vvEPA
             United St&tos
             Enviromnontsl Prot6ction
             Agency
           Office of
           Radiation Programs
           Washington, O.C. 20460
EPA 520/1-8WJ3
February 1986
             Radiation
Implementation Strategy
For The Radon/Radon
Progeny Measurement
Proficiency Evaluation And
Quality Assurance Program
                                           \

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                                                EPA 520/1-86-03
               IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR

     THE RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY

        EVALUATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM



                           BY

HENRY M. SINGLETARY, KEITH STARNER, DR. C. EDWARD HOWARD

               RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE

           RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC   27709



                     FEBRUARY, 1986



              CONTRACT NUMBER:  58-01-6826
                     PROJECT OFFICER
                    H. MICHAEL MARDIS
              OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS

          U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                 WASHINGTON, D.C.  20460

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                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                 Page

1.0  Introduction .  .  .	     1

2.0  Establishment of a Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement
     Proficiency (RMP)  Program  	     2
     2.1  Radon Technical  Information Service .	     2
     2.2  Program Announcement  	     2
     2.3  Laboratory Enrollment Requirements  and  Procedures  .  .     3
     2.4  Federal Radon Exposure Facilities 	     3

3.0  Coordination of the Measurement Proficency Program  ....     5
     3.1  Intercalibration of Federal Laboratories   	     5
     3.2  Quality Assurance Coordination  	     5
     3.3  Application Review and Acceptance Criteria  	     5
     3.4  Performance Evaluation Rounds 	     6
     3.5  "Walk-in"  Participants  	     7
     3.6  Follow-up Evluation Rounds  	  	     7

4.0  Publication of Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Test  ...     9
     4.1  Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Reports   .     9
     4.2  Published Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative
          Proficiency Reports 	     9


Appendix A - Radon Information Service/Referral  Form  	    11
Appendix B - Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency
Program Announcement and List of Publications 	    12
Appendix C - Enrollment Package - Radon/Radon Progeny
Measurement Proficiency Program	    14

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                            LIST OF  TABLES





                                                                 Page





Table 1.  Sixteen Elements  of a Quality  Assurance Plan  	    8

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                           1.0  INTRODUCTION

     EPA  has  received, and  is  responding  to  requests from  states to
assist  with  improving technical response  to  indoor radon.   EPA finds
that a major  state  concern  is the  variability of data, due  in  part to
lack of  standardized  protocols, testing procedures, data  quality con-
trol procedures, etc.
     EPA  has  determined  that an effective response to State requests.
would be to establish  a program for standardizing measurement.  To this
end,  it has  devised   protocols  for  equipment  in  common  use  and  has
established a voluntary program for evaluating measurement effectivenss
of those companies  choosing  to  and  able.to participate.   The objective
is to  serve  the states by providing  a  list of  laboratories  which  are
successfully participaing in the program.   If a byproduct  of the pro-
gram or  of  the list  is that it is  of  use  to  the  industry  and  to  the
public, so much the better.
     In the process of carrying out  the program, EPA  will  ask  for  and
receive  a considerable amount  of information.   Companies  that  believe
information they  provide constitutes trade secret  information  should
identify such  information.   Federal  regulations  prohibit  disclosure of
such  information  except  in   accordance  with  specified  procedures,
including opportunity to  substantiate  such  claims  and opportunity to
seek judicial  review  prior  to   any public  disclosure (see  generally 40
C.F.R. Part 2).
     The Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency (RMP)  Program par-
ticipants will  submit  passive and/or  active radon/radon  progeny detec-
tors for exposure to  precisely  established radon/radon progeny   levels
in U.S.  agency laboratories.   The  participants  will  then  attempt to
accurately analyze the detectors to determine the radon exposure and/or
radon progeny levels.  Each  trial analysis will  be tabulated in a pub-
lication available  to  State  and Federal  agencies,  as well  as, industry
and  the general  public,  for   use  in  evaluating  which  laboratory to
select  for  radon  and/or  radon  progeny  analytical  work.    These trial
analyses will initially be conducted on a quarterly basis.   Time inter-
vals .nay be shortened  or  lengthened  depending  on demonstrated detector
consistency.
                                  1

