilibrium ratio: The ratio between radon decay products present and radon gas present. Calculated by the
following equation: Equilibrium ratio = (WL x l(0)/pCi/L. Same as equilibrium fraction.
Exposure time: The length of time a specific mail-in device must be in contact with radon or radon decay
products to get an accurate radon measurement. Also called exposure period, exposure parameters, or
duration of exposure.
Identification (ID) number: A unique, seven-digit identification number that is assigned to each organization
participating in the RMP Program. Once this number is assigned, Program participants must include
it on all correspondence sent to the program.
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Intel!:ratinl!: device: A device that measures a single average concentration value over a period of time. Also
called time integrating device.
Las Vel!:as Facilitv (L VF): An EP A facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the two EP A facilities with radon
chambers used for exposing detectors from participants in the RMP Program.
Listed participant: A participant that meets Program requirements for being primary and proficient with a
specific radon measurement device, or that meets Program requirements applicable to a secondary
capability with a measurement device listed at the measurement method level.
Listinl!:: The act of adding an organization that meets EP A RMP Program requirements to the list of
successful participants. Also see Delisting.
Location: Any physical location (address) from which a participant operates in providing radon measurement
services to consumers, or in conducting radon measurement related activities.
Lower limit of detection (LLD): The smallest amount of sample activity that will yield a net count for which
there is confidence at a predetermined level that activity is present.
Mail-in device/detector: Detector or sampler for measuring concentrations of radon or radon decay products
that usually requires no external source of power or skilled instrument operator and can be handled
through the mail.
Mailinl!: address: The applicant/participant address to which all official correspondence concerning the RMP
Program will be sent.
Measured value (MV): After exposure of their detectors or walk-in devices in one of the EP A chamber
facilities, participants analyze the level of concentration of radon/radon decay products to which each
detector or device was exposed and report that value on an Analysis Reporting Form. This number is
the participant's measured value. See also target value.
Method. measurement method: A category encompassing similar measurement devices, sampling techniques
or analysis procedures. In the RMP Program, radon/radon decay product measurement devices are
currently divided into 15 methods.
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL): An EP A facility in Montgomery, Alabama.
One of two EP A facilities with radon chambers used for exposing detectors from participants in the RMP
Program. NAREL was previously known as EERF.
Orl!:anization: An individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, college or university, government
agency, laboratory or institution. The RMP Program treats separate address locations as separate
organizations and separate Applications are required from each.
Participant: An individual or organization whose Appli1:ation EPA has reviewed and accepted. The individual
or organization operates from a specific location and is engaged in radon measurement activities or in
offering radon measurement services to consumers and others (also see Organization).
Picocurie (pCĄ: One-trillionth (10-12) of a curie or one millionth (10-6) of a microcurie; also equivalent to
3.7 x 10- disintegrations per second, or 2.22 disintegrations per minute).
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Picocuries per liter (pCi/L): A unit of measurement of activity concentration. One picocurie per liter is equal
to one trillionth (10.12) curies per liter of air, or 37 becquerels per cubic meter of air.
Primary radon measurement servicelPrimarv: An applicant, participant, or listed participant whose radon
measurement services or activities, at a specific location, include the capability to analyze or read the
radon measurement device(s) being used. Such an analysis or reading capability may involve a laboratory
or portable equipment and operators (see also Secondary radon measurement serviceslSecondary).
Proficient: Term used to describe a primary participant that, with a specific radon measurement device, has
demonstrated an ability to correctly measure radon or radon decay products in indoor air by passing the
radon measurement test and meeting other Program requirements.
Prol!ram requirementslRequirements: The administrative and radon measurement test conditions that a
participant must meet to enter the Program and be listed with either primary or secondary radon
measurement services, and that participants must continue to meet to remain listed in the Program.
Publication address: The address at which an applicant or participant in the RMP Program may be contacted
by the public. This address will be used in all EP A RMP Program published reports if a participant
meets all Program requirements.
Radon (Rn): A colorless, odorless naturally occurring, radioactive, inert, gaseous element formed by
radioactive decay of radium (Ra) atoms. The atomic number is 86. Although other isotopes of radon
occur in nature, radon in indoor air is almost exclusively Rn-222. The term is often used generically to
represent radon and radon decay products in the RMP Program Handbook.
Radon chamber: An airtight enclosure in which operators can induce and control different levels of radon
gas and radon decay products. Volume is such that samples can be taken without affecting the levels of
either radon or its decay products within the chamber.
Radon measurement service: May include, but is not limited to, consultation (providing information about
radon and its risks, providing advice, making recommendations and referrals), packaging radon
measurement devices, placing or retrieving radon measurement devices, operating equipment, analyzing
or reading radon measurement devices and equipment, preparing measurement results, and reporting
measurement results (see also Primary radon measurement servicelPrimary, and Secondary radon
measurement servicelSecondary).
