United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Radiation Programs
Washington. D.C. 30460
EPA-520/1 -87-003-34
January 1987
Radiation
vvEPA
Radon/Radon Progeny
Measurement Proficiency
Program
Proficiency Report: North Carolina
(This publication valid through July 1987)
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PROFICIENCY REPORT
(This publication valid through July 1987)
EPA Test Round 3
; Prepared by
Radon Technical Information Service
Research Triangle Institute
(919) 541-7131
Prepared for
Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
January 1987
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Selection of Measurement Method 3
Program Requirements *. 8
Explanation of Acronyms 8
Table 1: Measurement Companies Serving Your State 9
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INTRODUCTION
Recent public concern over the health effects from exposure to
radon has greatly increased the demand for companies qualified to meas-
ure radon and radon progeny in indoor air. In response to States' re-
quests for assistance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Of-
fice of Radiation Programs has developed the Radon/Radon Progeny Meas-
urement Proficiency (RMP) Program. Under this program, any company of-
fering measurement services — directly, or indirectly through another
company — is invited to demonstrate its proficiency in measuring radon
gas and/or radon progeny levels.
The program's immediate objective is to assist States and the pub-
lic in selecting companies that have demonstrated competence in
measuring indoor radon and/or radon progeny. This is achieved by
evaluating, on a semiannual basis, the proficiency of companies' detec-
tor operations, and the quality of their data management. Those compa-
nies that demonstrate proficiency in each of these areas are listed in
the Proficiency Report. The program's long-term objectives are to pro-
mote standard measurement procedures among measurement companies and to
establish quality assurance procedures for all measurement companies.
The RMP Program is not designed for accrediting measurement com-
panies. Nor does it certify, recommend, or endorse participating com-
panies. The inclusion of a company in this report should not be inter-
preted as a certification or accreditation of that company. This re-
port is only a source of measurement companies that have demonstrated
capabilities for measuring radon and radon progeny levels.
The testing periods, are referred to as test "rounds". Each round
consists of two tests -- a performance test and a follow-up test. A
company enrolls its measurement methods (e.g., activated charcoal
adsorption) for evaluation. EPA tells the company to submit a specific
number and type of detectors (e.g., charcoal canisters) for exposure to
known levels of radon and/or radon progeny. After exposure, EPA
returns the detectors to the company. The company analyzes the
detectors and reports its measurement results to EPA. EPA compares the
companies measurement results with the known levels of exposure. If
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the company's results are within the established screening-measurement
criteria, the method passes the performance test. If not, the method
is automatically tested again in the follow-up test. The same detector
submittal and exposure procedures are followed for the follow-up test.
A company must take part in the follow-up test if it fails any of the
program requirements in the performance test, not simply the
screening-measurement criteria. Companies that fail again in the
follow-up test may participate in the next test round. Only companies
having met all the program requirements for a method(s) in either the
performance or the follow-up test for a round are listed in this
report.
Table 1 lists all the proficient companies offering measurement
services in your State. Numerous companies distribute mail-in detec-
tors and make measurements nationwide. Therefore, the companies offer-
ing nationwide service are listed first under "National" heading, and
those serving your State only are listed next.
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SELECTION OF MEASUREMENT METHOD
Several different measurement methods may be used to determine the
radon or radon progeny concentrations in houses. In practice, the
choice of a method is often dictated simply by availability — if an
adequate method is available, you use it. If alternative methods are
available, then the cost or the duration of the measurement may become
the deciding factor.
EPA has developed measurement protocols for seven different meth-
ods, and believes that any of them, when used in accordance with EPA
protocols, can produce valid results. This does not mean that all
measurements made according to the suggested protocols will produce
results with identical uncertainties. However, it does mean that the
listed methods are capable of producing adequate results for screening
or follow-up purposes.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Users must
decide which method is best suited to their situations. The following
sections describe the characteristics of the seven methods, pointing
out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one. This summary
is not exhaustive, but is intended to guide the user in making an
informed selection of a measurement method.
Continuous Radon Monitoring (CR) and Continuous Working-Level
Monitoring (CW)
These measurement methods are similar in that they use an elec-
tronic detector to accumulate and store information related to the pe-
riodic (usually hourly) average concentration of radon gas or radon
progeny. They are installed in houses according to guidelines in the
EPA protocol, and then turned on or programmed for the desired operat-
ing time — a minimum of six hours for screening and twenty-four hours
for follow-up measurements. At the end of the test, the monitor must
be retrieved, and the results must be analyzed by a skilled instrument
operator.