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       2.0  ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT
                       PROFICIENCY (RMP) PROGRAM

2.1  Radon Technical Information Service
     A Radon Technical Information Service will be established to serve
as a contact point for laboratories wishing to enter EPA's RMP Program.
Persons  interested  in  the  program  will  be  sent  information  packets
describing  the program  and  giving   specific  enrollment-participation
requirements.  Once laboratories have entered the program, the informa-
tion  service will begin  distributing to  anyone  requesting  them   the
list  of  participating  laboratories  with  indicators  of  their  perfor-
mance.
     The focal point  of  the radon information service  will  be  a toll-
free WATS number  (radon  technical  information  line).   The line will be
operational  at all times during  work  days  between 9:00  am and 5:00 pm,
eastern time.  Most call's  are expected to be  from  the  general  public,
local governments, and State agencies requesting general radon informa-
tion.  A selection of appropriate information brochures will be orepar-
ed to  send  to these  callers.    A  contact  information service/referral
form will be completed  for each party  requesting information and kept
on file for  review  upon request.  The  form  classifies  the information
requested and the affiliation of the requestor (see Appendix A).

2.2  Program Announcement
     Basic to  the development of the program  will  be the notification
of the laboratories  or  persons  interested in  participating.   This ob-
jective may  be realized  in part  by placing announcements in several ap-t
propriate professional  publications  including  bulletins and magazines.
A draft of the announcement/press release is given as Appendix B.
     State health departments and/or other State  agencies will be noti-
fied of the  Radon Technical  Information Service  and the Radon Measure-
ment Proficiency Program directly by letter.  Known university and com-
mercial laboratories  that might  be interested  in  the program will also
be notified  directly  by letter.  All  letters  will  have a  copy of the
announcement enclosed.

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2.3  Laboratory Enrollment Requirements and Procedures

     Participants in the proposed program must provide documented capa-

bility in one or more of the following measurement methods:

            Alpha Track (AT)
            Charcoal Canister (CC)
            Continuous Working Level Monitor (CWLM)
            Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units (RPISU)
            Radon Gas Monitor (RGM)
            Grab Sample-Radon (GS-R)
            Grab Sample-Working Level (GS-WL)


Other measurement  methods will  not be considered  for the  program  at
this time but may be included in the future.  Laboratories may partici-

pate in  one  or  all  measurement methods; however,  applications  will  be
method specific.   Parties interested in enrolling  in  the program will

first write  the  Radon Technical  Information Service or call  the Radon
Technical Information Number and request the information package titled

"RMP Program  -  Application  Information Package"  (Appendix  C).   That

package contains application guidance information including:

            Program description
            Enrollment requirements
            Quality assurance plan guidance
            Example of reporting form
            Protocols for sampling


2.4  Federal Radon Exposure Facilities

     As many as four or more Federal agency laboratories may be involv-

ed in exposing detectors for the Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Profi-

ciency Program including the following:

     Office of Radiation Programs
     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
     Montgomery, Alabama

     Office of Radiation Programs
     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
     Las Vegas,  Nevada

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     Environmental  Measurement Laboratory
     U.S. Department of Energy
     New York, New York

     Denver Research Center
     U.S. Bureau of Mines
     Denver, Colorado

     Technical Measurement Center
     U.S. Department of Energy
     Grand Junction, Colorado
     As the RMP Program grows, radon chamber  size  and  availability may

be an  important  limiting  factor.   Other Federal laboratories may  par-
ticipate in the program in the future.