Radon measurement test: The independent exposure of radon measurement devices in an EP A radon
chamber that the RMP Program participant must analyze accurately to meet Program requirements.
Includes both announced and blind tests.
Reapplv: A process for reentering the RMP Program after unsuccessful participation. Participants who do
not meet the requirements of the RMP Program--either for entrance into the program or for continuing
participation--will not be included in the Program's list of successful participating organizations. To be
reconsidered for inclusion in the Program listings, the organization must demonstrate corrections to its
methods or procedures and submit other documentation.
Relative error: The relative error of a detector is the difference be~een the measured value (MY) and the
target value (TV), expressed as MV-TV, divided by the target value (TV). The absolute value of the
relative error is used in the RMP Program to evaluate measurement results.
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Reolicate sample: A sample taken concurrently with and in the same location as a primary sample to test the
precision of an analysis procedure.
Request for detectors: Notice sent by the RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator (RQAC) to primary
organizations that plan to test with mail-in devices. The request asks for confirmation of types of
detectors to be tested, and is used as a packing slip when the organization ships the detectors to the
RQAC.
Requester: A person or organization that has requested the RMP Program application package but has not
yet submitted an Application to the Program.
Retest: A measurement test given to participants that did not meet RMP Program test requirements on the
first attempt. If the individual relative error (IRE) exceeds 50% for any measurement, a retest will not
be permitted and the participant must reapply.
RMP Prol!ram Information Service (RIS): A telecommunications service offered by an EP A contractor that
provides information about the RMP Program to applicants, participants, the States, and others.
RMP Prol!ram Manager: An employee of EP A's Office of Radiation Programs Radon Division responsible
for overall coordination of the RMP Program.
RMP Prol!ram Qualitv Assurance Coordinator (RQAC): An EP A contractor that provides technical and
logistical support for the RMP Program, coordinates the day-to-day activities of receiving and processing
Applications, schedules primary radon measurement tests, conducts data verification, prepares
performance notification and listing notices, and operates the RIS (see also RMP Program Information
Service (RIS».
Round: One entire cycle of testing, evaluation, and publication of reports within the RMP Program. After
the sixth round, the RMP Program was changed to a continuous Program without defined rounds.
Secondary radon measurement service/Secondary: An applicant, participant, or listed participant that provides
radon measurement services. This category of radon measurement service excludes the capability to
analyze or read radon measurement devices and equipment (see also Primary radon measurement service/
Primary).
Spiked sample: a controlled sample in which the sampler/detector is exposed to a known concentration and
submitted for analysis. Used to evaluate measurement accuracy.
Tarl!et value: The concentration of radon/radon decay products in the chamber at the EP A facility, as
measured by the facility.
Walk-in device: Device for measuring concentrations of radon or radon decay products that uses instruments
that require a skilled operator at the sample site. Operators of such devices must bring them to an EP A
radon chamber facility for the RMP Program tests.
Workinl! level (WL): A unit of measure of the concentration of radon decay products defined as the quantity
of short-lived decay products that will deliver 1.3 x 105 MeV of potential alpha energy release per liter
of air.
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APPENDIX B
ABBREVIATIONS
These are abbreviations used in the Handbook and in other Program documents. See the Application
instructions for the two-letter U.S. Postal Service abbreviations for States and possessions that appear in RMP
listings.
AC
ARF
AT
Bq
CN
CR
CW
EERF
EL
EML
EPA
ER
ES
eV
GB
GC
GS
GW
IRE
L
LS
LVF
m3
MeV
MV
NAREL
NCRP
NTIS
Activated charcoal adsorption
Analysis Reporting Form
Alpha-track detection (AID)
Becquerel
Condensation nuclei
Continuous radon monitoring
Continuous working level monitoring
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (now NAREL)
Electret ion chamber--Iong-term
U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Measurements Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Equilibrium ratio
Electret ion chamber--short-term
Electron volt
Grab radon/pump-collapsible bag
Grab radon/activated charcoal
Grab radon/scintillation cell
Grab working level
Individual relative error
Liter
Charcoal liquid scintillation
U.S. EPA's Las Vegas Facility
Cubic meter
Mega-electron volt
Measured value
U.S. EP A's National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
National Technical Information Service
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ORP
PB
pCi/L
QAP
RH
RIS
RMP
Rn
RP
RQAC
RRTC
RTI
SC
T
TLD
TSCA
TV
UT
v
WL
u.s. EP A Office of Radiation Programs
Pump-collapsible bag
Picocuries per liter
Quality assurance plan
Relative humidity
RMP Program Information Service
Radon Measurement Proficiency [Program]
Radon
Radon progeny integrating sampling unit (also RPISU)
RMP Program Quality Assurance Coordinator
Regional Radon Training Center
Research Triangle Institute
Evacuated scintillation cell (three-day integrating)
Temperature
Thermoluminescent dosimeter
Toxic Substances Control Act
Target value
Unfiltered track detection
Velocity
Working level
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APPENDIX C
RMP PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
The following documents are important to participation in the RMP Program. All documents
mentioned in the Handbook are included here. Information on the availability and cost (if any) of these
documents can be obtained by calling the RMP Program Information Service (RIS) at (919) 541-7131.
