United States         Office of           EPA-520/1-87-022
              Environmental Protection     Radiation Programs       February 1988
              Agency            Washington, D.C. 20460

              Radiation
&EPA       Radon Measurement
              Proficiency Program
              Application and Participation Manual

-------
RADON MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY PROGRAM

APPLICATION AND PARTICIPATION MANUAL
   Prepared and Distributed by the
 Radon Technical Information Service
     Research Triangle Institute
           (919) 541-7131
          Prepared for the


    Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
        Washington, DC 20460
            February 1988

-------
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                     Page
Introducti on	     1
Enrolling in the RMP Program	     3
Submitting Detectors for Testing	     6
Testi ng Detectors	     8
Analyzing the Exposed Detectors	    10
Publishing Test Round Results	    11
Exhibit  1:  Blank Application Form and Instructions	    13
Exhibit  2:  Example of a Completed  Application Form	    19
Exhibit  3:  Guidelines for Writing Operating Instructions	    23
Exhibit  4:  Example of Operating Instructions for
             Mail-in Detectors	    25
Exhibit  5:  Example of a Client's Analysis Reporting Form	    29
Exhibit  6:  Quality Assurance Plan Guidelines	    31
Exhibit  7:  Example of an Acceptance/Rejection Letter
             and Data Verification Sheet	    37
Exhibit  8:  Example of an Analysis Reporting Form and
             Instructions	    41
Exhibit  9:  Example of an Analytical Proficiency Report	    45
Exhibit 10:  Example of a Cumulative Proficiency Report	    53
Exhibit 11:  Example of a Proficiency Report	    65

-------
                                 INTRODUCTION

     This Analytical Proficiency  Report  presents  the  results  of the Round 5
performance test  of  the  Radon  Measurement  Proficiency  (RMP)  Program.  The
information is listed in two tables.
     Table 1 contains a summary  of  performance results grouped by method, with
the total number of participants  and  the number of successful and unsuccessful
measurement attempts based on the relative bias criterion.  Table 2 is a listing
of the analytical results.   For  your company's analytical results, locate your
code(s) in the "Company" column.  For each company and method, all measurements,
including those of the controls, are  grouped together under the "Measured Value
X" column, and are identified by the  RTI  detector codes.  In the "Target Value
T" column, associated with each  measured  value  is a "target" value or chamber
level to which the detector was exposed.
     The  analysis  criteria  used  to  determine  if  a  participant  meets the
screening measurement requirements of  the  program  are  shown in the "Critical
Value" column.  At present,  participants  are  evaluated  only on bias.  In the
performance test, the procedure used for determining whether or not a company
meets the relative bias criterion is:
     If the absolute value of the relative bias is less than or equal to the
     critical value, which is defined as .25, then the company is judged ac-
     ceptable.
Relative bias is estimated as R-l,  where  R  is  the mean ratio of the measured
value to the target value found in  the  "Mean Ratio" column.   This estimate ap-
plies both to the case where the target  value is the same for all measured val-
ues and to the case where the target value changes with the measured value.
If all measured values have the same target value, R-l is equivalent to:
                 (mean of the measured values - target value)
                             mean of target values
     The value  in  the  "Standard  Deviation  of  Ratio"  column represents the
measure of precision for each group  of  detectors.   The precision value is in-
cluded in this report for your  information  only.  In future rounds, a require-
ment for precision will  be  announced  and  considered  as part of the analysis
criteria.
                                      49

-------
             TABLE 1

Summary of Performances by Method
            June 1987
            Round
Measurement
Method
Alpha-Track Detection
Activated Charcoal Adsorption
Continuous Radon Monitoring
Grab Sampling - Radon
Grab Sampling - Working-Level
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling
Continuous Working-Level Monitoring
Number of
Companies
Participating
37
120
4
21
33
4
18
Number Meeting
25% Bias
Requirements
35
115
3
19
24
4
17
               50

-------
                                 INTRODUCTION

     The Environmental  Protection  Agency's  Office  of  Radiation Programs has
established the Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program to assist states and
the public in selecting  companies  to  measure  indoor radon and radon progeny.
The immediate objective of this program  is to provide information to the public
about the capabilities of  companies  measuring  indoor  radon.  The measurement
companies are tested  and  the  names  of  those  successfully participating are
listed in a public  report.    The  longer-term  objective  of the program is to
promote standard measurement  and  quality  assurance  procedures for all indoor
radon measurement companies.
     This program is  not  a  federal  certification  program,  nor should it be
advertised as such.  EPA retains the  right to exclude from the program any com-
pany that knowingly violates the program's requirements.
     The program offers the measurement  companies an opportunity to compare and
discuss their methods and instrumentation  with  other skilled operators.  Addi-
tionally, they receive relevant statistical  data on their measurement capabili-
ties and instrumentation.  This  manual explains the application procedures, the
application form, the  procedures  for  submitting,  testing,  and analyzing the
detectors, and the way EPA publishes the results.
     This  program  is  available  to  all  measurement  companies,  primary and
secondary.  Primary companies provide  radon  measurement services to the public
and have laboratory analysis capability.  Secondary companies also provide radon
measurement services but  do  not  have  laboratory  analysis capability.  These
companies must use the  analysis  of  a  primary  company which has successfully
participated.
     On an EPA scheduled basis,  indoor  radon measurement companies are invited
to participate in the  RMP  Program.    To  successfully  participate in the RMP
Program,  a primary company must meet the following requirements:

     1)  follow EPA measurement protocols in EPA documents "Interim Indoor Radon
         and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols" and "Interim Protocols
         for Screening and Followup Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements,"
     2)  demonstrate management tracking capability, i.e., the ability to get
         measurement results to the proper homeowner, and
     3)  demonstrate the ability to measure radon and radon decay products
         within the established program measurement criteria.

-------
     To successfully participate 1n  the  RMP  Program, a secondary company must
meet numbers  1  and  2  of  the  above  requirements.   Additionally, secondary
companies  must  provide  the  name  of  all  primary  companies  which  provide
laboratory analysis for  their  measurement  devices.    These companies must be
successful participants in the current round.
     Although the program is voluntary,  to maintain their proficiency listings,
companies must  participate  in  every  test.    The  tests  are  referred to as
"rounds".  These performance rounds  will  not routinely include followup tests.
Only those companies that  are  participating  for  the  first time or that have
never performed  successfully  in  the  RMP  Program  will  be  allowed a second
opportunity to test during the scheduled performance round.
     Each company enrolls  its  measurement  method(s) (e.g., activated charcoal
adsorption) for evaluation in the  performance  test.  EPA instructs the primary
companies to submit a  specific  number  and  type  of detectors for exposure to
known levels of radon and radon progeny.    After the detectors are exposed in a
federal radon chamber, EPA returns  them  to the companies without revealing the
radon gas or radon  progeny  levels.    The  companies analyze the detectors and
report their measurements to EPA.    EPA compares the companies' measurements to
the known levels of exposure.  If the results are within the established program
measurement criteria, the  method  meets  the  proficiency  requirements for the
round's performance test.
     For a round, each company's proficiency  with  a specific method is assessed
on the basis  of  continued  participation,  compliance  with the administrative
requirements of the  program,  and  sufficient  correlation  between the primary
companies' measurements and the known levels of exposure.  If a company's method
meets all the program requirements,  its  name  and method are published in that
round's proficiency reports.  If  a  company's  method does not meet proficiency
requirements for the measurement test, or  if  it   does not meet all program re-
quirements for the testing round, it  is  not listed in that round's proficiency
reports.  Such a company  may  participate  in  future  rounds.  After the test,
regardless of performance,  the  primary  companies  are  sent their results and
relevant statistical data in a  coded  analytical   report which is separate from
the public proficiency reports.

-------
                         ENROLLING IN THE RMP PROGRAM

     A separate application must be  submitted  for each company and each method
to be evaluated.  Exhibit 1  contains  a blank application form and instructions
for completing the form.  Exhibit 2 is an example of an application.  You should
make a photocopy of the blank form for  each  method you want to enroll.  Do not
retype this form.  After you are  enrolled  with a method, you need not resubmit
an application for that method  each  round.   In subsequent rounds, however,  if
you want to enroll another method, you must submit an application for that meth-
od.
     Every application must include  a  copy  of the operating instructions your
company gives to the  homeowner  and/or  your  instrument operator(s).  Your in-
structions must reflect EPA's measurement protocols found in the enclosed proto-
col documents.  Exhibit  3  contains  guidelines  for writing operating instruc-
tions.  Exhibit 4 is an  example  of  an operating instruction sheet for mail-in
detectors, and Exhibit  5  is  an  example  of  a  company's (client's) analysis
reporting form.
     EPA will review your instructions and  notify  you if they do not meet pro-
gram requirements.  Your company must have approved instructions for each method
on file with EPA by the  deadline  stated  on the current round's schedule to be
evaluated with that method.  After  your  instructions for a method are on file,
you need not resubmit them in subsequent rounds unless you submit an application
for another method.  However, your  company  is responsible for updating its in-
structions whenever there are changes.
     For  activated  charcoal  adsorption   (CC),  alpha-track  detection  (AT),
electret-PERM (EP), and radon  progeny  integrating  sampling unit (RP) methods,
you must list each different  type  of  detector  used  by your company for that
measurement method in the inventory section of the application.  In these cases,
types are distinguished  by  different  exposure  periods, by different analysis
labs, and by different levels of sensitivity for analysis.  EPA does not require
the quantity of  these  detectors;  rather,   it  wants  an  approximation of the
percentage of business each type of detector generates.
     For continuous radon (CR),  continuous  working-level (CW), grab radon (GR),
and grab working-level (GW) methods, you must list the names of instrument oper-
ators employed (if you are a primary company)  or subcontractors used (if you are
a secondary company),  and the  brand,  model and serial number(s) or identifica-
tion code(s)  for your  company's  entire  stock of instrumentation available for
use.  This is to ensure that  the  number and variety of detectors and operators

-------
selected for testing are  representative  of  each  method enrolled.  After your
inventory for a method  is  on  file,  you  need  not  resubmit it in subsequent
rounds.  However, your company is responsible for updating its inventories when-
ever there are changes.   Instruments  not  listed  on your application form (or
addenda) will not be accepted for testing during the round.
     To participate in the RMP  Program,  you must use instrumentation for which
EPA has developed or approved measurement  protocols.  That is, your measurement
method must generally follow one of  the  eight EPA measurement protocols in the
"Interim  Indoor  Radon  and  Radon  Decay  Product  Measurement  Protocols" and
"Interim Protocols for  Screening  and  Followup  Radon  and Radon Decay Product
Measurements".  A copy of these  documents  has been included with your applica-
tion manual.  If you  do  not  have  either  of  these documents, call the Radon
Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator  at  (919)  541-7131.   As new EPA guideline
documents become available, they will be sent  to  you.  Upon receipt of any new
guidelines, you will be required  to  incorporate them into your measurement and
documentation methods.  If you are  interested in developing protocols for a new
device, you should write to the following address:

                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                Radon Division
                           Problem Assessment Branch
                                    ANR-464
                              401 M Street, S.W.
                             Washington, DC  20460

     EPA does not require that  companies  have quality assurance (QA) plans for
participation in the RMP Program,  but strongly recommends that each participat-
ing company develop one.    EPA  believes  that  a  QA plan provides a mechanism
through which companies can identify and resolve potential detector handling and
data management problems.   Exhibit  6  presents  guidelines for developing a QA
plan.  Companies wanting to have their  QA plans reviewed can send copies to the
RQA Coordinator with their  applications  or  by  the  deadline specified on the
schedule for that round.   If  you  want  your company listed in the proficiency
reports as having a QA plan  following EPA recommended guidelines, you must have
an approved plan on file with EPA by the scheduled deadline.
     Your signed application must  be  received  by  the  deadline stated in the
current round's schedule.  It should be  sent  to the RQA Coordinator at the ad-
dress found in the application instructions.