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                 3.0  COORDINATION OF THE RMP PROGRAM

3.1  Inter!aboratory Calibrations of Federal Laboratories
     The laboratories listed in section 2.4 will conduct inter-calibra-
tion programs on a biannual basis.  Calibrations will be for a range of
radon and radon progeny levels found in the natural indoor-air environ-
ment ..  •

3.2  Quality Assurance Coordination
     Quality Assurance coordination will be the responsibility of the
Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator(s).  That responsibility will
include the following:

       Operation of the Radon Technical Information telephone line
     0 Notification of laboratories that the RMP Program is available.
       Distribution of  RMP program participation  requirement  informa-
       tion.
       Review  and  evaluation  of  applications  to  participate   in  the
       (RMP) program.
       Coordination of  the receipt,  exposure,  and  return  of detectors
       submitted for the RMP Program.
       Compilation of Radon/Radon Progeny  Analytical  Proficiency (RAP)
       reports.  This entails  compiling  data from an individual  analy-
       sis round for reporting to the participating laboratories.
       Preparation and  updating  of the  Radon/Radon  Progeny Cumulative
       Proficiency (RCP) Report.  -This publication will be  a  compila-
       tion of up to four proficiency reports.

3.3  Application Review and Acceptance Criteria
     The "RMP Program - Application Information Package" submitted here
as Appendix C describes specifically what is required for participating
in the RMP Program.   Laboratories  not  submitting  all  items or  informa-
tion requested in the  information  packet with  the  exception of  the QA
plan will not be allowed to participate.

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     EPA recognizes that it is common practice for a laboratory to sub-
contract analytical work to another laboratory that they do not do on a
regular basis, are not set up to do or to take care of laboratory over-
load.   The  contractor laboratory usually bears  the  responsibility for
the  quality of  the  contractee's  work  and  reports  their  analyses  on
their own letterhead.  Laboratories subcontracting radon or radon prog-
eny  analyses  to  other laboratories will  be allowed to  participate  in
the RMP program.   However,- the analyst and laboratory actually perform-
ing the analyses must  be  identified  in  the  RMP  program application and
on each analyses results  reporting form for each  proficiency analyses
round (Appendix C).
     A Quality Assurance  (QA)  plan is requested but not   required for
participation in the  RMP  program.   If a laboratory  submits  a QA plan,
it will be reviewed for those elements requested in Table 1.  Laborato-
ries with QA plans found to contain these elements will be indicated in
the cumulative proficiency report (see Section 4.2).
     EPA will evaluate applications and  accept  or  reject  them within a
maximum of four  (4) weeks.  Laboratories will be allowed to oarticipate
in the first proficiency  round even though  they have not  received con-
firmation of enrollment.  EPA will also maintain these applications and
quality assurance plans on file.

3.4  Performance Evaluation Rounds
     The Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator will gather and dis-
tribute exposed  detectors  initially  on  a  quarterly  basis,  with  all
detectors supplied by the participants.  Laboratories  requesting par-
ticipation  in their  first RMP Program  proficiency round  may submit  an
enrollment  (application)  request,  along  with   the  unexposed  passive
radon detectors  to  the RQA Coordinator.  Participant  will  submit five
(5) passive detectors, of each type on which they wish to be evaluated.
Participants submitting detectors  requiring  separate air-flow measure-
ments must  also  submit one  flowmeter  for  calibration.   All  five detec-
tors will  be assigned unique  identification  numbers and four  will  be
exposed at one of the EPA or DOE radon chamber facilities.  The remain-
ing  detector will  be left  unexposed  for  control.    The  detectors will

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then be  shipped  to the participant  laboratory  for  quantitation, along
with a results reporting form.  An  example  of  this  form is enclosed in
Appendix C.

3.5  "Walk-in" Participants
     Passive detectors can be shipped from and to participating  labora-
tories by  a number  of commercial  package  carrier  services;  however,
nonpassive detectors may be  fragile and/or  bulky and require operation
by a specially trained technician.  For these reasons, a participant in
the RMP  program  will,  at his own  expense,  send a  technician  to place
and operate instruments in the  Federal  radon  chamber.   The RQA coordi-
nator will be responsible for scheduling "walk-in" participants  accord-
ing to a schedule set up by the operators of the radon chamber.