Documents only available (for a fee) from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) have an added
NTIS citation. The NTIS document identification numbers are included in the parenthetical NTIS reference.
NTIS documents can be ordered by phone by calling the NTIS Order Desk at (703) 487-4650. The address
for the NTIS appears in Section 7.6 of the Handbook.
Application: (EPA 520/1-91-008); instructions and forms to be completed by an applicant to the RMP
Program.
Application Device Checklists: (EP A 520/1-91-007); lists of detectors and devices, by method, which have been
used successfully by listed participants in the RMP Program.
Cumulative Proficiency Report (CPR): (EPA 520/1-90-001); lists, in several tables, participants in RMP
Program Test Round 6 (March-December 1989) for primary/secondary measurement services. (NTIS:
PB-9O-187949)
Handbook: (EPA520/1-91-006); describes the RMP Program and provides applicants, participants, and others
with information about the Program.
Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols: (EP A 520/1-89-009); describes the procedures
and practices EP A recommends be followed for conducting radon measurements in residential
environments. (NTIS: PB-89-224-273/AS)
Interim Protocols for Screening and Followup Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements: (EP A 520/1-86-
014-1); guidance in making reproducible measurements in residences and recommendations for using
the results for further testing or in taking remedial action. (NTIS: PB-89-224-265/AS).
Mitigation Brochure: "Has Your Home Been Invaded by Radon?" (Advertising Council)
Proficiency Reports: include participants listed for primary/secondary capability in the RMP Program. These
proficiency reports will be prepared and published by EP A as appropriate.
Quality Assurance Guidance: (unavailable); provides information on the proper QA practices applicable to
radon measurement and analysis. The generic information is supplemented with information specific
to various measurement methodologies. This document is being prepared by the EP A Headquarters
Radon Division.
Standard Operating Procedures for a Radon Instrument Evaluation Program: (by the Las Vegas Facility staff);
this document is intended to be the Agency's internal procedure for conducting technical evaluations
of radon measurement devices.
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APPENDIX D
RMP PROGRAM RADON MEASUREMENT METHODS
This appendix provides brief descriptions of each of the 15 radon measurement methods that have been
identified by EP A for use in the (new) RMP Program. The following descriptions are divided into methods
appropriate for measuring radon gas and radon decay products, respectively. Table 0-1 shows the 9
measurement methods used in the old RMP Program (Round 6, March to December 1989) as well as the 15
methods that will be used in the new Program. The categorization of measurement methods has been
expanded due to refined distinctions within the original nine methods.
Table D-l. RMP Program Accepted Measurement Methods: Old and New RMP Program
Old RMP Proe:ram
AC Activated charcoal adsorption
AT Alpha track detection
LS
Charcoal liquid scintillation
CR Continuous radon monitoring
GR Grab sampling - radon
GW Grab sampling - working level
RP Radon progeny integrating
sampling unit
CW Continuous working level monitoring
EC Electret ion chamber
New RMP Proe:ram
AC
Activated charcoal adsorption.
AT
UT
Alpha track detection
Unfiltered track detection
LS
Charcoal liquid scintillation
CR
Continuous radon monitoring
GB
GC
GS
PB
SC
Grab radon/pump-collapsible bag..
Grab radon/activated charcoal..
Grab radon/scintillation cell"
Pump-collapsible bag
Evacuated scintillation cell (three-day
integrating)
GW Grab working level"
RP
Radon progeny integrating sampling unit
CW Continuous working level monitoring
EL
ES
Electret ion chamber: long-term
Electret ion chamber: short-term
. Anyone applying with a device in this method category should read the notice at the description of the AC method below carefully for
information on EP A-issued measurement protocols and calibration curves.
"Measurement results from these methods should not be used as the sole basis for deciding whether to mitigate. See the corresponding
Program requirements in Section 2.8 of the Handbook.
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RADON GAS MEASUREMENT METHODS
1.
AC - Activated Charcoal Adsorption
For this method, an airtight container with activated charcoal is opened in the area to be sampled
and radon in the air adsorbs onto the charcoal granules. At the end of the sampling period, the
container is sealed and may be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The gamma decay from the radon adsorbed to the charcoal is counted on a scintillation detector
and a calculation based on calibration information is used to calculate the radon concentration at the
sample site. Charcoal adsorption detectors, depending on design, are deployed from 2 to 7 days.
Because charcoal allows continual adsorption and desorption of radon, the method does not give a true
integrated measurement over the exposure time. Use of a diffusion barrier over the charcoal reduces
the effects of drafts and high humidity.