-------
     You will receive written  notification  of  your method's enrollment by the
scheduled "Acceptance/Rejection" deadline.   An  application will be rejected if
postmarked later than 12  midnight  of  the  deadline  date as provided with the
application package.   If  your  application  is  found  incomplete, you will be
instructed  on  the  necessary  changes.    The  deadline  date  by  which these
corrections must  be  received  will  be  stated  in your "Acceptance/Rejection"
letter and on your round schedule.  Any applications received after the deadline
will not be evaluated,  but  will   be  considered  for participation in the next
testing round.  See Exhibit 7 for an example acceptance/rejection letter.

-------
                       SUBMITTING DETECTORS FOR TESTING

     Because of the ever-Increasing variety  of detector types for each measure-
ment method, EPA will  select  a  representative  number  of detectors from your
stock for testing.  The selection will  depend on either the percentage of busi-
ness generated by each detector type  enrolled  for  a method or on the enrolled
inventory of Instruments.  This will allow EPA to determine your ability to make
a measurement using a method, regardless of the specific type of detector.
     Along with the acceptance  letter  for  enrollment,  EPA will designate the
type and number of detectors  primary  companies using mail-in methods must send
for  testing.    Participants  using  walk-in  methods  will  receive  a  letter
specifying the serial numbers of the  detectors they should bring in for testing
and the date and time  of  their  tests.    If  you  cannot send or bring in the
selected detector(s), you must  contact  the  RQA  Coordinator prior to the test
round.  The RQA  Coordinator  will,  if  possible, select an alternate detector.
The RQA Coordinator will  cross-check  detectors  received  and brought into the
testing facility with the enrollment records.  Alternates sent or brought in for
testing without prior arrangements with the RQA Coordinator will not be tested.

Mail-in Detectors
     If you are a primary  company offering measurement services with instrumen-
tation that does not require a  skilled  operator  and that can be mailed in for
testing, you will be asked to ship five unexposed detectors with a return street
address and telephone  number  label  to  the  RQA  Coordinator at the following
address:
                      Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
                          Research Triangle Institute
                             Post Office Box 12194
                        3040 Cornwall Is Road, Bldg. #7
                       Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

     Your street address and phone  number are absolutely necessary because they
are required by EPA's contracted delivery service.
     Any identification codes used for  the  detectors by your company should be
clearly indicated on the detectors.   It is your responsibility to supply suffi-
cient exposure and  handling  instructions  to  ensure  that the lab coordinator
exposes them properly.   Detectors  that  are  not normally mailed to customers,
such as GR cells and RP's,  should be packaged in protective containers suitable
for return shipment.  EPA  will  furnish  return packaging for most other detec-

-------
tors.  The mailing labels  you  provide  must  be legible and should contain the
street address and telephone number  to  which  the  exposed detectors are to be
returned.  You must pay postage on all shipments to RTI.  At this time, EPA will
pay for return shipping.
     Mail-in detectors must  be  received  by  the  RQA  Coordinator at Research
Triangle Institute (RTI) by the scheduled  submittal  deadline.  If you miss the
deadline, you will not be allowed  to  participate in the round.  Each unexposed
detector will be assigned an RTI identification  code that will be placed on the
detector and recorded on the  accompanying  reporting  form before being sent to
the federal testing facility.

Walk-in Detectors
     If you are a primary company providing measurement services with an instru-
ment that requires a skilled operator and that cannot be mailed in for the test,
your operator must bring the instrument to the designated federal testing facil-
ity.  If you own more than four  instruments  for a method, you will be asked to
bring four of these instruments for testing.   If you own four or less than four
instruments, you will be asked to  bring  all  the instruments you own.  You are
responsible for the costs of transportation to and from the testing facility.
     Instrument operators will not be selected by EPA, but companies with multi-
ple operators are required to send a  different operator each round.  Because of
limited space at the testing facility, only one operator per company may test in
a round.  Anyone accompanying the designated operator will not be allowed in the
testing facility.  One  operator  may  represent  more  than one company if that
operator is employed by those companies  for their measurement services.  Opera-
tors must enroll and participate  with  the  detectors they regularly use in the
field for each company they represent.
     Instrument operators will be notified  by  mail of their test appointments.
If you have a problem keeping  your  appointment, contact the RQA Coordinator as
soon as possible at RTI, (919)  541-7131.    The RQA Coordinator will make every
attempt to-accommodate participants' schedules  in  such  cases.  If testing has
already begun, call the RQA Coordinator at the testing facility, (205) 272-3402.
If possible, arrangements will be made for another test time.

-------
                               TESTING DETECTORS

     All testing will  be  performed  at  EPA's  Eastern Environmental Radiation
Facility (EERF) in Montgomery,  Alabama.    All  instruments  will be exposed or
operated in the chamber as they would be  in a home.  The exposure levels in the
chamber will not be revealed until the EPA scheduled release date.
     Operators of any detector(s)  that  can generate measurements on-site,  such
as grab working-level detectors,  are  required  to  submit their results before
leaving the test facility.  Other participants have until the deadline stated on
their reporting forms and the round schedule to return results to EPA for evalu-
ation.  This deadline will be no less than seven working days after their tests.
     Only those companies who are participating  for  the first time or who have
never performed successfully in an RMP  Program  round will be allowed to retest
if their measurements do not meet proficiency requirements.

Mail-in Detectors
     Detectors will be exposed by the  federal lab coordinator in a chamber with
known level (s) of radon and radon progeny.  Any exposure procedures that are not
self-explanatory should be clearly stated on  an instruction sheet and sent with
your detectors.  For  detectors  with  minimum  exposure periods longer than two
weeks, an equivalent exposure level over a shorter exposure period will be used.
     At the end of the  exposure  period,  detectors  will be sealed and shipped
with their corresponding reporting forms to  the addresses on the mailing labels
that were enclosed with the detectors.    The  RQA Coordinator will use an over-
night delivery service to return the exposed detectors unless otherwise instruc-
ted and supplied with an  alternate  container.    Although every effort will be
made to properly handle and ship detectors, EPA will not be responsible for loss
or damage.

Walk-in Detectors
     Operators of continuous monitors  must  set  their  programs to make hourly
readings, and to start and stop  at  the  appropriate  times to attain a 24 hour
exposure in the chamber.  At the scheduled test time, operators will place their
programmed detectors in the chamber.  At  the end of the exposure period, opera-
tors will return to the testing facility to retrieve their detector(s).
     Operators of grab  sampling  devices  will  draw  samples  from the chamber
through a porthole.  Operators with  one grab sampler will take four consecutive
air samples.  Those with two to  four  samplers will take multiple or single air

                                       8

-------
samples with each to attain a total of four measurements.  When possible, opera-
tors from up to 5 companies will  be scheduled to run their grab samplers simul-
taneously.

-------
                        ANALYZING THE EXPOSED DETECTORS

     Through your analysis process, you  must  determine  the radon gas or radon
progeny concentrations to  which  your  detectors  were  exposed in the chamber.
Most detectors cannot give immediate  or  on-site results because they require a
three to four hour equilibration  or  delay  time, and/or because their counting
equipment is not portable.   In  such  cases,  companies  will have a minimum of
seven working days to analyze  their  exposed detector(s) and send their results
to the RQA Coordinator.  If your  detector(s) can give on-site results, you will
be required to complete the analysis  and submit your results before leaving the
testing facility.
     A separate analysis reporting  form  is  provided for each method enrolled.
Exhibit 8 contains an example of an analysis reporting form and instructions for
completing the form.  If you are  a primary company enrolled with mail-in detec-
tors, you will receive a reporting form  with the exposed detectors.  If you are
enrolled with walk-in detectors,  you  will  receive your reporting form(s) when
you arrive at the testing facility.  Read the instructions carefully before com-
pleting your forms.  You must return  the completed form(s) to the RQA Coordina-
tor by the deadline stated on the  reporting form and the current round's sched-
ule.  Any forms received after the deadline will not be evaluated.
     All participants will be  notified  by  mail  of their performance results.
Those companies eligible for  retesting,  (e.g., companies participating for the
first time or  companies  who  have  not  yet  successfully  performed in an RMP
Program round) will be notified by  telephone  in time to schedule a second test
during the latter part of the performance round.
                                      10

-------
                         PUBLISHING TEST ROUND RESULTS

     You must meet the following  program requirements with each method enrolled
to pass a test round  and  to  be  listed  with those methods in the proficiency
reports.

     1.  You must have a copy  of  your operating instructions which reflect EPA
         screening measurement protocols on file with EPA by the deadline speci-
         fied on that round's schedule.
     2.  You or your primary laboratory must meet EPA's screening-measurement
         criteria.
     3.  You must meet all  submittal  or reporting deadlines as listed in the
         current round's schedule.

After you are found proficient, you  must  participate in. and pass every subse-
quent test round to maintain your listing.
     The results of  each  test  round  are  published  in  three  reports:  The
Analytical Proficiency Report (APR),  the Cumulative Proficiency Report (CPR) and
the Proficiency Report (PR) for each  state.   The APR is a statistical analysis
of all participants' performances  which  is provided to participating companies
(Exhibit 9).  The CPR  and  PR  provide  a  listing of companies and measurement
methods that successfully met the program requirements (Exhibit 10 and 11).  The
PR contains the same information as  the CPR but is state-specific, listing only
the companies which serve that state.   The  list of companies given in both the
CPR and PR have  indicators  to  show  if  a  company  is a primary or secondary
company for a listed method.  The  PR is sent to each state's radiation official
for distribution to the  public.    All  information provided in the application
form may be given in one of these reports.
                                      11

-------
12

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 1


                         APPLICATION FORM INSTRUCTIONS


General Instructions
     •   Enroll all of the measurement methods your company offers to the pub-
         lic.
     •   Submit a separate application form  for each measurement method  (mail-
         ing label enclosed) to:

                      Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
                          Research Triangle Institute
                                P.O. Box 12194
                       3040 Cornwall Is Road, Building t7
                       Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

     •   Make as many copies of the form as necessary to enroll each of your
         measurement methods into the program.  DO NOT RETYPE APPLICATION FORM!

     •   Circle method-type abbreviation in  the  top  right-hand portion of the
         front page of the application.  (For methods, see 7a. and 7b. on the
         application form.)

     Note:  All information provided on the application form will be available
            for public review.


Specific Instructions
Items 1-5.
Provide all requested information about your company.


Item 6.
Indicate whether the detectors  used  for  the  method  you are enrolling can be
mailed to the RQA Coordinator (mail-in) or must be brought to the radon chamber
by a skilled instrument operator (walk-in).


Item 7.
Choose the appropriate table for the method being enrolled.  List the
information requested.


Item 7a.
Detector Type - For CC, AT, and EP only, indicate exposure period in days or
months (one detector type is assumed for RP).

Supplier - Give name and address of company that supplies the corresponding
detector type.