3.6  Follow-up Evaluation Rounds
     Those participants  failing to perform within  the pre-established
analytical proficiency limits for a given round will be given an oppor-
tunity to submit detectors for a follow-up round.  Initially, detectors
for these  rounds  will  be exposed at  the  EPA  Office of  Radiation Pro-
grams laboratory facility in Montgomery, Alabama.  Laboratories failing
to participate  successfully  or failing to  submit detectors  for three
(3) consecutive rounds (including the follow-up rounds) will be dropped
from the RMP program.

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              Table 1.   ^Sixteen Elements  of A Quality
                            Assurance Plan
    *° Title Page
       Project Description
     0 Table of Contents
    *" Project Organization and Responsibility
     0 QA Objectives for Measurement Data in Terms  of Precision,
       Accuracy, Completeness,  Representativeness,  and Comparability
    *° Sampling Procedures
    *° Sample Custody (Tracking)
     0 Calibration Procedures and Frequency
    *' Analytical Procedures
    *° Data Reduction, Validation, and Reporting
       Internal Quality Control Checks .
     0 Performance and System Audits
       Preventive Maintenance
       Specific Routine Procedures Used to Assess Data Precision,
       Accuracy, and Completeness
    *° Corrective Action
    *" Quality Assurance Reports to Management
*Elements that are requested for application to participate  in  RMP
 Program.
^IJ.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   "Interim  Guidelines  and
 Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Project  Plans."
 QAMS-005/80.  Washington, D.C.  December 29,  1980.

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      4.0  PUBLICATION OF RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT REPORTS

4.1  Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency (RAP) Report
     Reference  analytical  reports  will  be  obtained  from  the  Federal
laboratory  preparing  the  radon  and  radon   progeny  detectors.    These
values will be  compared with  the  analyses  submitted  by the participat-
ing laboratories.  This reference data will be the basis for comparison
in determining each laboratory's performance rating.
     Radon/Radon Progeny  Analytical  Proficiency (RAP)  reports  will  be
issued to  individual  commercial  and noncommercial  laboratories  after
each  round,  summarizing  each laboratory's  performance  and  providing
means and  standard deviations.  Each laboratory listed will be identi-
fied by  unique  letters  known only  to the program RQA Coordinator and
the participating laboratory.  The format planned for the RAP report is
included in Appendix C.

4.2  Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative Proficiency (RCP) Reports
     A list  of  laboratories  participating  in  the RMP  Program  will  be
published  along with indicators of their performance.  Acceptable vari-
ations from the established value  will  be  indicated  and in this manner
a non-technical person can  use  the list to  select a laboratory.   This
listing will be made  available to  the public through the Radon Techni-
cal Information Service and will  include the performance ratings of up
to four  rounds.  An  updated listing will be published with each round
of  analyses.    The  format planned  for  the  RCP  report  is  included  in
Appendix C.

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APPENDICES
  10

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                                 APPENDIX A
                              RADON INR3WTIGN
                            SERVICE/REFER^!. FORM;
Requestor:
Affiliation:
Address:
Telephone:
	/	-	

Requestors Affiliation
p Laboratory
p Private Individual
p Local Goverrment
Q Contractor/Consultant
p Other:	
                 ext.
p Federal Govermient
Q State Goverrment
p Engineer
Q Lawyer
Type of Information Requested
p Lab List
Q Information Packet for RM>
    Progran
p Office of Radiation Prograns
p Sampling Protocol
p QA guidelines
p NTIS (703)487-4650
rr Cancer Information Service
1-1 (800)422-6237
Notes/Suimary/Cdnnents/etc:
Q Referred to EPA Radon Hotline
    703/   -
P ORP docunents
p Technical Sanpl ing & Analysis
p Referred to Federal Laboratory
    for information
P QA Round Questions
p Public Information Packet
    Other
Information Provided by:	
Mailed by:	
          Date:
          Date:
7
                                 11