All participants in the RMP Program are responsible for developing their own calibration curves.
Use of curves developed by EPA for its own charcoal canister (AC) programs is not appropriate;
do not use the information contained in EERF Standard Operating Procedures for Rn-222
Measurement Using Charcoal Canisters (EPA 520/5-87-05, as amended, October 1989).
2.
AT - Alpha Track Detection (filtered)
For this method, the detector is a small piece of special plastic or film inside a small container.
Air being tested diffuses through a filter covering a hole in the container. When alpha particles from
radon and its decay products strike the detector, they cause damage tracks. At the end of the test the
container is sealed and returned to a laboratory for reading.
The plastic or film detector is treated to enhance the damage tracks and then the tracks over a
predetermined area are counted using a microscope or optical reader. The number of tracks per area
counted is used to calculate the radon concentration of the site tested. Exposure of alpha track detectors
is usually 3 to 12 months, but because they are true integrating devices, alpha track detectors may be
exposed for shorter lengths of time when they are measuring higher radon concentrations.
3.
UT - Unfiltered Track Detection
The unfiltered alpha track detector operates on the same principle as the alph~ track detector,
except that there is no filter present to remove radon decay products and other alpha particle emitters.
Without a filter, the concentration of radon decay products decaying within the .striking range~ of the
detector depends on the equilibrium ratio of radon decay products to radon present in the area being
tested, not simply the concentration of radon. Unfiltered detectors that use cellulose nitrate film exhibit
an energy dependency that causes radon decay products that plate out on the detector not to be recorded.
This phenomenon lessens, but does not totally compensate for the dependency of the calibration
factor on equilibrium ratio. For this reason, EP A currently recommends that these devices not be used
when the equilibrium fraction is less than 0.35 or greater than 0.60 without adjusting the calibration
factor. EP A is currently evaluating this device further to determine more precisely the effects of
equilibrium fraction and other factors on performance. These evaluations will lead to a determination
as to whether to finalize the current protocol or remove the method from the list of RMP Program
method categories.
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4.
LS - Charcoal Liauid Scintillation
This method employs a small vial containing activated charcoal for sampling the radon. After an
exposure period of 2 to 7 days (depending on design) the vial is sealed and returned to a laboratory for
analysis. While the adsorption of radon onto the charcoal is the same as for the AC method, analysis
is accomplished by treating the charcoal with a scintillation fluid, then analyzing the fluid using a
scintillation counter. The radon concentration of the sample site is determined by converting from
counts per minute.
5.
CR - Continuous Radon Monitorine:
This method category includes those devices that record real-time continuous measurements of
radon gas. Air is either pumped or diffuses into a counting chamber. The counting chamber is typically
a scintillation cell or ionization chamber. Scintillation counts are processed by electronics, and radon
concentrations for predetermined intervals are stored in the instrument's memory or transmitted directly
to a printer.
6.
EL - Electret Ion Chamber: Lone:- Term
For this method, an electrostatically charged disk detector (electret) is situated within a small
container (ion chamber). During the measurement period, radon diffuses through a filter-covered
opening in the chamber, where the ionization resulting from the decay of radon and its progeny reduces
the voltage on the electret. A calibration factor relates the measured drop in voltage to the radon
concentration. Variations in electret design determine whether detectors are appropriate for making
long-term or short-term measurements. EL detectors may be deployed for 1 to 12 months. Since the
electret-ion chambers are true integrating detectors, the EL type can be exposed at shorter intervals if
radon levels are sufficiently high.
7.
ES - Electret Ion Chamber: Short-Term
For this method, an electrostatically charged disk detector (electret) is situated within a small
container (ion chamber). During the measurement period, radon diffuses through a filter-covered
opening in the chamber, where the ionization resulting from the decay of radon and its progeny reduces
the voltage on the electret. A calibration factor relates the measured drop in voltage to the radon
concentration. Variations in electret design determine whether detectors are appropriate for making
long-term or short-term measurements. ES detectors may be deployed for 2 to 7 days. Since the
electret-ion chambers are true integrating detectors, the ES type can be exposed at shorter intervals if
radon levels are sufficiently high.
8.
GC - Grab Radon/Activated Charcoal
This method requires a skilled technician to sample radon by using a pump or a fan to draw air
through a cartridge filled with activated charcoal. Depending on the cartridge design and airflow,
sampling takes from 15 minutes to 1 hour. After sampling, the cartridge is placed in a sealed container
and taken to a laboratory where analysis is approximately the same as for the AC or LS methods.
9.
GB - Grab RadonlPump-Collapsible Bae:
This method uses a sample bag made of material impervious to radon. At the sample site, a skilled
technician using a portable pump fills the bag with air, then transports it to the laboratory for analysis.