Analysis Lab - Give name and  address  of  laboratory that analyzes each type of
detector.  Secondary companies may list  a maximum of five analysis laboratories
per method.    If  the  analysis  laboratory's  address  is  different from your
company's address you will be listed in program reports as a secondary company
for this method.  EPA will verify this information with the listed laboratory.


                                      13

-------
% Business - Approximate the  percentage of radon measurement business generated
by the corresponding detector type.    The  total for each application should  be
100% (i.e., if only one type of CC is enrolled, then % business is automatically
100% even though other methods may be enrolled in the program).


Item 7b.
Sampling Time - Indicate the time required to take a sample with each system or
unit.  (The test period for CW and CR monitors will be 24 hours.)

Detector System -  If  applicable,  give  an  A,B,C,  etc.,  designation to each
detection system entered.  For example, System A = a sampler, an air pump and
scintillation cells or trays that are used together.

Counter/Sealer/PMT/Air Pump  - Give the brand name, model, and serial numbers.

Flowrate - Give the flowrate of each pump in liters per minute.

Cell - (For grab radon) give the code numbers or letters you use to identify
your cells.  This code must be indelibly placed on the cells.

Instrument Operators - Give the name(s) of the person(s) in your company who is
responsible for operating the listed equipment.


Item 7c.
Check the appropriate space.   Attach  a  copy of the operating instructions you
provide to the homeowner and/or instrument operators for the indicated method  to
this application.  Your company's  entire standard operating procedures document
is not required, just the deployment conditions and instructions portion.  It
must reflect EPA screening protocol -- see Exhibit 3.


Item 7d.
Check the appropriate space.  We strongly recommend, but do not require, that
you submit a quality assurance plan (see Exhibit 6).


Items 8 -10.
Circle appropriate answers.  If answer to item 10 is yes, include written
explanation.


Item 11.
Circle all the states you serve with this method.  If coverage is nationwide,
circle "ALL U.S." only.


Item 12.
Review and sign.  No application will be considered without a signature.
                                      14

-------
                                                           Exhibit I

                                               APPLICATION FORM FOR THE RHP PROGRAM
                                                                                                   Circle one method only:
                                                                                                   (See Section 7 for Methods)
Make a copy of this blank form, for each method you want to enroll.  Please read the
application for* instructions on page 12 before completing the sections below.                       CC     AT     RP     EP
Incomplete applications and those with incorrectly placed information will not be
accepted.                                                                                            CR     Cf     GR     Gf
1.  Contact Name


2.  Company 	
3.  Mailing Address _
    (For Publication'
    in Reports)
4.  Street Address
    (If not  included"
    above)
5.  Phone (List no lore than 2)
6.  Measurement devices for this method are  (Check  One):
                  Mail-in types   (charcoal adsorption  detectors, alpha-track detectors, most  grab radon sampling  units,
                                  radon progeny  integrating sampling units, and  electret-PERU).

                  Walk-in types   (some grab  radon, grab  work ing-1 eve I, continuous  radon and continuous working-level  instruments).
7.  INVENTORY LISTS:

    a.  For Charcoal Adsorption  (CC), Alpha-Track  (AT),  Radon Progeny  Integrating Sampling Unit  (RP),  or Electret-PERM (EP).

 Exposure Time                                                                                                                X
 (Mos. or Days)            Supplier ft Address                               Analysis Lab  ft Address                          Business
                                                                 15

-------
                                                                                   TOTAL % BUSINESS FOR THIS APPLICATION  =  100 %


 FOR CHARCOAL ONLY:  Do you  (or does your analysis  lab)  reuse  the charcoal  in your detectors?    YES    or    NO      (Circle One).



    b.  For Continuous Radon  (CR), Continuous Working-Level  (CW), Grab Radon  (OR), or Grab Working-Level lethods  (GW):

Sanpling           Detector          Counter/Sealer/PUT/Air  Puip                                      Flowrate            Cell
 Tine              Systei              (Brand and Serial  Nuiber)                                    (in Liters/Uin.)   (Serial Nunfaer)
                                                                                                                L/M
                                                                                                                L/M
                                                                                                                L/M
                                                                                                                L/M
Are all  instruments  in your  inventory  listed above?      YES     or     NO       (Circle One)

If not, why?  	
                                                                 16
                                                                                                               JL/H

-------
 INSTRUMENT OPERATORS:
  c.  Our operating instructions	are	are not enclosed. (Operating instructions are required.)


  d.  Our quality assurance (O.A) 	 is	 is not enclosed.  (A HA plan is optional.)


 8.   Do you sell services to the public for a fee?         YES      or     NO     (Circle One).
                                                                                                                 |FOR RTI USE ONLY|
                                                                                                                 I
                                                                                                                 i
 9.  If you sell services you will be listed in EPA reports.  If not,  do you want to be listed?     YES    or     NO    (Circle  One).


10.  Do you sell or release your list of customer naies and addresses?        YES       or        NO       -(Circle One).


     If YES,  explain what information you do release and under what circumstances?
LI.   Circle all  appropriate states.   (If coverage is nationwide,  circle 'ALL U.S.'   In this case,  no other states  can  be circled.)


    ALL U.S.      AL    AK    AZ    AR    CA    CO    CT    DE    DC    FL    GA    HI    ID    IL     IN    IA   KS    KY   LA

                 ME    UD    MA    UI    UN    US  '  UO    UT    NE    NV    NH    NJ    NU    NY     NC    ND   OH    OK   OR

                 PA    PR    RI    SC    SD    TN    TX    UT    VT    VI    VA    »A    »V    II     IY



 2.   To the best of iy knowledge,  I  have provided all the information requested,  all  the information is correct, and  I have
     read and will  follow the participation conditions of the RUP Program.
    SIGNED
                                                                                                              Date

    PRINT OR TYPE 	
                                                            Name


    COUPANY
                                                                   17

-------
18

-------
                                                   EXHIBIT 2

                                          APPLICATION FORW FDR THE RIP PROGRAM
Make  a copy of  this blank for* for each lethod you want to enroll.  Please read the
application for*  instructions on page 12 before completing the  sections below.
Incomplete applications and those with incorrectly placed information will not  be
accepted.
1.  Contact Name
                         '(
2.   Coapany
                                                                                        Circle one method  only:
                                                                                        (See Section 7 for Methods)
                                                                                          CC
                                                                                         «—s
                                                                                          CR
AT

Of
                                                                                                      RP

                                                                                                      GR
EP

GW
3.   Mai I ing Address
    [n°Re^rtion Aitsto^,  me
4.   Street Address
    (If not include?"
    above)
5.   Phone (List no more than 2)
    Measurement devices for this method are (Check One):

             	  Mail-in  types  (charcoal  adsorption detectors, alpha-track detectors, most grab radon sampling units,
                               radon progeny integrating sampling units, and electret-PERU).

             	  la Ik-in  types  (some grab radon, grab work ing-1 eve I,  continuous radon and continuous work ing-1eve I  instruments).
7.   INVENTORY LISTS:

    a.  For Charcoal Adsorption (CC), Alpha-Track (AT), Radon Progeny Integrating Saipling Unit (RP), or Electret-PERU (EP).
Exposure Time
(Mos. or Days)
Mou    _
                        Supplier i Address
                 szzq
                                                                    Analysis Lab k Address
                X
             Business
                                            fal  Cburf"'
                                      fY\fl    03^(2,
                                                           19  .

-------
                                                                                   TOTAL X BUSINESS FOR THIS APPLICATION  =  100 X


 FOR CHARCOAL ONLY:  Do you  (or does your analysis  lab) reuse the charcoal in your detectors?   M^s)   or    NO     (Circle One)-.



    b.  For Continuous Radon  (CR), Continuous Working-Level  (Cf), Grab Radon (GR), or Grab fork ing-Level nethods (GW):

Sampling           Detector          Counter/Scaler/PMT/Air  Pump                 .                     Flowrate            Cell
 Tine              Systei              (Brand and Serial Number)                                   (in Liters/Win.)   (Serial Number)
                                                                  20
                                                                                                                L/M
                                                                                                                L/M
                                                                                                               J-/M
                                                                                                                L/M
Are all instruments  in your  inventory  listed above?     YES    or    NO       (Circle One)

If not, why?	
                                                                                                                L/M

-------
 INSTRUMENT OPERATORS:
                                  U^
                                                                                                             IFOR RTI  USE ONLY]

                                                                                                             I
e.  Our operating instructions



d.  Our quality  assurance (Q.A)   \s      i
                                                    are not enclosed.  (Operating instructions are required.)   j
                                                                                                             r
                                          s
                                                    is not enclosed.   (A QA plan is optional.)



 8.   Do you sell services to the public for a fee?       ( YES     or     NO     (Circle One).
 9.   If you sell services you will  be listed  in EPA reports.   If  not, do you want to be listed?    YES    or    NO    (Circle One).
10.   Do you sell or release your list of customer naaes and addresses?        YES       or



     If YES, explain what info mat ion you do release and under what circumstances?
                                                                                                        (Circle One).
11.   Circle  all appropriate states.   (If coverage is nationwide,  circle  'ALL U.S.*  In this case, no other states can be circled.)
    ALL U.S.     AL    AK    AZ    AR    CA    CO    CT    DE    DC   FL    GA    HI    ID    IL   IN    IA    KS    KY   LA


                ME    MD    UA    UI    UN    MS  -  UQ    UT    NE   NV    NH    NJ    NU    NY   NC    NO    OH    OK   OR


                PA    PR    RI    SC    SD    TN    TX    UT    VT   VI    VA    »A    WY    II   »Y
12.   To the best of ay knowledge, I have provided all the information  requested, all the inforaation  is correct, and I have
     read  and will follow the participation conditions of the RUP Program.
    SIGNED
    PRINT OR TYPE
    COMPANY
                       ftpril   L.
                                                                                                   ______
                                                                                                   *    / Date
                                                              21

-------
22

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 3


                 GUIDELINES FOR WRITING OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS


     Your instructions for  operating  radon  and  radon  progeny detectors must

contain the following information:

     1.  Title (e.g., "Instructions for Making a Screening-Type Measurement with
         a Charcoal  Canister").

     2.  Briefly explain purpose of  a  screening  test and note that homeowners
         and instrument operators should adhere to the following EPA protocol
         guidelines:

              a.   sampling with closed-house conditions 12 hours prior to and
                   during testing.
              b.   sampling on the lowest livable level; and
              c.   sampling only when outside weather conditions are calm and
                   normal.

     3.  Explain what the package contains and/or how the detector measures
         radon gas and/or radon progeny.

     4.  List the precautions specific  to  your  instrumentation that the home-
         owner or instrument operator must take before or while using the detec-
         tor — e.g., check the voltage source, check the air-flow rate of
         air pump, check for damaged filters.

     5.  If necessary, describe how operator can determine the efficiency and
         the background measurement of the instrument before sampling.

     6.  List, step by step, sampling and return shipment procedures.

     7.  Provide an example  of  your  "Sampling  Information  Sheet" with these
         instructions.  Exhibit 4 contains  an  example of an operating instruc-
         tion and log sheet.  Describe the procedures for recording all relevant
         information onto the sheet — i.e., measurement device codes and
         readings, sampling conditions, sampling location and sampling times.

     8.  Discuss how and when  your  company  will  inform  the homeowner of the
         measurement results.   Exhibit  5  contains  an  example of a company's
         (client's)  analysis-reporting form for your information.  The suggested
         format and contents are recommendations, not requirements.