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                                APPENDIX B

     TO:  S.MEYERS  (EPA6600)
   FROM:  D.CHOEN  (EPA1704) Posted:  Tue  28-Jan-86  9:41 EST Sys 63 (103)
SUBJECT:  radon press release

Radon Measurement & QA Press Release
EPA TO VERIFY
RADON MEASUREMENT
OF LABORATORIES
AND BUSINESS
                             David Cohen (202) 382-5589

     The U.S. Environmetal Protection Agency announced

today a new program to verify the qualifications and

capabilities of laboratories and businesses measuring

indoor levels of harmful radon emissions.

     The objective  of  the voluntary program  is  to as-
sist states concerned  with  elevated  levels  of radon in
homes by  providing  a  clearinghouse  where  laboratories
and  others .in  the  business  of measuring  radon  levels
may demonstrate their  proficiency.

     "Increased  public  concern   with  the  effects  of
exposure to radon has  greatly  increased  the demand for
qualified  analysis   to  measure   the  pollutant,"  said
Richard.Guimond of  EPA's  Office  of  Radiation Programs.
"This effort will help states and  communities  by pro-
viding technical assistance which will result in public
confidence that measurements made in  people's homes by
EPA-tested labs are acceptable."

     Voluntary participants will submit their measuring
devices to EPA  which,  in turn, will  expose  the  detec-
tors or sampling devices to precisely-established radon
and  radon progeny levels  in  its  laboratories.   The de-
tectors will then be returned to the  participants who
will attempt to  accurately analyze  the  radon exposure
levels.  Following  each trial  analysis, a  new  list of
laboratories of businesses  which  have performed  within
the  acceptable range or  error  will  be published.  This
list will be made available  to federal  and  state agen-
cies, industry, and the general public for their use in
selecting which laboratory or business to use for radon
measurement work.

     "EPA will be conducting these  trial  analyses  on a
quarterly basis  and will  follow  this with  an   updated
list," Guimond  said.   "In essence,  laboratories  that
wish to participate in our program will have their pro-
ficiency examined every three months.


                        (more)
                                     12

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                -2-
     EPA has established  a  radon  technical  information
service which will serve as a contact point for labora-
tories wishing to enter the agency's Radon Measurement
Proficiency program.  Persons interested in participat-
ing  will  be  sent information  packets describing  the
program  and  giving  specific enrollment  participation
requirements.  Once laboratories  have  entered  the pro-
gram, the'information service will begin distributing a
list  of  results  of  participating laboratory  tests  in
simplified form  to  anyone  requesting  the  list.   The
listing is intended to aid  the  non-technical  person  in
the  selection  of a laboratory  or business  engaged  in
radon measurement.

     The focal point of the technical  information ser-
vice  is a radon  telephone  line  which will  be in opera-
tion  during  the  week between 9  a.m. and 5  p.m., EST.
That  number  is 300-334-8571, ext.  7131.    Information
brochures  on  radon  are  being  prepared   and  will  be
available for distribution  in the near future.

     Participants in the  Radon  Measurement Proficiency
program must  provide documented  capability in  one  or
more of the following measurement methods:

       Alpha Track
       Charcoal Canister
       Continuous Working Level  Monitor
       Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units
       Radon Gas Monitor
       Grab Sample--Radon
       Grab Sample—Working Level

     Parties  interested  in  enrolling  in   the  program
should call the radon hotline listed above or write:

          Radon Technical  Information Service
          Research Triangle Institute
          P.O. Box 12194
          Research Triangle Park,  NC  27709

     Applications to participate  in  the first  round  of
analyses must be submitted before March 1,  1986