Usually, the analysis method is to transfer air from the bag to a scintillation cell and perform analysis
in the manner described for the grab radon/scintillation cell (GS) method below.
D-3
EPA 520/1-91-006
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10. GS - Grab RadonJScintillation Cell
For this method, a skilled operator draws air through a filter to remove radon decay products into
a scintillation cell either by opening a valve on a scintillation cell that has previously been evacuated
using a vacuum pump or by drawing air through the cell until air inside the cell is in equilibrium with
the air being sampled, then sealed. To analyze the air sample, the window end of the cell is placed on
a photomultiplier tube to count the scintillations (light pulses) produced when alpha particles from radon
decay strike the zinc sulfide coating on the inside of the cell. A calculation is made to convert the counts
to radon concentrations.
11. SC - Three-Dav InteS!ratinS! Evacuated Scintillation Cell
For this method, a scintillatiolJ cell is fitted with a restrictor valve and a negative pressure gauge.
Prior to deployment, the scintillation cell is evacuated. At the sample site, a skilled technician notes
negative pressure reading and opens the valve. The flow through the valve is slow enough that it takes
more than the 3-day sample period to fill the cell. At the end of the sample period, the technician closes
the valve, notes the negative pressure gauge reading, and returns with the cell to the laboratory. Analysis
procedures are approximately the same as for the GS method described above. A variation of this
method involves use of the above valve on a rigid container requiring that the sampled air be transferred
to a scintillation cell for analysis.
12. PB - Pump-Collapsible BaS! (l-day)
For this method, a sample bag impervious to radon is filled over a 24-hour period. This is usually
accomplished by a pump programmed to pump small amounts of air at predetermined intervals during
the sampling period. After sampling, analysis procedures are similar to those for the GB method.
RADON DECAY PRODUCT MEASUREMENT METHODS
13. CW - Continuous WorkinS! Level MonitorinS!
This method encompasses those devices that record real-time continuous measurement of radon
decay products. Radon decay products are sampled by continuously pumping air through a filter. A
detector such as a diffused-junction or surface-barrier detector counts the alpha particles produced by
radon decay products as they decay on this filter. The monitor typically contains a microprocessor that
stores the number of counts for predetermined time intervals for later recall. Measurement time for the
RMP Program measurement test is approximately 24 hours.
14. GW - Grab WorkinS! Level
For this method, a known volume of air is pulled through a filter, collecting the radon decay
products onto the filter. Sampling time usually is 5 minutes. The decay products are counted using an
alpha detector. Counting must be done with precise timing after the filter sample is taken. The two
counting procedures most commonly used are the Kusnitz and the Tsivoglou methods described in the
Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols.
D-4
EPA 520/1-91-006
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15. RP - Radon Pr02eny (Decay Product) Inte2ratin2 Sampling Unit
For this method, a low-flow air pump pulls air continuously through a filter. Depending on the
detector used, the radiation emitted by the decay products trapped on the filter is registered on two
thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), an alpha track detector, or an electret. The devices presently
available require access to a household electrical supply, but do not require a skilled operator.
Deployment simply requires turning the device on at the start of the sampling period and off at the end.
The sampling period should be at least 72 hours. After sampling, the detector assembly is shipped
to a laboratory where analysis of the alpha track and electret types is performed using procedures
described for these devices (AT, EL, and ES) elsewhere in this appendix. The TLD detectors are
analyzed by an instrument that heats the TLD detector and measures the light emitted. A calculation
converts the light measurement to radon concentrations.
Participants are strongly encouraged to read EPA's measurement protocols, Indoor Radon and Radon
Decay Product Measurement Protocols (EPA 520/1-89-009), and Interim Protocols for Screening and
Followup Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements (EPA 520/1-86-014-1); see Appendix C for
more information and availability.
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EPA 520/1-91-006
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APPENDIX E
RMP PROGRAM AND RADON CONTACTS:
EPA AND STATE OFFICES AND REGIONAL RADON TRAINING CENTERS
This appendix contains the addresses and telephone numbers for offices that have a direct
responsibility for or interest in the RMP Program and radon. They also offer information about radon,
including measurement and mitigation, for the radon industry, consumers, and others. The appendix is
organized into five sections:
E.1 EP A HEADQUARTERS
E.2 EPA REGIONAL RADIATION (RADON) PROGRAM MANAGERS
E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES
E.4 EPA REGIONAL RADON TRAINING CENTER NETWORK
E.5 EP A REGIONS
Similar information about the two EPA laboratories (LVF and NAREL) appears in Part 6 of the Handbook.
E.1 EPA HEADQUARTERS
EP A Headquarters, in Washington, D.C., is the agency that has overall responsibility for coordination
and management of the RMP Program.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Office of Radiation Programs (ORP)
Radon Division, ANR-464
401 M Street, S. W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
FrS: 475-9623
COMM: (202) 475-9623
FrS = Federal telephone system
COMM = Commercial telephone system
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EPA 520/1-91-006
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E.2 EPA REGIONAL RADIATION (RADON) PROGRAM MANAGERS
There are 10 EP A Regional Radiation Program Managers, one for each EP A geographical Region.