     9.  Optional:  Specific instrument computer programs, and calibration and
         counting methods may be put in an appendix section.
                                      23

-------
24

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 4

                       EXAMPLE OF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
                            FOR A MAIL-IN DETECTOR

                   Instructions for Making a Screening-Type
                     Measurement with a Charcoal Canister

Purpose of a Screening-Type Measurement
     The purpose of a screening-type  measurement  is  to quickly determine if a
house contains high concentrations of  radon  gas.   This measurement should not
serve as a basis for initiating any  repairs.  Instead, it should provide infor-
mation for deciding if there is a need for additional measurements.
     The following sampling instructions reflect the EPA recommended measurement
procedures for this method.  The procedures are based on the assumption that the
greatest source of radon is the soil underlying the house.  If other sources are
suspected, additional measurements in  different  locations  in  the home may be
considered.

Activated. Charcoal Adsorption Operation
     The device consists of an  aluminum canister filled with activated charcoal
(usually coconut charcoal)  that is  held  in  place  by  a metal wire mesh and a
metal clip.  This is a passive  device that, when opened, allows the ambient air
to move through the charcoal by available air currents and diffusion; therefore,
no external source of power is needed.    The radon gas and some of the progeny,
if present in the air, will  attach  to  the charcoal surfaces.  The canister is
sealed at the end of  the  exposure  period,  trapping the accumulated radon and
air.  A minimum delay  of  four  hours  is  required  before the canister can be
counted.  For counting, the sealed canister is placed in a sodium iodide crystal
counting system for ten minutes.  During  this time, the gamma energy emitted is
counted.  After analysis,  the  counts  are  converted  into  radon gas units of
picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air using a predetermined calibration factor.

Instructions for Selecting Sampling Location and Conditions
     •   Measurements should be made in the  lowest livable area in the house —
         i.e., a  basement,  a  bedroom  or  a  playroom.   Bathrooms, kitchens,
         laundry rooms, root cellars, garages, crawl spaces or sumps are not
         suitable.
                                      25

-------
All windows and external  doors  1n  the  house should be closed twelve
hours before and during the sampling period, except for normal entering
and exiting.
Fans and ventilation systems that use outside air, such as attic fans
and bathroom fans, should not be operated during the sampling period.

Sampling should not be done on a very windy day ~ i.e., wind speeds of
twenty-five miles per hour or greater.
                             26

-------
                             SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS


     Your charcoal canister sampling test  should contain one tape-sealed canis-

ter and a return label with prepaid postage.    If anything is missing,  or if the

canister has been damaged in the mail,  call  us immediately at (800)  NORADON.


     1.  Remove the adhesive strip from around  the canister.  Save  the strip as
         indicated below, to reseal the canister at the end of the measurement
         period.

     2.  Fill in the  name,  location  information,  starting date,  and starting
         time on the label on the canister  lid.  Remove the lid from the canis-
         ter.  Invert the lid and place it under the lower half of the canister.
         Wrap the strip around the lower half of the canister.

     3.  Place the open canister, with the  screen  side up, on a table or shelf
         In the room chosen according to the enclosed sampling location instruc-
         tions.

     4.  After two full days (at least 48 hours), replace the lid on the canis-
         ter, and reseal it with the adhesive strip.

     5.  Fill in the stop date and time  on the label.  Also, please provide the
         SAMPLE INFORMATION on the back of this sheet.  Write any additional
         information you may want to provide in the section titled "Comments".

     6.  Place the canister and this sheet  in  the  box provided.  Seal the box
         with the tape tab, and place the addressed, postage-paid label on the
         box.

     7.  Mail the box within one day of resealing.  No postage is required.


     Your sample will be analyzed  the  day  it  arrives  at  our lab.   You  will

receive your measurement results within three weeks.
                                      27

-------
                              SAMPLE INFORMATION
Name
                                  Canister Number
                                                       (on canister label)
Address
City.
                             (Street, Route,  etc.)
                             State     	
     Start Date
/    /
                                  Time
                month  day  year
     Stop Date
                                  Time
               month  day  year
Give Sampling Location:	
(You may draw a sketch if you wish)
                                      Zip.
                                                          AM
                                                          AM
                                                                      PM
                                                                      PM
Comments:
                             FOR COMPANY USE ONLY
Date Received       /    /
              month  day  year
Date Counted
             month  day  year
Detector No.: 	
Weight Out:   	
Measurement Result Sent: 	
Counted by:   	
Entered by:   	
Verified by:  	
                                    Time
                                         Gross Counts:
                                         Weight In:
                                                              AM
                                                     Date Sent:
                                                                          PM
                                      28

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 5

                 EXAMPLE OF A CLIENT'S ANALYSIS REPORTING FORM

Name:	

Address:	
Date Sample Collected:.

Date Sample Received:_

Date Sample Analyzed:_
     This analysis represents the radon-222 concentration in the air only at the
time of sampling.  Your measurement result is:


                      	!	[pCi /L]
These results are confidential and will  not  be released to anyone else without

your permission.

     This is a screening  measurement  result.    You should not initiate costly

changes or repairs because of this measurement.   If you have high radon levels,

we recommend your make additional  longer-term  measurements.  The following in-
formation on recommended actions  for  various  radon  levels has been extracted

from A Citizen's Guide to Radon.


Determining the need for further measurements:

     In most cases, the screening measurement  is  not a reliable measure of the
average radon level to  which  you  and  your  family  are exposed.  Since radon
levels can vary from season to season as  well as from room to room, the screen-
ing measurement only  serves  to  indicate  the  potential  for a radon problem.
Depending upon the result of  your  screening  measurement, you may need to have
followup measurements made to give you a  better idea of the average radon level
in your home.
     The following guidelines may be useful to you in determining the urgency of
your need for followup measurements and remedial actions:


If your screening measurement result Is less than about 0.02 WL or less than
about 4 pCi/L:

     Followup measurements are probably  not  required.   If the screening meas-
urement was made with  the  house  closed  up  prior  to  and during the testing
period,  there is relatively little chance that the radon concentration in your
home will  be greater than 0.02 WL or 4 pCi/L as an annual average.


                                      29

-------
If your screening measurement result 1s about 0.02 WL to about 0.1 WL or about 4
pC1/L to about 20 pCI/L:
     Perform followup measurements.    Expose  detectors  for  one year, or make
measurements of no more  than  one  week  in  duration  during  each of the four
seasons.  Based on your followup measurement results:
     Exposures in this range are considered above average for residential  struc-
tures.  You should take action  to  lower  levels  to about 0.02 WL (4 pCi/L)  or
below.  We recommend that you take action within a few years, or sooner if
levels are at the upper end of this range.


If your screening measurement result 1s about 0.1 WL to about 1.0 WL or about  20
pC1/L to about 200 pCi/L:
     Perform followup measurements.   Expose  detectors  for  no more than three
months.  Doors and windows should be  closed as much as possible during testing.
Based on your followup measurement results:
     Exposures in this range are  considered  greatly above average for residen-
tial structures.  You should take  action  to  reduce levels as far below 0.1  WL
(20 pCi/L) as possible.  We recommend that you take action within several
months.


If your screening measurement result 1s greater than about 1.0 WL or greater
than about 200 pC1/L:

     You should perform followup measurements  as  soon as possible.  Expose the
detectors for no more than one week.  Doors and windows should be closed as much
as possible during testing.   You  should  also consider taking actions to imme-
diately reduce the radon levels in  your  home.  Based on your followup measure-
ment results:
     Residents should take action  to  reduce  levels  as  far below 1.0 WL (200
pCi/L) as possible.  We recommend that you take action within several weeks.  If
this is not possible,  you  should  determine,  in consultation with appropriate
state or local health or radiation  protection officials, if you can temporarily
relocate until the levels can be reduced.  Exposures in this range are among the
highest observed in homes.

     Remember;  There is increasing urgency  for taking action at higher concen-

trations of radon.  The  higher  the  radon  level  in your home, the faster you

should take action to reduce your exposure.
                                      30

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 6


                       QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN GUIDELINES


     To develop a QA plan, observe  the following formatting and section content

guidelines.  Section headings are to be written exactly as given.  This informa-

tion has been extracted  from  EPA's  "Interim Guidelines and Specifications for

Preparing Quality Assurance Project  Plans"  document QAMS-005/80,  for your con-

venience.  If you would like a copy of this document write to or call:


                      Quality Assurance Management Staff
              Office of Monitoring Systems and Quality Assurance
                      Office of Research and Development
                               Mail Code RD-680
                              401 M Street, S.W.
                             Washington, DC  20460
                                (202)  382-5763
                                      31

-------
32

-------
Cover Page Format

     Put the Indicated Information 1n the format shown below:
                             QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN:

                        (PROJECT TITLE AND LABORATORY)
                                   (Authors)
                            (Author's Organization)
                           (Organization's Address)
                                 Prepared for
                               (Month and Year)
                                      33

-------
34

-------
Document Control Format
     All QA plans must be prepared using a document control format consisting of
the following information placed 1n the upper right-hand corner of each document
page:

     •   Section Number
     •   Revision Number
     •   Date (of revision)
     •   Page

     For example, the upper right-hand corner of  the first page of Section 3 in
a QA document might read:

     Section No. 3
     Revision No. 4
     Date:  February 20, 1987
     Page 1 of 3

Elements of a QA Plan
     Each of the following Sections must be included 1n your QA plan:

                     1.0 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

     [This section should include a figure  or chart showing the project organi-
zation and line of authority.    In  particular, the relationship of the Quality
Assurance Officer to  Laboratory  Management  should  be  illustrated.   (The QA
Officer should be organizationally  independent  of  the project to minimize the
risk of conflict of interest.)  In  addition to the QA Officer, indicate all key
individuals who  are  responsible  for  analyses,  data  assessment, and project
management.]

                            2.0 SAMPLING PROCEDURES

     [This section must  reflect  EPA's  "Interim  Indoor  Radon and Radon Decay
Product Measurement Protocols" and "Interim Protocols for Screening and Followup
Radon and Radon Decay  Product  Measurements."    The detector placement will be
method specific.]

                      3.0 DETECTOR CUSTODY (TraceablHty)

     [This section should discuss the procedures  needed to:  (1) track detector
placement and delivery to the laboratory;   (2) document all readings, analyses,
and other operations performed on the detector; and  (3) document the final fate
of the detector (i.e.,  storage,  disposal,  or shipment to another organization).
Additionally, it should provide:

     •   the name and duties  of  the  detector  custodian (or other responsible
         individuals)  who signs  for  incoming  field  samples  and verifies the
         entry of pertinent information into the detector custody records:

     •   the  data  tracking  information   required   to   be  entered  on  the
         laboratory's detector-custody and lab-tracking forms,; and

     •   examples of detector-custody forms used in the laboratory.]
                                      35

-------
                           4.0 ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES

     [This section should discuss the following procedures:

     •   all analytical equipment used in  the  program should be listed in this
         section, and all analytical/reading procedures should be described;

     •   all calibration procedures, and  the  frequency  at which they are per-
         formed, should be discussed.   This information should be presented for
         all instruments and  associated  apparatus  to  be  used  in the study.
         However, this information is not  needed for instruments and associated
         apparatus used to  make  noncritical  measurements  — e.g., barometric
         pressure; and

     •   all internal  quality  control  checks  (QC)  associated  with critical
         measurements should be discussed or  referenced.    The QC checks to be
         discussed could include samples  of replicates (how many?, frequency?),
         blanks, internal standards/check sources, and control charts.]