                     #     #     #
                 13

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                              APPENDIX C
           RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY (RMP)
                PROGRAM APPLICATION INFORMATION PACKAGE
Contents
Enrollment Package Cover Letter
Enrollment and Continuing Participation Conditions
Acceptance/Rejection Letter
RMP Program Schedule of Events--Round-l
Analysis Report Instructions
Analyses Results Reporting Form
Letter Instructing RMP Program Participants on Preparation of QA Plan
Quality Assurance Plan Guidelines
Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Report
Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative Proficiency Report
Interim Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols
                                 14

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                    ENROLLMENT PACKAGE COVER LETTER

                      EPA   LETTERHE-AD

                                       Date
Requesting Laboratory
Address
Subject:  Enrollment Package, Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement
          Proficiency Program

Hear Sir:

     The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation Programs
has established  the  Radon/Radon Progeny  Measurement  Proficiency (RMP)
program to assist State agencies and the  public  by  providing a list of
laboratories capable of measuring radon  and/or radon  progeny with data
results of known  quality.   This quality  assurance  program  is adminis-
tered by Research Triangle  Institute (RTI),  a not-for-profit organiza-
tion, located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

     The RMP  program  offers participating laboratories  an  opportunity
to test  their  radon  and/or radon progeny measurement  proficiency on a
quarterly basis.  Participants will submit one or more types of detec-
tors to be placed  in  a Federal  agency laboratory radon  chamber.   Mea-
surement proficiency will be determined  by comparing  detector analyses
to known values.   After each  analyses  trial,  participants will receive
the Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Report  which summarizes
each laboratory's  performance  and provides  means  and  standard  devia-
tions.   Each 1 aboratory-'s analyses will be identified by unique letters
and numbers  known  only to the program coordinator(s)  and the partici-
pating laboratory.  A separate report titled  "Radon/Radon Progeny Cumu-
lative Proficiency Report" will  be distributed to an appropriate agency
in each state and the requesting public.  This report will list labora-
tories by name  which  have met minimum  set  guidelines for  RMP Program
participation.

     The enclosed materials describe in  detail the  conditions for par-
ticipation in  the RMP program.   There  is  no  fee  for  participation.
Every effort will  be  made to properly handle and ship detectors;  how-
ever, if accidents do  happen EPA will  take no responsibility for lost,
damaged, or improperly exposed detectors.  Questions should be directed
to the Office of Radiation Program's Quality Assurance Office (703/557-
7380) or RTI, Radon Technical information Service (800/534-8571, Exten-
sion 7131)

                                       Sincerely,
                                       H. Michael  Mardis
                                       Quality Assurance Officer
                                       Environmental Studies and
                                       Statistics  Branch (ANR-461)
                                       Office of Radiation Programs

Enclosures

                                15

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          ENROLLMENT AND CONTINUING PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS


     Conditions for enrolling and continuing  in  the  RMP  program are as
follows:

       Submit  a  written  request  on  laboratory  letterhead  stationery
       (includes company name, street address and telephone number)  to:


                  Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
                  Research Triangle Institute
                  P.O. Box 12194
                  Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

     0 State whether  enrollment  is requested as  a commercial  or  non-
       commercial laboratory.

       State radon and/or radon progeny measurement method being enter-
       ed in the  RMP  Program -- Alpha Track, Charcoal  Cannister,  Con-
       tinuous Working  Level  Monitor (CWLM) Radon Progeny Integrating
       Sampling Units  (RPISU)  Radon Gas Monitor  (RGM)  or  grab sample
       instruments.

     0 Laboratories  entering  more  than  one  measurement method  in  the
       RMP Program must submit a separate  application  package for  each
       method submitted.  No more than  four  methods  (types of devices)
       may be submitted for a given measurement  proficiency round.

     0 If analyses  are to  be performed by  a subcontractor,  identify
       that  laboratory  and  the person  in  that  laboratory responsible
       for radon and/or radon progeny analyses.   A new appl ication  must
       be submitted for each  subcontracting  laboratory  used  in the  RMP
       program.