(Section E.5 of this appendix contains a map showing the States and their EPA Regions.)
Region 1
Radiation Program Manager, Region 1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Room 2311
Boston, MA 02203
FrS: 835-4502
COMM: (617) 565-4502
Region S
Radiation Program Manager, Region 5
(5AR26)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
230 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
FrS: 886-6258
COMM: (312) 353-2206
Region 2
Radiation Program Manager, Region 2
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Room 1137-L
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
FrS: 264-4110
COMM: (212) 264-4110
Region 6
Radiation Program Manager, Region 6
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Chief, Technical Section (6T-ET)
Air, Pesticides and Toxics Division
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
FrS: 255-7223
COMM: (214) 655-7223
Region J
Radiation Program Manager, Region 3
Special Program Section (3AMI2)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
FrS: 597-8326
COMM: (215) 597-8326
Region 7
Radiation Program Manager, Region 7
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
FrS: 276-7020
COMM: (913) 551-7020
Region 4
Radiation Program Manager, Region 4
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
FrS: 257-3907
COMM: (404) 347-3907
Region 8
Radiation Program Manager, Region 8
(8HWM-RP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Suite 500
999 18th Street
Denver, CO 80202-2405
FrS: 330-1709
COMM: (303) 293-1713
FrS = Federal telephone system
COMM = Commercial telephone system
E-2
EPA 520/1-91-006
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E.2 EPA REGIONAL RADIATION (RADON) PROGRAM MANAGERS (continued)
Region 9
Radiation Program Manager, Region 9
(A-I-I)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
FrS: 484-1048
COMM: (415) 744-1048
Region 10
Radiation Program Manager, Region 10
(AT-082)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, W A 98101
FrS: 399-7660
COMM: (206) 442-7660
E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES
The State radiation and radon offices distribute information and documents related to the RMP
Program. For States that have their own requirements or restrictions on radon measurement organizations,
these offices are responsible for enforcement as well as information services. They have access to the RMP
Program data base so that their information about listings of proficient organizations will be current.
Alabama
Division of Radiation Control
State Department of Public Health
434 Monroe Street, Room 510
Montgomery, AL 36130-1701
(205) 242-5315
(800) 582-1866 in Alabama
Arkansas
Division of Radiation Control and
Emergency Management
State Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
(501) 661-2301
Alaska
State Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Health
P.O. Box H
Juneau, AI< 99811-0610
(907) 465-3019
California
State Department of Health Services
714 P Street, Room 600
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-2040
Arizona
State Radiation Regulatory Agency
4814 South 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 255-4845
Colorado
Radiation Control Division
State Department of Health
4210 East 11th Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 331-8481
Connecticut
State Department of Health Services
Radon Program
150 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106-4474
(203) 566-3122
FrS = Federal telephone system
COMM = Commercial telephone system
E-3
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E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES (continued)
Delaware
Office of Radiation Control
State Bureau of Environmental Health
Division of Public Health
P.O. Box 637
Dover, DE 19903
(302) 739-3787
(800) 554-4636 in Delaware
Idaho
State Department of Health and Welfare
Bureau of Preventive Medicine
450 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 334-6584
District or Columbia
D.C. Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs
614 H Street, N.W. ,
Room 1014
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 727-5722,; hotline
(202) 727-7221
Illinois
State Department of Nuclear Safety
1301 Knotts Street
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 786-6384
(800) 325-1245 in Illinois
Florida
Office of Radiation Control
State Department of Health and
Rehabilitative Services
1317 Winewood Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
(904) 488-1525
(800) 543-8279 in Aorida;
consumer inquiries only
Indiana
Radiological Health Section
State Board of Health
1330 West Michigan Street
P.O. Box 1964
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 633-0150
(800) 272-9723 in Indiana
Georgia
State Department of Human Resources
878 Peachtree Street
Room 100
Atlanta, GA 30309
( 404) 894-6644
Iowa
Radon Program
Bureau of Radiological Health
State Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
(515) 22,1-7781
(800) 383-5992 in Iowa
Guam
Guam Environmental Protection Agency
IT &E Harmon Plaza
D-107
130 Rojas Street
Harmon, Guam 96911
Kansas
Radiation Control Program
Environmental Health Services
State Department of Health and Environment
109 SW 9th Street
6th Aoor, Mills Building
Topeka, KS 66612
(913) 296-1560
Hawaii
Radiation Branch
State Department of Health
591 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96813-2498
(808) 548-4383
Kentucky
Radiation Control Branch
Division of Community Safety
State Department of Health Services
Cabinet for Human Resources
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-3700
E-4
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E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES (continued)
Maine
Department of Human Resources
Division of Health Engineering
State House, Station 10
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 289-5689
Mississippi
Division of Radiological Health
State Department of Health
3150 Lawson Street
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 354-6657
(800) 626-7739 in Mississippi
Louisiana
Radiation Protection Division
State Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 14690
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4690
(504) 925-4518
Maryland
Radiological Health Program
State Department of the Environment
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
(301) 631-3300
(800) 872-3666 in Maryland
Missouri
Bureau of Radiological Health
State Department of Health
1730 East Elm
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(314) 751-6083
(800) 669-7236 in Missouri
Massachusetts
State Department of Public Health
Western MA Health Office
23 Service Center
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-7525
Montana
Occupational Health Bureau
State Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences
Cogswell Building AI13
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3671
Michigan
Division of Radiological Health
Bureau of Environmental and
Occupational Health
State Department of Public Health
3423 North Logan Streett
Martin L. King Jr. Blvd.