                 5.0 DATA REDUCTION. VALIDATION. AND REPORTING

     [For each critical measurement parameter, the following should be provided:

     •   the data reduction scheme  planned  for  all analytical data, which may
         include  all  equations  used  to  calculate  concentrations  and other
         parameters of interest;

     •   the methods used to identify and treat anomalous data; and

     •   the key individuals who  will  handle  the  data and be responsible for
         integrity of the data in the final report.]

                             6.0 CORRECTIVE ACTION

     [Corrective action procedures should be specified, including:

     •   the predetermined limits for  data  acceptability, beyond which correc-
         tive action is required;

     •   the corrective action to be taken; and

     •   the individual responsible for  initiating and approving the corrective
         actions.]

                  7.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT

     [This section should  present  a  mechanism  for  the periodic reporting to
management on internal/external audit results, QC  checks, and data quality.  As
a minimum, these reports should include:

     •   the periodic assessment  of  measurement  data accuracy, precision, and
         completeness -- i.e., intercomparisons and calibrations;

     •   the results of internal/external audits; and

     •   all significant QA/AC problems and recommended solutions.]


                                      36

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 7

                                   (Example)


                          ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION LETTER



                                         November, 1987
S. J. Lowe
Lowe Research Inc.
RE:  CC Method

Dear RMP Applicant:

     We have received your application for participation in Round 5 of the Radon
Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program.

     Your application was complete, and  your  enrollment is effective as of the
date of this letter.

     Your Quality Assurance (QA)  Plan  was  not  received.   Although we do not
require that you have a QA Plan  to participate in the program, we strongly rec-
ommend that you develop such a plan.

OTHER:
     Please review the  following  data  verification  sheet.    Make any needed
corrections on the sheet, then sign  and  return  to RTI.  If all information is
correct, just sign and return.  A return mailing label is enclosed.

     For your information, we  have  attached  a  schedule of program events for
Round 5.  Please refer to 1t-for all upcoming deadlines.  If you need additional
program information, please contact  the  Radon Technical Information Service at
(919) 541-7131.

                                         Sincerely,
                                         Radon Quality Assurance
                                          Coordinator
Enclosures
                                      37

-------
38

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 7

                                   (Example)

                               DATA VERIFICATION

     Please check the Information  we  have  on  your  entry and make any needed
corrections.  Sign and return by :  August 19, 1987.

Your entry of the detector type:  CC   is entry:  ABEA.
Your first round in the RMP Program with this entry was Round 3.

Please check the address(es) below.  The BOLD address will be used on the public
reports (if your are to be  listed.)   Participation in the RMP Program requires
that your street address be on  file  with the Radon Quality Assurance Coordina-
tors at RTI.  Your street address  should  be on the right unless it is included
in your mailing address.

     S. J. Lowe
Lowe Research, Inc.
2895 West Pecan, Suite 100                  1400 Albany Street
Atlanta, 6A  15109                          Atlanta, GA  15108
  (809) 365-2422

You are entered as a COMMERCIAL laboratory.

You are listed as a MAIL-IN participant with this detector type.

Another company performs the analysis on your detectors.

Your exposure time for detector #1 is:  4 DA.
Supplier:  G & R Manufacturing, Inc.                   RTI #   2
Analysis Lab:  Air Test Laboratories                   RTI #  36
100% of your business is performed with this type.
Please inform us:  Do you reuse these detectors?

Your operating instructions have been received and are considered adequate by
  EPA protocol standards.
Your Quality Assurance Plan has NOT been received.
You do sell  or release your customer mailing list.
You serve the entire United States with this detector type.
***********************************!
You did not participate in Round 1.
You did not participate in Round 2.
You met the measurement requirements in Round 3.
You met the measurement requirements in Round 4.
ft******************!

Check one and sign:

'	'    I have read this sheet and have made the necessary changes.

'	'    I have read this sheet and all information is correct.

Signed	
                                      39

-------
40

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 8

                     ANALYSIS REPORTING FORM INSTRUCTIONS

General Instructions
     •   Separate reporting forms have been provided for each method,  or in some
         cases, for each detector type to  be  evaluated.  Please make sure that
         you have the correct reporting form for the detectors you are
         analyzing.

     •   Do not write in the space restricted  for RTI use.  The RQA Coordinator
         has entered  your  company's  name,  measurement method, identification
         code and detector codes  (when  provided),  the RTI detector codes,  and
         the selection identification notes.  If any of this information has
         been omitted, contact the RQA Coordinator immediately.

     •   Operators of instruments that can  give on-site results are required to
         submit a completed reporting form to the RQA Coordinator before leaving
         the testing facility.  All  other participants must mail their completed
         form(s) to the RQA Coordinator at the address given in the upper left-
         hand corner of the reporting form.
     •   Direct all questions to the RQA Coordinator at the phone number given.

     •   Make  sure  all  reporting  forms  are  complete,  legible  and signed.
         Reporting forms with Incomplete or Illegible Information or that are
         not signed will exclude you from the evaluation process.
     •   Results must be received by the date indicated in the upper right-hand
         corner of the form.


Specific Instructions (Front)

For Mail-in Detectors:

     •   Verify that this package  contains  the  analysis reporting form(s)  and
         the detector(s)  that  your  company  submitted  for  testing.   If the
         package is incomplete or contains opened or damaged detectors:

         PHONE:    (919) 541-7131
         ASK FOR:  Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator

     •   Explanation of Detector Labels:

                    A A A A   -      01      -      0001
                       I             I                 I
                    Company        Round          Detector
                Identification      No.        Identification
                     Code                           Code

     •   The exposure data for your detector(s)  has been entered by the RQA
         Coordinator.

     •   Enter analysis results in  the  blocks   provided;  for results in pCi/L,
         round off to the nearest tenth; for results in  WL, round off  to nearest
         thousandth.   If necessary,  fill in all  unused blocks with zeros.
         Please watch your decimal places.

     •   If you are testing with a RPISU device,  you must enter the initial and
         final  flowrates for your devices in the spaces  provided.


                                      41

-------
For Walk-in Detectors:
     •   During the test, you are responsible for entering the exposure data.

     •   Enter your analysis  results  in  the  blocks  provided; for results  in
         pCi/L, round off to the nearest tenth;  for results in WL,  round off  to
         the nearest thousandth.  Fill in all unused blocks with zeros if
         necessary.


Specific Instructions (Back)

For Both Detector Types:

     •   No analyses should  be  omitted  for  any  reason.  Analytical problems
         and/or damaged detectors should be discussed under the "Comments"
         section.

     •   The operator, analyst or representative (manager) must sign and date
         the analysis reporting form.

     •   Reporting forms submitted without required signatures will  be returned.


REPORTING FORMS RECEIVED AFTER    (Scheduled Deadline)    WILL NOT BE EVALUATED.
                                      42

-------
                                   EXHIBIT 8
            ANALYSIS REPORTING FORM
                 RMP PROGRAM
                   ROUND 5
  IL TO:   Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
          Research Triangle Institute
          3040 Cornwall is Road
          P. 0. Box 12194
          Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
TELEPHONE: (919) 541-7131
                                                        Date Received at RTI; (above)
                                                        Must Be Received By:  02-15-88

                                             *  Participant : Radon Testing Svcs,  Baltimore, MD
                                                Participation Method :  Charcoal Adsorption
                                                Company Identification  Code :  PREC
Participant / Analyst
Participant
Detector / Instrument
Code
A32-
A33



Information &
Measured Results
RTI
Detector Picocuries/Liter
Code Resul ts
3635 1 1 |2| O.I |
3636
3637
3638
3639
1 1 l/|9.
-------
Comments:
I hereby affirm that the  Information  appearing on this Analysis Reporting Form
was acquired in analyses performed by;
                        (Name of Participating Company)

that the analyses were performed by  the person whose signature appears below as
"Analyst"; that I am an employee,  officer  of, or consultant to the above-named
laboratory, that the detectors  used  in  the  analyses  are the property of the
above-named laboratory;  and  that  the  analyses  represented  by this Analysis
Reporting Form are typical of  analytical  services available to the public from
the above company.
          Signature of Analyst                                     Date
                                      44

-------
                                        EXHIBIT 9

                                        (EXAMPLE)
RESEARCH   TRIANGLE   INSTITUTE

                    RADON/RADON PROGENY ANALYTICAL PROFICIENCY REPORT
                       RADON MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY (RMP) PROGRAM
                               (Round 	 Performance Test)
                             Prepared and Distributed by the

                               Research Triangle Institute
                           Radon Technical Information Service
                               Research Triangle Park, NC
                                          27709
                                    Prepared for the

                              Office of Radiation Programs
                          U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                     Washington, DC
                                          20460
                              EPA Contract No. - 68-01-7350

                                    EPA Task Manager
                                        Joe Gearo
                                          Date
POST  OFFICE  BOX  12194  RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK,  N0RTHCAROLINA 27709



                                           45

-------
46

-------
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS





                                                                     Page





Introducti on	





Tablel- Summary of Performances by Method	





Table 2 - Analytical Results	
                                      47

-------
48

-------
            TABLE 2

Analytical Results for Round 	
   Test Period May/June 1987
Company
ABSA



GCVE



UQVE



MJVB



XNEA



Detector
Code
2015
2016
2017
2018
8665
8667
8668
8669
8255
8256
8258
8259
9635
9636
9638
9639
9560
9561
9562
9563
Measured
Value X
0.133
0.140
0.141

42.900
46.100
43.900
42.700
41.200
38.400
31.700
27.500
25.100
21.600
25.500
23.500
0.167



Target
Value T
0.144
0.144
0.144

38.400
38.400
38.400
38.400
38.600
38.600
38.600
38.600
24.800
24.800
24.800
24.800
0.202



Ratio
X/T
0.924
0.972
0.979

1.117
1.201
1.143
1.112
1.067
0.995
0.821
0.712
1.012
0.871
1.028
0.948
0.827



Standard Critical Value
Mean Deviation
Ratio of Ratio Bias Precision
0.958 0.030 0.250



1.143 0.041 0.250



0.899 0.162 0.250



0.965 0.071 0.250



0.827 0.000 0.250



              51

-------
52

-------
                   EXHIBIT 10

                    (Exaaple)
          CUMULATIVE PROFICIENCY  REPORT

(This publication Is valid through  February  1989)




                EPA Test Round _



                   Prepared by

           Research Triangle Institute
       Radon Technical  Information  Service
        Research Triangle Park, NC   27709
                Prepared for  the

          Office of  Radiation Prograns
      U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency
              Washington,  DC   20460
                    July  1988
                         53

-------
54

-------
                      TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction	

Selection of Measurement Method.