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Advantages
o Relatively short measurement duration.
o Hourly results can track the .variation of concentrations in the
house.
o Very precise (most models).
o Results are available on-site (for CW).
Disadvantages
o Relatively expensive, cost may range from $100 to $300, depend-
ing on the type of services provided.
o Requires a skilled instrument operator.
o This, as does any short-term measurement, requires careful con-
trol of closed-house conditions twelve hours before and during
the test.
Alpha-Track Detection (AT)
The alpha-track method measures radon. An AT detector is a small
sheet of special plastic material enclosed in a filtered container.
The container collects the radon progeny on the filter paper while the
radon gas enters the container. As the gas and some of the short-lived
progeny decay, they emit alpha particles that permanently mark the
plastic sheet.
The detectors are installed in the home according to guidelines in
the EPA protocol. They are left for periods of up to three months for
screening and twelve months for follow-up measurements. At the end of
the desired testing period, they must be returned to the distributor or
analytical laboratory for processing and evaluation.
Advantages
o Relatively low-cost services; cost may range from $20 to $60.
o No special skills required for making the measurement.
o Can be distributed by mail.
o Completely passive, needs no external power.
o Can measure the long-term average concentrations over a twelve-
month period, which is the optimal measure of long-term concen-
trations.
Disadvantages
o Relatively long measurement period necessary; three months is
the recommended minimum for currently available detectors.
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Activated Charcoal Adsorption (CC)
The charcoal adsorption method measures radon gas. The detectors
for this method consist of variously configured containers filled with
a measured amount of activated charcoal. The container is often per-
forated or screened to keep the charcoal from falling out and to filter
out radon progeny. All charcoal adsorbers are stored in airtight con-
tainers when not being used for sampling.
Charcoal adsorbers can be received through the mail from a distri-
butor. They are installed in the home for up to seven days, according
to guidelines in the EPA protocols. At the end of testing, an adsorber
is resealed and returned to the distributor or analytical laboratory
for processing and evaluation.
Advantages
o Low cost for services; costs may range from $10 to $25.
o Can be distributed by mail.
o No special skills needed for making the measurement.
o Completely passive, needs no external power.
o With proper analysis, can yield precise results.
Disadvantages
o Some charcoal adsorbers are more sensitive than others to tem-
perature and humidity.
o Limited to short-term testing.
o Requires, as does any short-term measurement, careful control
of closed-house conditions twelve hours before and during the
test.
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit-RPISU (RP)
The RP method measures radon progeny. RP detectors have a flow-
rate air pump that pulls air continuously through a detector assembly.
Depending on the model, the unit can be installed and operated by home-
owners or skilled operators for three days or longer according to
guidelines in the EPA protocol. At the end of that time, the homeowner
sends it to the distributor, or an operator removes the unit and
returns it to the analysis laboratory for processing and evaluation.
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Advantages
o Directly measures concentrations of radon decay products.
o Relatively short measurement period.
o The detector assembly and some entire units can be sent by
mail.
o There is extensive experience in the use of RPISU's; therefore,
measurement errors are well established.
Disadvantages
o Relatively expensive; cost may range from $40 to $150, depend-
ing on type of service provided.
o Some models may be both heavy and awkward to move.
o May be limited to locations with AC power.
o Some units must be installed and picked up by a skilled instru-
ment operator.
o Because of the highly reactive nature of radon decay products,
measurements are much more susceptible to sampling error than
radon gas measurements.
Grab Sampling (Gw) - Radon (GR) and Radon Progeny (GW)
The grab sampling methods measure concentrations of radon gas or
radon progeny concentrations. The radon grab sample is collected in a
special flask holding 100 to 2,000 cubic centimeters of air. The radon
progeny grab sample is collected by drawing air through a filter, upon
which progeny, if present in the air, are collected. Both samples can
be acquired simultaneously with some detector systems. All sampling
should be done in accordance to guidelines in the EPA protocol.
For results of the grab radon test, operators must return to their
offices to analyze the exposed detectors, and must delay the analysis
for at least four hours after the testing. For most grab working-level
tests (radon progeny), operators can perform the analysis on location
in an hour or less.
Advantages
o Results are quickly obtained.
o Equipment can be portable.
o Some detector systems can sample both radon and radon progeny
simultaneously.
o Can acquire and evaluate several samples per day.
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o Conditions during the measurement are known to the operator.