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-8190
Nebraska
Division of Radiological Health
State Department of Health
301 Centennial Mall, South
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2168
(800) 334-9491 in Nebraska
Minnesota
State Indoor Air Quality Unit
925 Delaware Street, SE
P.O. Box 59040
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0040
(612) 627-5012
Nevada
Radiological Health Section
State Health Division
505 East King Street, Room 203
Carson City, NV 89710
(702) 687-5394
New Hampshire
Bureau of Radiological Health
State Division of Public Health Services
Health and Welfare Building
Six Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-4674; hotline
E-5
EPA 520/1-91-006
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E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES (continued)
New Jersey
Radiation Protection Programs
Division of Environmental Quality
Department of Environmental Protection
CN 415
729 Alexander Road
Trenton, NJ 08625-0415
(609) 987-6389
Oklahoma
Radon Protection Division
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
(405) 271-5221
New Mexico
Radiation Licensing and Registration
Section
State Environmental Improvements Division
1190 St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87503
(505) 827-2948
Oregon
Department of Human Resources
State Health Division
1400 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 229-5797
New York
Bureau of Environmental Radiation
Protection
State Health Department
Two University Place
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 458-6461
Pennsylvania
State Department of Environmental Resources
Bureau of Radiation Protection
P.O. Box 2063
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-2480
(800) 23-RADON in Pennsylvania
North Carolina
Division of Radiation Protection
State Department of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
(919) 571-4141
Puerto Rico
Radiological Health Division
a.p.o. Call Box 70184
Rio Pierdras, Puerto Rico 00936
(809) 767-3563
North Dakota
Division of Environmental Engineering
State Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue, Room 304
P.O. Box 5520
Bismarck, ND 58502-5520
(701) 224-2348
Rhode Island
Division of Occupational and
Radiological Health
State Department of Health
206 Cannon Building
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 277-2438
Ohio
Radiological Health Program
State Department of Health
1224 Kinnear Road, Suite 120
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 644-2727
(800) 523-4439 in Ohio; hotline
South Carolina
Bureau of Radiological Health
State Department of Health and
Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-4700
(800) 768-0362 in South Carolina
E-6
EPA 520/1-91-006
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E.3 STATE RADIATION AND RADON OFFICES (continued)
South Dakota
State Department of Water and Natural Resources
523 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3351
Tennessee
State Department of Health and Environment
Division of Air Pollution Control
701 Broadway, 4th Floor
Nashville, TN 37247-3101
(615) 741-3651
(800) 232-1139 in Tennessee
Texas
Radiological Assessment Program
Bureau of Radiation Control
State Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 835-7000
Utah
Bureau of Radiation Control
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 16690
288 North, 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-0690
(801) 538-6734
Vermont
Occupational and Radiological
Health Operations
Division of Occupational and
Radiological Health
State Department of Health
10 Baldwin Street, Administrative Bldg.
Montpelier, vr 05602
(802) 828-2886
(800) 640-0601 in Vermont
Virginia
Bureau of Radiological Health
State Department of Health
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-5932
(800) 468-0138 in Virginia
Virgin Islands
Contact the U.S. EPA, Region 2 in New York
Mail Code 2AWM-RAD
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-4418
Washington
Division of Radiation Protection
State Department of Health
Airdustrial Building 5, LE-13
Olympia, W A 98504
(206) 753-4518
(800) 323-9727 in Washington; hotline
West Virginia
Office of Environmental Health Services
Industrial Hygiene Division
State Bureau of Public Health
151 11th Avenue
South Charleston, WV 25303
(304) 348-3526
(800) 922-1255 in West Virginia
Wisconsin
Radon Program
Radiation Protection Section
Division of Health
State Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701-0309
(608) 267-4795
Wyoming
Environmental Health Programs
State Department of Health
Hathway Building, 4th Floor (Room 482)
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0710
(307) 777-6015
E-7
EPA 520/1-91-006
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E.4 EPA REGIONAL RADON 1RAINING CENTER NETWORK
The EP A has established four Regional Radon Training Centers (RRTCs) under provisions of the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA). The four RRTCs are based at:
(1) Eastern RRTC (Rutgers University)
(2) Midwest Universities Radon Consortium (University of Minnesota, University of Michigan, Kansas State
University)
(3) Western RRTC (Colorado State University)
(4) Southern RRTC (Auburn University, University of Louisville, Texas A&M, University of Tulsa).