Program RequIrenents	

Explanation of Abbreviations —
Table 1:  Areas Serviced by Measurement
          Companies	
Table 2:  Performance Results of Companies.
                                55

-------
56

-------
                INTRODUCTION
     Recent  public  concern  about  the health
effects from  exposure  to  radon   has greatly
Increased the demand for companies qualified to
measure radon and radon  progeny In Indoor air.
In response to states' requests for assistance,
the  U.S.   Environmental  Protection  Agency's
Office of Radiation  Programs has developed the
Radon  Measurement  Proficiency  (RMP) Program.
Under  this   program,   any  company  offering
measurement services ~ directly, or  Indirectly
through  another  company   —   Is  Invited  to
demonstrate Its proficiency  In measuring radon
gas and radon progeny levels.
     The program's  Immediate  objective  Is to
assist states and the  public In selecting com-
panies  that  have  demonstrated  competence In
measuring Indoor radon and radon progeny.  This
Is achieved by evaluating,  on an EPA scheduled
basis, the  proficiency  of companies' detector
operations    and  the  quality  of  their data
management.    The  companies  that demonstrate
their proficiency  in  each  of  the  areas are
listed In  this  Cumulative Proficiency Report.
The  program's  long-term   objectives  are  to
promote standard  measurement  procedures among
measurement companies and  to establish quality
assurance   procedures   for   all  measurement
companies.
     The RMP Program  Is  not  designed for ac-
crediting measurement companies.    Nor does It
certify,  recommend,  or  endorse participating
companies.  The inclusion  of a" company  In this
report should not be  Interpreted as a certifi-
cation or accreditation of  that company.  This
report Is only  a  source of measurement compa-
nies that  have  demonstrated  capabilities for
measuring radon and radon progeny levels.
     The testing  periods  are  referred  to as
test  "rounds".      A   company   enrolls  its
measurement method(s) (e.g., activated charcoal
adsorption) for evaluation.   A primary company
either owns analysis  capabilities or makes all
measurements   and   analyses   with   its  own
instrunentatlon and  operators.    This type of
company  may  or   may  not  offer  measurement
services directly to  the  public.  A secondary
company's  services  may  range  from  detector
distribution    to    home    inspection    and
consultation.  This  type  of  company must use
one of the primary  companies for  Its analyses.
EPA Instructs the primary companies to submit a
specific number  and  type  of detectors (e.g.,
five charcoal canisters)  for exposure to known
.levels  of  radon  and  radon  progeny.   After
exposure   In  a   federal  radon  chamber,  EPA
returns the  detectors  to  the company without
revealing  the  radon   gas  or  radon  progeny
levels.  The  company  analyzes the detector(s)
and  reports   Its  measurements  to  EPA.   EPA
compares the measurements with the known  levels
of exposure.    If  the  company's  results are
within  the  established  screening-measurement
criteria,  It passes  the  performance test with
that method.
     Only  companies having  met all the program
requirements for  a  method   in the performance
test are  listed   In this Cumulative Proficiency
Report.  A company's  method  that fails after
having been  listed  In a previous round's report
is omitted entirely  from  this report and will
not be  reinstated  until   its  next successful
performance  In a  round.  When the method passes
again,  its  performance    indicators  for  the
previous   three   rounds  as  well  as  for  the
present    round   will   be   listed.      Upon
                                                 57

-------
reinstatement,  the  round   during  which  the
method had failed will  be  marked with an "NL"
Indicator, signifying  Its  omission  from that
round's report.
     Table 1  lists all the proficient companies
serving each state.  Numerous companies distri-
bute ma II- In  detectors  and  make measurements
nationwide.  The  companies offering nationwide
service are under the "Nationwide" heading, and
precede the individual state headings.
     Table 2   lists  the companies' performance
Indicators for each round over a two-year peri-
od.    In  addition,   it  Indicates  If they are
"primary" or   "secondary"  companies, and shows
whether they have  submitted acceptable quality
assurance (QA) plans.
     In a case  where  a company offers primary
services for one  method  but  not another, the
performance    Indicators   In   Table   2   are
underscored to mark the  method(s) for which  it
Is a primary company.    EPA has asked, but has
not  required,   that  participating  companies
submit for review a copy  of their QA plans.  A
"Q1" Indicator Instead of  an  "LI"  In Table 2
Indicates that the company has submitted a plan
that compiles with the QA criteria recommended
by this program.

       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 eight different  methods  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 ac-
cording to the suggested protocols will produce
results with  Identical  certainties.  However,
It does mean that  the  listed methods are capa-
ble of producing adequate results for screening
or fol lowup purposes.
     Each method  has   its  own  advantages and
disadvantages.  Users  must decl.de which method
Is best suited to  their  situations.  The fol-
lowing sections  detail  the characteristics of
the eight  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 HorkIng-Level Monitoring (CH)
     These measurement  methods  are similar In
that they use an electronic detector to accumu-
late and store Information related to the peri-
odic (usually hourly) average concentrations of
radon gas  or  radon  progeny  (working level).
They  are  deployed   In  houses  according  to
guidelines  in the EPA protocol, and then turned
on, or  programmed  for,  the desired operating
time — a  minimum  of  six hours for screening
and  twenty-four  hours  for  followup measure-
ments.  At  the  end  of  the test, the monitor
must be  retrieved,  and  the  results  must be
analyzed by a skilled instrument operator.
     Advantages
     •  Relatively short measurement duration.
     •  Hourly results can track the variation
        of concentrations in the house.
                                                   58

-------
     •  Very precise (most models).
     •  Results are available on-slte (for CN).

     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively  expensive,  cost  may range
        from $100 to $300, depending on the
        type of services provided.
     •  Requires a skilled Instrument operator.
     •  This, as  does  any short-term measure-
        ment,  requires   careful   control  of
        closed-house conditions twelve hours
        before and during the test.
     •  Because of  the  highly reactive nature
        of   radon   progeny,   the  continuous
        work Ing-1 eve I  measurements   are  much
        more susceptible to sampling error than
        radon gas measurements.

Alpha-Track Detection (AT)
     The alpha-track method measures radon.  An
AT detector  Is a small sheet of special plastic
material enclosed In a container with a filter-
covered opening.  The radon gas that enters the
container  decays,  emitting  alpha  particles.
The particles strike the plastic sheet, leaving
tracks  that  can  be  chemically  enhanced and
counted  using  a  microscope  or  an automated
counting system.
     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 followup
measurements.  At the  end of the desired test-
Ing period, they must  be  returned to the dis-
tributor or analytical  laboratory for process-
Ing and evaluation.

     Advantages
     •  Relatively low-cost services;  cost may
        range from $20 to $60.
     •  No special skills required for making
        the measurement.
     •  Can be distributed by mall.
     •  Completely passive, needs no external
        power.
     •  Can measure the  long-terra average con-
        centrations over a twelve-month period,
        which Is the optimal measurement of
        long-term concentrations.
     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively   long   measurement  period
        necessary; three  months  Is the recom-
        mended minimum for currently available
        detectors.
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 perforated or
screened to keep the charcoal from falling out,
and to filter out  radon progeny.  All charcoal
adsorbers  are  stored  In  airtight containers
when not being used for sampling.
     Charcoal adsorbers can be received through
the  mall  from   a   distributor.    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
     •  Low cost for services; costs may range
        from $10 to $25.
     •  Can be distributed by mail.
     •  No special skills needed for making the
        measurement.
     •  Completely passive, needs no external
        power.
     •  With proper analysis, can yield precise
        results.
                                                  59

-------
     Disadvantages
     •  Some charcoal  adsorbers are more sensi-
        tive than others to temperature and
        humidity.
     •  Limited to short-terra testing.
     •  Requires, as does  any short-term meas-
        urement ,  careful  control  of closed-
        house conditions twelve hours before
        and during the test.
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unlt-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 In-
stalled and operated  by  homeowners 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.

     Advantages
     •  Directly measures concentrations of
        radon decay products.
     •  Relatively short measurement period.
     •  The detector assembly and some entire
        units can be sent by mall.
     •  There Is  extensive  experience  In the
        use of RPISU's; therefore, measurement
        errors are well established.

     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively  expensive;   cost  may range
        from $40 to $150, depending on type of
        service provided.
     •  Some models may be both heavy and
        awkward to move.
     •  May be limited to locations with AC
        power.
     •  Some units must be Installed and picked
        up by a skilled Instrument operator.
     •  Because of  the  highly reactive nature
        of radon  decay  products, measurements
        are much more susceptible to sampling
        error than radon gas measurements.
Grab Radon (GR) and Grab Radon Progeny(Gw)
     The grab sampling  methods measure concen-
trations of radon gas  or radon progeny concen-
trations.  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 ac-
quired simultaneously  with  some detector sys-
tems.  All  sampling  should  be done in accor-
dance with guidelines In the EPA protocols.
     For results of the grab radon test, opera-
tors must return  to  their  offices to analyze
the exposed detectors, and must delay the anal-
ysis for at least four hours after the testing.
For most grab working-level tests (radon proge-
ny),  operators  can  perform  the  analysis on
location in an hour or less.

     Advantages
     •  Results are quickly obtained.
     •  Equipment can be portable.
     •  Some detector systems can sample both
        radon gas and radon progeny
        simultaneously.
     •  Can acquire and evaluate several
        samples per day.
     •  Conditions during the measurement are
        known to the operator.

     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively expensive; costs may range
        from $80 to $300, depending on the type
        of services offered.
                                                  60

-------
     •  Very short measurement periods nay not
        be representative of the long-tern
        average concentrations.
     •  Requires a skilled operator.
     •  Requires, as does  any short-terra meas-
        urement,  careful  control   of  closed-
        house conditions twelve hours before
        and during the test.
     •  Because of  the  highly reactive nature
        of radon  progeny,  grab  radon progeny
        measurements are  much more susceptible
        to sampling error than radon gas
        measurements.
Electret-PERM (EP)
     Electret-PERM  (EP)   Is   an  Integrating
detector used to measure  radon  gas.   It Is a
canister containing  a  charged  electret which
detects to the radiation emitted from radon and
radon decay products.
     E-PERMs can be  received  through the nail
and Installed In a home according to guidelines
In the EPA protocol  for  two  to seven days or
three  to  twelve   months,  respectively,  for
short or long-terra E-PERMs.   At the end of the
testing period.  It Is  resealed and returned to
the analytical  laboratory  for  processing and
evaluation.

Advantages
     •  The E-PERM Is  a relatively Inexpensive
        (cost may range  from  $8  - $25) small
        detector that produces a result that Is
        a true Integrated average radon concen
        tratlon.
     •  Two  types  of  E-PERMs  are aval(able,
        allowing the method to be used for both
        short-term and long-term measurements.
     •  The laboratory  analysis  of E-PERMs Is
        nondestructive, allowing results to be
        verified If necessary.
Disadvantages
     •  E-PERMs  are  sensitive  to  background
        garana   radiation,    necessitating   a
        background check and subtraction of an
        Increment of voltage.
     •  The E-PERM method Is  new, and EPA does
        not have extensive experience with this
        method.
            PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
     For each  method,  participants  must send
with their applications a copy of the operating
Instructions they  provide    homeowners and/or
those used by  an  Instrument  operator.  These
Instructions  must   reflect   the  measurement
procedures found  In the EPA documents,  "Interim
Indoor Radon and  Radon  Decay Product  Measure-
ment  Protocols"  and  "Interim  Protocols  for
Screening and  Followup  Radon  and Radon Decay
Product Measurements".   They  must be  accepted
by, and  on  file  with,  EPA  by  the  deadline
specified on that round's schedule.
     After enrolled, a  company must meet EPA's
minimum screening-measurement  requirements for
each method.  A  company must meet all  detector
and analysis result deadlines  as  listed on the
program schedule.  Applications, detectors, and
analyses  reporting  forms   received   after  a
scheduled deadline  will  not  be considered in
the performance  evaluation  process.    A com-
pany's detector(s) must be tested every round
to maintain Its proficiency listing.

        EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS
Methods                                 Units
AT - Alpha-track Detection              (pCI/L)
CC - Activated Charcoal Adsorption      (pCi/L)
CR - Continuous Radon Monitoring        (pCi/L)

-------
    EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS (cent.)

Methods                                 Units

CW - Continuous Working-Level
     Monitoring                           (Hi)

GR - Grab Radon Sampling               (pCI/L)

GW - Grab Working-Level Sampling          (W.)

RP - Radon Progeny Integrated
     Sampllng/RPISU                       (WL)

EP - Electret-PERM                     (pCI/L)
Measurement Units

pCI/L - Plcocurles per liter air, radon gas
        measurement units.

NL    - Work Ing-1 eve I, radon progeny
        measurement units.
Definition of Performance Indicator

L1 - Signifies a company's ability to meet all
     program requirements with the given meas-
     urement method In the performance test.

Q1 - Same as LI, except the company has an
     approved QA plan on file with EPA.

NL - Signifies a method's omission from the CPR
     because  of   unsuccessful  participation.
     This Indicator Is only  used when a method
     has passed a round, then failed, resulting
     In  Its  performance  record  being omitted
     from a previous report, and has now passed
     again.  "NL" Is used In the method's
     reinstated performance record.
Others

QA - Quality Assurance.

DT - Detector(s) damaged or  lost through no
     fault of the participant.
                                                  62

-------
                                                                            TABLt 1
                                                             MEASUREMENT COMPANIES BY  SERVICE AREAS
                      * Company
                                    Measurement Methods
                                        * Company
                                                                                                                         Measurement Methods
U)
NATIONAL

  AAA Radon
  Able Radon Control
  Action-Air Services
  Adams Construction Company
  Advanced Air Testing, Inc
  Advanced Science
  Air Monitor Corporation
  Air Studies
  Alaska Clean Air Company
  Alpha/Beta Radon Measurement
  Broughton, Inc
  BuiIders Service, Inc
  CaI dwell Inspection Services, Inc
  Clean Home Health Services
  Critical Care Home Inspection
  Devon Radon Inspection Services
  Energy Sources and Services
  Energy Systems - South, Inc.
  Field Data, Inc
  Green Level Inspection Service
  Gauss Radon Technology
  Home Measurements, Inc
  House/Home Air Measurements
  Inspectors of Camden, Inc
  John Grant Company
  KJ Construction
  Lentus Radon & Safe Air
+ Montana Health Services
  National Testers
  NC Radon Control
  NJ Radon Specialists, Inc
  Operation Radon
  ODS Services ft Inspection
  Pure-Air Safety Services
  Radiation Force, Inc
  Radiation Inspection & Constr.
  Radon  in Air Corp.
CC,CR,GR
GW.CW
AT,EP
CW
CW
AT,CC,EP
AT
AT
AT,GW,CW
CC,RP
CW
AT.CC
CW
AT
AT,CC,EP,CR,GR,GW,RP,CW
EP
CC
AT
AT,CC,CR,CW
GW
AT,CC
CC,GR
CC.EP.GR
AT
CW
GW
AT
CR
CR
AT,CC
GW
CW
CC
CR
GR.GW
AT,CC,EP
CW
  Radon Mit.  ft Construction Serv.
  Radon OPS,  Inc
  Radon Restraint
  Radon Services
  Radon Systems of NJ
  Radon Will!ams Company
  Rich Hill  Specialty Corp.
  RRR Rad/Chem/Analysts
  Sample Health
  Simple Facts Home Inspections
  Southern Radon Care
  Southern Specs
  Tru-Care Home Inspection
  UV Radon Specialists
  West River Inspection Services
  ZZZ Inc.

ALABAMA

  AAA Spec,  ft Radiation Treatment
  AKA Radon
+ Alabama Residential
  Ambient Air Polution Testers
  Arid/Wet Home Services
  Bronson, Inc.
  David Norton Home Care, Inc.
  East Mason, Inc.
  Lorn Radiation Inspection
  Maine State inspectors
* Mississippi State Services
  Nu-Rad Air Inspections
  Radiation Clean, Inc.
  Radiation Testers of TN
  Standard Inspections, Co.
  TTT Insulation / Inspection

ALASKA

  B-Rad, A Chem/Com Division
  Bui It-Rite ft Tite Construction
                                                                                                                           AT
                                                                                                                           AT
                                                                                                                           CC
                                                                                                                           CW
                                                                                                                           CW
                                                                                                                           CC
                                                                                                                           CR.CW
                                                                                                                           AT,CC,EP
                                                                                                                           CW
                                                                                                                           CR,GR
                                                                                                                           AT,CC,CW
                                                                                                                           CC.RP
                                                                                                                           CW
                                                                                                                           CC
                                                                                                                           CW
                                                                                                                           AT,GR
CC
CC
CW
AT.GR
CW
GW
RP
AT,GR,CW
CC.EP
CW
RP
AT,CC,EP,GR,RP,CW
CR
CR
CW
AT,CC
                                                                                                                            AT,CC,CR,GR,GW,CW
                                                                                                                            AT,CC,EP,CR,GR,GW,RP,CW
                   * For addresses, phone numbers, and performance records see Table 2.
                   + Non-commercial laboratory for research purposes or State agencies'  assistance only.

-------
                                                                          TABLE 2
                                                             PERFORMANCE RESULTS OF COMPANIES
• Company
Date of                      Working Level
 Round    Radon Measurement   Measurement
         AT  CC  EP  CR  GR   GW  RP  CW
                                                                                      * Company
                                                   Date  of                       Working Level
                                                    Round     Radon  Measurement   Measurement
                                                            AT  CC   EP   CR  GR   GW  RP  CW
 Agro/Chem Supply789                   6/87   LI
 1911 Brooks Barn Road
 Burrow Hill,  CA  12889

      Bobby Lee Crawford
      (800)  655-4123

 ARS Industrial  Inspection  Co.         11/86   LI  LI
 P.  0. Box 888                         6/87   LI  LI
 Morrisville,  KY  12966

      Gates Whitley
      (919)  65E-8O8O

 Bradford Radon Control                6/87       £1
 Eagle Road
 Keaver, WY  39933

o .   Rob Rogers
*""    (919)  655-7732

 Brook VaI ley  Services                 6/87
 12  Brook Valley Road
 Brook Valley,  CA 12333

      Alice Nines
      (919)  655-5777

 Constant Controls Radon Monitoring     6/87       LI
 P.  0. Box 1212
 E.  Newton Expressway
 Milton, GA  94949
      Karen J.  Earp
      (800)  565-2346

 Detection Systems of NJ               6/87       LI
 181 Gold Road
 Hiawa, NJ  43949

      Keith Bunch
      (667)  665-3838
        £1     Fike Chemical Analysis
               Tar Bank Loop
               Creech, MN  43434

                    Bea L. Clint
                    (800) 556-4667

               Great Lakes Sciences, Inc
               P. 0. Box 13
               Carp, WI  39393

                     Dr. Anne Wolf
                     (800) 655-3434

LI      LI     Micro-Measure Air Services
               Rt. 2, Box 1221
               Walton Mount, VA  39399

                     Kurt Duncan
                     (929) 658-2424

£1             OPS Air Systems
               812 East 21st Street
               Chicago, IL  48484

                     Roger Kite
                     (943) 665-6789

Ql             Preventive Measures
               Hawk Court f 3
               Alston, ME  93932

                     April Smythe
                     (434) 656-3464

               Radiation Inspection A Control, Inc
               P. 0. Box 1313
               Beaver Creek Rd
               Fa I ton, AZ  76766
                     Penny Wllst
                     (800) 655-2486
                                                                                                                  6/87   Ql      LI  U
                                                                                                                   Ql   LI
                                                                                                                 11/86
                                                                                                                  6/87
                                                                                          LI  LI
                                                                                          LI  LI
                                                                                                                  6/87   LI  LI
                                                                                                                 11/86
                                                                                                                  6/87
                                                                                              LI
                                                                                              LI
                                                                                                                  6/87       LI
                                                                                                                  6/87
                                                                                              LI
           * See TABLE 1 for the States each company serves.
       Note: Underscored performance indicators denote a primary company  capable of  performing measurement analyses in house or making measurements
               King operators and instruments belonging to the company.
               e Definitions of Performance Indicators on pages  5 and 6.

-------
                  EXHIBIT 11


                   (Exaople)
              PROFICIENCY REPORT

(This publication valid through February 1989)





               EPA Test Round
                  Prepared  by

          Research Triangle Institute
      Radon Technical  Information  Service
       Research  Triangle  Park,  NC   27709
                 Prepared  for

         Office  of  Radiation Prograns
     U.S.  Envlronisental  Protection  Agency
             Washington, DC  20460
                   July  1988
                        65

-------
66

-------
                      Table of Contents
Introduction	

Selection of Measurement Method.

Progran RequIrements	

Explanation of Abbreviations —
Table 1:  Measurement Companies Serving
          Your State	
                               67

-------
68

-------
                INTRODUCTION
     Recent  public  concern  about  the health
effects  from  exposure  to  radon  has greatly
increased the demand for companies qualified to
measure radon and radon  progeny  In Indoor air.
In response to states' requests for assistance,
the  U.S.   Environmental  Protection  Agency's
Office of Radiation  Programs has developed the
Radon  Measurement  Proficiency   (RMP) Program.
Under  this   program,   any  company  offering
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  public In  selecting com-
panies  that  have  demonstrated  competence In
measuring  Indoor  radon  and/or   radon progeny.
This   Is  achieved  by  evaluating,  on  an EPA
scheduled basis, the  proficiency of companies'
detector operations, and  the  quality of their
data   management.      Those   companies  that
demonstrate proficiency  In  each  of these areas
are listed  In  this  Proficiency  Report.  The
program's  long-term  objectives   are to promote
standard    measurement     procedures    among
measurement companies and  to establish quality
assurance   procedures   for   all  measurement
companies.
     The RMP Program  Is  not  designed for ac-
crediting measurement  companies,   nor  does It
certify,  recommend,  or  endorse participating
companies.  The Inclusion  of a  company In this
report should not be  interpreted as a certifi-
cation or accreditation of   that company.   This
report is only  a  source of measurement compa-
nies that  have  demonstrated  capabilities for
measuring radon and radon progeny levels.
     The testing  periods  are  referred  to as
test  "rounds".      A   company   enrolls  its
measurement methods  (e.g.,  activated charcoal
adsorption) for evaluation.   A primary company
either owns analysis  capabilities or makes all
measurements   and   analyses   with   its  own
Instrumentation and  operators.    This type of
company  may  or   may  not  offer  measurement
services directly to  the  public.  A secondary
company's  services  may  range  from  detector
distribution    to    home     inspection    and
consultation.  This  type  of  company must use
one of the primary  companies for  its analyses.
EPA Instructs the primary companies to submit a
specific number  and  type  of detectors (e.g.,
five 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  measurements  to  EPA.   EPA
compares the measurements with the known levels
of exposure.
     Only companies having  met all the program
requirements for  a  method   in the performance
test are  listed  In  this  Proficiency Report.
Table 1  lists. In alphabetical order, all those
companies offering measurement services  in your
state.