Disadvantages
o Relatively expensive; costs may range from $80 to $300, depend-
ing on the type of services offered.
o Very short measurement periods may not be representative of the
long-term average concentrations.
o Requires a skilled operator.
o Requires, as does with any short-term measurement, careful con-
trol of closed-house conditions twelve hours before and during
the test.
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
For each method, participants must send with their applications a
copy of the operating instructions that they provide to homeowners and/
or are used by an instrument operator. These instructions must reflect
the measurement procedures found in the EPA documents, "Interim Indoor
Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols" and "Interim
Protocols for Screening and Follow-up Radon and Radon Decay Product
Measurement". They must be accepted by, and on file with EPA by the
end of the follow-up test.
Once enrolled, a company must meet EPA's minimum screening meas-
urement requirements for each method. A company must meet all detector
and analysis result deadlines as listed on its program schedule. Ap-
plications, detectors, and analyses reporting forms received after a
scheduled deadline will not be considered in the performance evaluation
process. A companyjs detector(s). must be tested every round to main-
tain its proficiency listing.
EXPLANATION OF ACRONYMS
Methods Units
AT - Alpha-Track Detection ' (pCi/1)
CC - Activated Charcoal Adsorption (pCi/1)
CR - Continuous Radon Monitoring (pCi/1)
CW - Continuous Working-Level Monitoring (WL)
GR - Grab Radon Sampling (pCi/1)
GW - Grab Working-Level Sampling (WL)
RP - Radon Progeny Integrated Sampling/RPISU (WL)
Measurement Units
pCi/1 - Picocuries per liter, radon gas measurement units.
WL - Working-level, radon progeny measurement units.
Others
DT - Detector(s) damaged or lost through no fault of the participant
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
* Company Measurement Method* * Company Measurement Methods
Enviradon CC.AT
914 Rolllngwood Drive
Mt. Holly, NC 28120
(7O4) 827-1293
+ NC Oept. of Human Resources GR
Radiation Protection Section
7O1 Barbour Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603-2008
(919) 733-4283
Radon Check CC
2263 Coopersmith Square
Reston, VA 22O91
(703) 476-6810
Radon Consultants, Inc. CC.AT
4O12 N. 36th Street
Arlington, VA 222O7
703/624-6679 3O1/736-7O4O
Thermo Scan CC
1717 East 116th Street
Box 7O5
Carmal, IN 46O32
(317) 846-46EE
* Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill CC
Sch. of Pub. Health, Env Sci A Engr
Rosenau Ha 11 2O1 H
Chapel Hill, NC 27614
(919) 966-3840
* More detailed Information on the measurement companies' services and past performances Is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative's Office.
+ Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-commercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
* Company
Sorensen Enterprises, Inc.
Radon Detection A Elimination Servi
886 West Hunt Road
Alcoa, TN 377O1
(616) 984-1376
Southern Radon Services CC
1000 Johnson Ferry Road
Suite B-146
Marietta, GA 3O068
800/637-2366,800/367-6184
Standor Radon Detection AT
E98 South Edgewood Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 322O5
(904) 388-O284
TCS Industries CC
4326 Crestview Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 667-7O32
Teledyne Isotopes Midwest Lab. CC
16O9 Frontage Road
Northbrook, IL 6O062
(312) 664-O700
Teledyne Isotopes, Inc. CC
6O Van Buren Avenue
Westwood, NJ O7676
(2O1) 664-7070
Terradex Corporation AT
3 Science Road
GI onwood, IL 60426-1579
(312) 766-7911
Measurement Methods
CC
* Company
0 U.S. Environmental Protection Agncy
Eastern Environ. Radiation Facility
P. 0. Box 3009, 1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 361O9
(206) 272-34O2
+ Univ. of Texas Sen. of Pub. Health
P. 0. Box 2O186
1200 Herman Dressier
Houston, TX 77226
.f. (713) 792-4421
+ University of Pittsburgh
Physics Dept. Radon Project
3941 O'Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 1626O
(412) 624-4290
Weston
Weston Way
West Chester, PA 1938O
(216) 692-3O3O
NORTH CAROLINA
American Radon Testers
6706 Center Lane
Office #1
Falls Church, VA 22041
(703) 379-6876
Appalachian Environmental Testing
Suite 326 Masonic Building
106 South Union Street
Danville, VA 24641
(804) 792-1300
Measurement Methods
CC.GR
CC
CC
GR.GW
CC
CW
* More detailed information on the measurement companies' services and past performances Is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative's Office.
+ Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-commercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
Company
Radon Management Company
4332 Gingham Court
Alexandria, VA 2231O
(703) 96O-1321
Radon Measurement and Services
13131 West Cedar Drive
Lakewood, CO 8O228
(3O3) 98O-6O88
Radon Research Group
P. 0. Box 1143
8 Cross Laurel Ct.
Germantown, MD 2OS74
(301) 972-33O9
Radon Testing Corp. of America
RTCA
12-C West Main St.
Elmsford, NY 1O523
800/4B7-2368,914/347-5O1O
Radon Testing Service
P. 0. Box 19426
Pittsburgh, PA 16213
(412) 687-1533
Radon and Water Testing Service
1O86 Lafayette PC Road
Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873- 8821
Radontech, Inc.
1616 Walnut Street
Suite 2200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(216) 646-6661
Measurement Methods
CC
AT.CC
AT
CC
CC
CC
CC
* Company
Real Estate Support Services, Inc.
8867 Pine Bluff Ct.
Eden Prairie, MN 66344
(612) 941-7EB8
Roberts Environmental Services GR,CW
Suite 1O9
411O Old Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 276O9
(919) 790-9378
Rogers & Assoc. Engineering Corp. AT,CC,GR
616 East 4600 South
Suite G-2BO
Salt Lake City, UT 841O7
(801) 263-160O
Ross Systems, Inc. AT,CC
Blairstown Professional Bldg.
R.D. 2, Box 1148
Blalrstown, NJ O7826
(201) 362-6671
Ryan Nuclear Labs CC
7O3O-D HuntIay Road
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 886-2962
Scientific Analysis, Inc. CC
6O12 Shirley Lane
Montgomery, AL 36117
800-638-8348, 724 at Tone
Scientific Testing Associates CC
Star Route, Box 124
Topping, VA 23169
(804) 768-6728
Measurement Methods
CC
* More detailed information on the measurement companies' services and past performances is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative's Office.
+ Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-commercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
• Company
R.A.O. Service and Instruments Ltd.
60 Silver Star Blvd., Unit 208
Scarborough, Ontario Canada MlV 3L3
(416) 298-9200
Radiation Protection Services, Inc. CC
P. 0. Box 2395
Oarion, CT 06820
(203) 324-7967
Radiation Safety Engineering, Inc. CC
7713 South Butte Avenue
Tempo, AZ 86284
(602) 897-9469
Radiation Safety Services, Inc. GW
1E64 Ashland Ave.
Evanston, IL 6O2O1-4O7O
(312) 866-7744
Radiation Service Organization CC
P. 0. Box 1626
711 Gorman Avenue
Laurel, MD 2O7O7-O963
(301) 963-2482
Radon Alert Detection Center CC
P. 0. Box 323
Flourtown, PA 19O31
800/346-6348,216/247-9197
Radon Ana lists CC
P. 0. Box 6O9
R.D. 2 Box 463
Livingston Manor, NY 12768
914/292-2277 or 439-6111
Measurement Methods
RP
* Company
Radon Analysis, Incorporated
P.O. Box 661M Fox Run
StewartsvllU, NJ O8888
(201) 479-6088
Radon Detection Services, Inc. AT,CC
P. 0. Box 419
Old York Rd. C/0 N.C. Hunt Bldg.
Rlngoes, NJ O8661
. (201) 788-3080
Radon Detection Services, Inc., QA AT.CC
126 Fernhlll Court
P. 0. Box 768172
Roswell, GA 30076
(4O4) 993-1471
Measurement Methods
CC
Radon Detection Services, Inc., MO
608 Washington Blvd. - Suite 3OO
PO Box 1196
Laurel, MD 2O7O7
(3O1) 726-2901
Radon Detection Services, Inc., PA
1O11 Brookside Rd., Suite 27O
PO Box 3309
Allentown, PA 18106
(216) 481-9666
Radon Gasbusters CC,CW
613 Lyons Avenue
Irvington, NJ O7111
(201) 376-371O
Radon Inspection Service AT
787 E. Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ O746O
(201) 670-8821
AT,CC,GR,GW,CW
AT,CC,GR,GW,CW
* More detailed information on the measurement companies' services and past performances is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative's Office.
+ Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-comnercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
• Company
Key Technology, Inc.