Their purpose is to offer radon measurement training courses. Information on courses and fees is available
at the addresses indicated on the attached map.
E-8
EPA 520/1-91-006
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EPA Regional Radon Training Center Network
(!) Rutgers University
Eastern Regional Radon
Training Center
Bldg. 4087, Kilmer Campus
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
(908) 932-2582
o Midwest Universities Radon
~ Consortium
University of Minnesota
1985 Buford Avenue (240)
St. Paul, MN 55108-1011
(612) 624-8747
Ij'\ Western Regional Radon
~ Training Center
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(800) 462-7459
(303) 491-7742
'4' Southern Regional Radon
'-:.) Training Center
Harbert Engineering Center,
Room 238
Auburn University, AL
36849-5337
(800) 626-2703
(205) 844-6261
~
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I::::::}}::}}:::::~
Eastern RRTC (Rutgers University)
Mid-West Universities Radon Consortium (University of Minnesota,
University of Michigan, Kansas Sate University)
Western RRTC (Colorado State University)
Southern RRTC (Auburn University, University of Louisville,
Texas A&M, University of Tulsa)
~
~
-------
E.5 EPA REGIONS
Each of the 50 United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico,
has been assigned to one of 10 Federal Regions. The attached map shows the Regional assignments for the
50 States. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are assigned to Region 2; the District of Columbia is in Region
3. Section E.2 in this appendix lists the addresses and telephone numbers for the 10 EP A Regional Radon
Managers.
....
"
10
HAWAII
9
E-10
EPA 520/1-91-006
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APPENDIX F
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The publications listed in this appendix may be available at repositories for U.S. Goverment
documents and at public libraries.
A Citizen's Guide to Radon: What It Is and What to Do About It, EPA-86-004. Joint publication of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation; and the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control. August 1986, 14 pages.
Henschel, D. Bruce. Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses: Technical Guidance, EPA/5-87/019.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory, Research
Triangle Park, NC. 1987 (second edition), 192 pages.
The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality, EPA/400/1-88/004. Joint publication of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC; and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission, Washington, DC. September 1988,32 pages.
Mosley, Ronald B. and D. Bruce Henschel. Application of Radon Reduction Methods, EP A/625/5-88/024. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory, Research
Triangle Park, NC. April 1989 (revised), 94 pages.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. A Handbook of Radioactivity Measurement
Procedures, Second Edition, NCRP Report No. 58. Bethesda, MD. February 1985,592 pages.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Measurement of Radon and Radon Daughters
in Air, NCRP Report No. 97. Bethesda, MD. November 1988, 174 pages.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Proceedings of the Twenty-Fourth Annual
Meeting of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, NCRP Report No. 10.
Bethesda, MD. August 1989.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. SI Units in Radiation Protection and
Measurements, NCRP Report No. 82. Bethesda, MD. August 1985,64 pages.
Osborne, Michael C. Radon-Resistant Residential New Construction, EPA/600/8-88/087. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC.
July 1988,67 pages.
Pearson, Mark D. Evaluation of the Performance Characteristics of Radon and Radon-Daughter Concentration
Measurement Devices Under Controlled Environmental Conditions, DOE/lD/12584-29. Prepared by
UNC Geotech for the U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, Colorado. April 1989, 136 pages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols, EP A
520-1/89-009. Office of Radiation Programs, Washington, DC. March 1989,97 pages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon Measurements in Schools: An Interim Report, EPA 520/1-89-
010. Office of Radiation Programs, Washington, DC. March 1989, 34 pages.
F-1
EPA 520/1-91-006
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u.s. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon Reduction Methods: A Homeowner's Guide, RD-68l. Office
of Research and Development, Washington, DC. July 1989, 24 pages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon Reduction Techniques in Schools: Interim Technical Guidance,
EPA/520/1-89-020. Office of Radiation Programs and Air and Energy Engineering Research
Laboratory, Washington, DC. October 1989, 54 pages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon Reference Manual, EPA 520/1-87-20. Office of Radiation
Programs, Washington, DC. September 1987, 128 pages.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State Grants Guidance, EPA 520-000. March 1989,40 pages.
u.s. Environmental Protection Agency. Upgrading Environmental Radiation Data: Health Physics Society
Comminee Report HPSR-l, EPA 520/1-80-012. 1980, 101 pages.
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