       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.
                                                  69

-------
     EPA  has  developed  measurement protocols
for eight different  methods  and believes that
any of them, when  used  In accordance with EPA
protocols, can  produce  valid  results.   This
does not mean  that  a 11   measurements made ac-
cord Ing to the suggested protocols will produce
results with Identical uncertainties.  However,
It does mean that  the listed methods are capa-
ble of producing adequate results for screening
or followup purposes.
     Each method  has  Its  own  advantages and
disadvantages.  Users  must decide which method
Is best suited to  their  situations.  The fol-
lowing sections describe the characteristics of
the eight  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 electronic  detector to accumu-
late and store Information related to the peri-
odic (usually hourly)  average concentration of
radon gas or radon  progeny.  They are deployed
In houses according  to  guidelines  In the EPA
protocol, and then turned  on or programmed for
the desired operating  time   — a minimum of six
hours for screening  and  twenty-four hours for
followup measurements.  At the end of the test,
the monitor must be  retrieved, and the results
must  be  analyzed   by  a  skilled  Instrument
operator.

     Advantages
     •  Relatively short measurement duration.
     •  Hourly results can track the variation
        of concentrations In the house.
     •  Very precise (most models).
     •  Results are available on site (for  CW).

     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively  expensive,   cost  may range
        from $100 to $300, depending on  the
        type of services provided.
     •  Requires a skilled instrument operator.
     •  This, as  does  any short-term measure-
        ment,  requires   careful    control   of
        closed-house conditions twelve hours
        before and during the test.
     •  Because of  highly  reactive  nature  of
        radon decay  products,  measurements are
        much more susceptible to sampling error
        than radon gas measurements.
Alpha-Track Detection (AT)
     The alpha-track method measures radon.   An
AT detector is a small sheet of special  plastic
material enclosed In a  container with a filter
covered opening.  The radon gas that enters  the
container  decays,  emitting  alpha  particles.
These  particles   strike   the  plastic  sheet
leaving tracks that  can be chemically enhanced
and counted using a  microscope or an automated
counting system.
     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 followup
measurements.  At the  end of the desired test-
Ing period, they must  be  returned to the dis-
tributor or analytical  laboratory for process-
Ing and evaluation.

     Advantages
     •  Relatively low-cost services;  cost may
        range from $20 to $60.
                                                  70

-------
        No special skills required for making
        the measurement.
        Can be distributed by mall.
        Completely passive, needs no external
        power.
        Can measure the  long-term average con-
        centrations over a twelve-month period,
        which Is the optimal measure of long-
        term concentrations.
     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively   long   measurement  period
        necessary; three  months  Is the recom-
        mended minimum for currently available
        detectors.
Activated Charcoal Adsorption (CC)
     The  charcoal  adsorption  method measures
radon gas.  The  detectors for this method con-
sist of variously  configured containers filled
with a measured  amount  of activated charcoal.
The container is  often  perforated or screened
to keep the  charcoal  from  falling out and to
filter out radon progeny.  All charcoal adsorb-
ers are stored In  airtight containers when not
being used for sampling.
     Charcoal adsorbers can be received through
the mall from a distributor.  They are Install-
ed In the home for  up to seven days, according
to guidelines In the EPA protocols.  At the end
of testing, an adsorber  Is reseated and return-
ed to the  distributor or analytical laboratory
for processing and evaluation.

     Advantages
     •  Low cost for services; costs may range
        from $10 to $25.
     •  Can be distributed by mall.
     •  No special skills needed for making the
        measurement.
     •  Completely passive, needs no external
        power.
     •  With proper analysis, can yield precise
        results.
     Disadvantages
     •  Some charcoal adsorbers are more sensi-
        tive than others to temperature and
        humidity.
     •  Limited to short-terra testing.
     •  Requires, as does  any short-term meas-
        urement,  careful  control  of  closed-
        house conditions twelve hours before
        and during the test.
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unlt-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  In-
stalled and operated  by  homeowners 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 dis-
tributor, or an  operator  removes the unit  and
returns  It to the  analysis laboratory for pro-
cessing and evaluation.

     Advantages
     •  Directly measures concentrations of
        radon decay products.
     •  Relatively short measurement period.
     •  The detector assembly and some entire
        units can be sent by mail.
     •  There Is  extensive  experience  In  the
        use of RPISU'S; therefore, measurement
        errors are well established.

     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively  expensive;  cost  may range
        from $40 to $150, depending on type  of
        service provided.
     •  Some models may be both heavy and
        awkward to move.
                                                  71

-------
     •  May be United to locations with AC
        power.
     •  Some units must be installed and picked
        up by a skilled Instrument operator.
     •  Because of  the  highly reactive nature
        of radon  decay  products, measurements
        are much more susceptible to sampling
        error than radon gas measurements.
Grab Sampling - Radon (GR) and Radon
 Progeny (GW)
     The grab sampling  methods measure concen-
trations of radon gas  or radon progeny concen-
trations.  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 ac-
quired simultaneously  with  some detector sys-
tems.  All  sampling  should  be done In accor-
dance with guidelines In the EPA protocol.
     For results of the grab radon test, opera-
tors must return  to  their  offices to analyze
the exposed detectors, and must delay the anal-
ysis for at least  four  hours after the sample
Is taken.   For  most  grab work Ing-1 eve I  tests
(radon  progeny),  operators  can  perform  the
analysis on location  In an hour or  less.

     Advantages
     •  Results are quickly obtained.
     •  Equipment can be portable.
     •  Some detector systems can sample both
        radon and radon progeny simultaneously.
     •  Can acquire and evaluate several
        samples per day.
     •  Conditions during the measurement are
        known to the operator.
     Disadvantages
     •  Relatively expensive;   costs  may range
        from $80 to $300,  depending on the type
        of services offered.
     •  Very short measurement  periods may not
        be representative  of the long-term
        average concentrations.
     •  Requires a skilled operator.
     •  Requires,   as   does   any  short-term
        measurement, careful control of closed-
        house conditions twelve hours before
        and during the test.
     •  Because of  the  highly reactive nature
        of radon  decay  products,  measurements
        are much more susceptible to sampling
        error than radon gas measurements.
Electret-PERM (EP)
     Electret-PERM  (EP)   Is   an  Integrating
detector used to measure  radon  gas.    It  Is a
canister containing  a  charged  electret  which
detects to the radiation emitted from  radon and
radon decay products.
     E-PERMs can be  received  through the  mail
and Installed in a home according to guidelines
In the EPA protocol  for  two  to seven days or
three to twelve  months, respectively  for  short
or  long-term  E-PERMs.    At  the  end  of the
testing period, It is  resealed and returned to
the analytical  laboratory  for  processing and
evaluation.

Advantages
     •  The E-PERM Is  a relatively inexpensive
        (cost may range  from  $8  - $25)  small
        detector that produces a result that is
        a true  Integrated average radon concen
        tratlon.
     •  Two  types  of  E-PERMs  are aval lab Ie,
        allowing the method to be used for  both
        short-term and  long-term measurements.
     •  The laboratory  analysis  of E-PERMs is
        nondestructive, allowing results to be
        verified  If necessary.

-------
Disadvantages
     •  E-PERMs  are  sensitive  to  background
        gamma   radiation,    necessitating   a
        background check and subtraction of an
        Increment of voltage.
     •  The E-PERM method Is  new, and EPA does
        not have extensive experience with this
        method.
            PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
     For each  method,  participants  must send
with their applications a copy of the operating
Instructions  they  provide  homeowners  and/or
those used by  an  Instrument  operator.  These
Instructions  must   reflect   the  measurement
procedures found In the EPA documents, "Interim
Indoor Radon and  Radon  Decay Product Measure-
ment  Protocols"  and  "InterIn  Protocols  for
Screening and  Followup  Radon  and Radon Decay
Product Measurement".    They  must be accepted
by, and  on  file  with,  EPA  by  the deadline
specified on that round's schedule.
     Once enrolled, a  company  must meet EPA's
minimum screening-measurement  requirements for
each method.  A  company must meet all detector
and analysis result deadlines  as listed on Its
program schedule.  Applications, detectors, and
analysis  reporting  forms   received  after  a
scheduled dead 11ne  will  not  be consJdered In
the performance  evaluation  process.    A com-
pany's detector(s) must be tested every round
to maintain Its proficiency listing.
GR - Grab Radon Sampling                (pCI/L)
GN - Grab Working-Level Sampling          (HI)
RP - Radon Progeny Integrated
     Saapllng/RPISU                       (HI)
EP - Electret-PERM                      (pCI/L)
Measurement Units
pCI/L - Plcocurles per liter, radon gas
        measurement units.
WL    - Working-1 eve I, radon progeny
        measurement units.
Others
DT - Detector(s) damaged or lost through no
     fault of the participant.
        EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS
Methods                                  Units
AT - Alpha-Track Detection              (pCI/L)
CC - Activated Charcoal Adsorption      (pCI/L)
CR - Continuous Radon Monitoring        (pCI/L)
CW - Continuous Working-Level
     Monitoring                           (WL)
                                                  73

-------
                                                                TABLE 1
                                                  MEASUREMENT COMPANIES SERVING KENTUCKY
*  Company
 Able Electric Measurements
 Suite |4, Epson Rd
 Dreyer, NY  12345

 (800) 666-4652

 Apple A Main, Inc.
 Buyers Bui I ding
 Whitfield Road
 Fa I staff, MN  13243-1231
 (800) 655-5241

 Beta Sciences of Alaska
 P. 0. Box 1234-A
 AI auto, AK  98765

 (101) 555-3453

 Cardinal Radon Control
 East Midway Express
 Bldg 7, Room 1004
 Bragaw, VA  22354
 (800) 565-2222

 Dillon Mitigation, Inc
 5 Dillon Drive
 Western Bluff, TX  12398

 (333) 666-2347

 Electro-Chem Inspection Service Inc
 W. Wilson Street
 Colliers, AL  12394

 (465) 655-9009

 Freeman Air Quality Services, Inc.
 B-12 Green River Run
 Gal ax, OH  23423

 (484) 666-7341
Measurement Methods

      CC.EP
•  Company
      AT
      GR.GW
      AT,CC,EP,CR,GR,GW,RP,CW
      AT.CC
      CW
      CW
 Hazard Control A Recovery
 1234-AA Hill Circle
 Kress, NJ  12392

 (800)  565-1122

 Kentucky Air Services
 P.  0.  Box 123
 14  Briar Court Road
 Farmington,  KY  13999
 (301)  666-2341

 Kentucky Radon Control
 W.  Bright Street
 Newton,  KY  12999

 (3O2)  555-5622

 Moore  Construction Company
 P.  0.  Box 919
 Gore,  GA  12888

 (919)  666-8861

 No-Problem Radon Control
 P.  0.  Box 1233 A
 Rich Hill, TN  3O222

 (800)  665-1234

 Nuclear  Solutions
 Kelvin Circle
 Mill City, CA  12556

 (444)  666-1239

 OR-X Corporation
 1919 Church Street
 Harrison BuiIding
 Archdale, PA  44333
 (800)  666-8868
Measurement Methods

      GR.GW
                                                                                      CW
      CW
      CW,GR,GW
      cc
      GW.CW
      AT,CC,EP
* 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 for research purposes or State agencies' assistance only.
Note:  Underscored methods indicate a primary company capable of performing measurement analyses in house or making measurements
                   employed by and instruments belonging to the company.

-------