2503 Hollmandale Rd.
Jonestown, PA 17038
(717) 887-6476
LEGIS Corporation CC
2211 Saxon
Houston, TX 77O18
(713) 680-8883
Lapteff Associates CC
14611 Telegraph Road
PO Box 415O
Woodbridge, VA 22194
(703) 491-6700
* Maine State Dept. of Human Services CC
Public Health Laboratory Station 12
221 State Street
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 289-2727
Microbac Laboratories, Inc. CC
Erie Testing Laboratory Division
2431 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 165O6
(814) 833-4790
NODAR, Inc. GW
Route 6, Box 333R
Athens, AL 36611
(206) 729-1900
National Radon Control, Inc. RP
197 Meister Ave
Box 6342
North Branch, NJ O8876
(201) 231-0844
Measurement Methods
CC
» Company
Nuclear Sources A Services, Inc.
6711 Etheridge
Houston, TX 77O87
(713) 641-0391
0. K. Rems Corp. CC
174 Flock Road
Mercervl Me, NJ O8619
(609) 688-9627
Overman Associates/ AIR SCIENCES CC
P. 0. Box 376
702 N. Lafitte Drive
Bonne Torre, MO 63628
(314) 662-7O2O
Princeton Testing Laboratory CC
Princeton Service Center
P. 0. Box 3108, U.S. Route 1
Princeton, NJ 08643
(609) 462-2037
Product Analysis * Structural Test. CC
6800 Wales Road
Northwood, OH 43619
(419) 691-8484
Pyramid Environmental Systems, Inc. CW
3O Oak Tree Lane
Sparta, NJ O7871
(2O1) 729-9376
R. S. Landauer, Jr. A Co. AT
2 Science Road
Glenwood, IL 60426-1686
(312) 766-7000
Measurement Methods
CC
• More detailed Information on the measurement companies' services and past performances Is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative'* Office.
+ Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-commercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
• Company
Eberllne Analytical Corp.
P. 0. Box 3874
3636 Kircher Blvd., N.E.
Alberquerque, NM 8719O
(505) 346-9921
Eberlin* Instrument Corp. RP.CW
P. 0. Box 21O8
Airport Road
Santa Fe, NM 876O4-21O8
(505) 471-3232
Electro Mechanical Concepts, Inc. CC
13O Mountaineer Lane
West Miff I in, PA 16122
(412) 276-2272
Electro-Kinetic Systems, Inc. CC
701 Chestnut Street
Trainer, PA 19O13
(216) 497-466O
Environmental Testing A Engineering CC
9186 E. Kenyon Ave., Suite 190
Denver, CO 8O237
(303) 722-2112
Enviroserv CC
15 Buckley Hill Road
Morristown, NJ O796O
(2O1) 285-1065
Gemini Research, Inc. AT,CC
61O1-0 Back lick Road
Annandale, VA 22003
80O-8RADONO;703-941-0070
Measurement Methods
B____*V>»^«
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TABLE 1
MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY SERVICE AREA
* Company
Measurement Methods
* Company
NATIONAL
ARIX Sciences, Inc.
76O Horizon Drive
Grand Junction, CO 81606
(303) 242-6203
Ablonlcs, Ltd.
126O9 Kings Lake Drive
Boston, VA 22091
(703) 62O-3767
Accurate Air Testing
12O9 Piney Woods Drive
Friendswood, TX 77646
(713) 641-O391
Airchek
643 King Road
P. 0. Box 10O
Penrose, NC 28766
800/267-2368,7O4/862-4O37
Alpha Control
6407 Good luck Rd.
Rlverdale, MD 2O737
(3O1) 474-O071
American Atcon, Inc.
11O6 North Market Street
P. 0. Box 1347
Wilmington, DE 19899
(416) 828-2389
GR.GW
AT.CC
CC
CC
CC
CR
Amersham Corporation
2636 South Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60006-4692
(312) 693-6300
Appalachian Environmental Testing
Suite 326 Masonic Building
106 South Union Street
Danville, VA 24641
(804) 792-1300
Applied Health Physics, Inc.
2986 Industrial Blvd.
Box 197
Bethel Park, PA 161O2
(412) 663-2242
Assay Services
P. 0. Box 1266
Friendswood, TX 77646
(713) 641-O391
Battelle
Columbus Division
606 King Ave.
Columbus, OH 43201-2693
(614) 424-6424
CMT, Inc.
2813 Rio Vista
Emporia, KS 668O1
(316) 342-2760
EDA Instruments, Inc.
6161 Ward Road
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(800) 6E4-O5O6
Measurement Methods
CC
AT.CC
CC,CR,GR,GW
CC
CC
CC
CC
* More detailed Information on the measurement companies' services and past performances is available upon request from your
State Radiation Representative's Office.
•» Non-commercial laboratory.
0 Non-commercial laboratory for State agency's assistance only.
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