       Submit (if available) a copy of your laboratory's quality assur-
       ance  (QA)  plan.    Guidance  for developing  a quality  assurance
       plan is enclosed.  Failure to submit a QA  plan will not preclude
       participation.

     0 Enclose a copy of all standard operating  procedures (SOP's)  used
       by your laboratory for radon and/or radon  progeny measurement.

     8 If enrollment  is for  a Radon  Progeny  Integrating  Sampling Units
       (RPISU), submit air pump calibration methods.

     e If enrollment  is for a non-passive  detector, submit  the brand
       name model and  serial number of the unit.   More  than one but no
       more than  four  non-passive  detectors  may be  entered  in a given
       round.
                                   16

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If enrollment is for  a  grab  sample instrument,  submit the brand
name, model and serial number of the unit.  Indicate whether the
instrument measures radon  or radon progeny.  No  more than four
grab sample instruments may be entered in a given round.

Participants failing  to perform  acceptable  analyses  for a given
performance round will  be  given an opportunity to  perform in a
follow-up round.  If  a  laboratory  also fails  to perform accept-
ably or  does  not  submit detectors for  the  follow-up round they
will be dropped from the RCP Report.

Failure  to perform  successfully  in  three (3)  consecutive rounds
(including  follow-up  rounds)  will  result in  that  laboratory
being dropped from  RMP  program.  Laboratories  dropped  from the
program  must  submit  a new  application  for  continued participa-
tion.

Participating  laboratories  not submitting  detectors  for  any
regular  performance  round  must  participate   in  the  follow-up
round or be dropped from the RMP Program.
                          17

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                      ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION LETTER



                      EPA   LETTERHEAD

                                       Date
Requesting Laboratory
Address
Dear Sir:

     The Environmental  Protection  Agency Office of  Radiation  Programs
has received your  application  package  for  participation  in  the Radon/-
Radon Progeny Measurenent Proficiency Program

    Your application package was found  to  be complete and your enroll-
    ment is effective as of the date of this communication.

    Your application package was  found not to be  complete  and lacking
    the element(s) listed below.

    Your QA  Plan  has been  reviewed by  EPA  staff  and considered  ade-
    quate.
     A  schedule  of events  for  the RMP  program  is  attached  for  your
information.   If your application  was  found deficient,  the corrected
application must be received prior  to  March 21, 1986 in  order to  par-
ticipate in the next measurement proficiency round.

     If you need additional  information  relating  to  the RMP  program or
the  attached  schedule of  events,  please contact  the  Radon Technical
Information  Service  (800-334-8571,  ext. 7131)  at  Research  Triangle
Institute.

                                       Sincerely,
                                       H. Michael Mardis
                                       Quality Assurance Officer
                                       Environmental Studies and
                                       Statistics Branch (ANR-461)
                                       Office of Radiation Programs

Enclosure
                                 18

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                    *SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — ROUND 1
**
                                              Round 1
               +Round 1
                Followup
Press Release
Receipt of Enrollment Application
Receipt of (Jnexposed Detectors
Receipt of Detectors at Radon Chambers
Ship Exposed Detectors to Labs
Submit Analyses
Send Laboratories Notice of Provisional
   Performance
Complete Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical
   Proficiency (RAP) Reports
Complete Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative
   Proficiency (RCP) Report
   2/20
     - 3/12
3/1  - 3/21
   3/26
3/31 - 4/9
   4/23
   4/28
   5/7
   5/7
 5/1 - 5/9
    5/12
5/19 - 5/23
    6/2
    6/19
    6/19
  *Rounds 2, 3 and 4 are  tentatively  set  to  start  respectively  July 1,
   November 1, 1986 and January 1, 1987

 **Laboratories enrolling active detectors will deliver devices  to  the
   exposure  laboratory  between  3/19 and  3/24  at  a time determined  by
   the RQA Coordinator

***0ates are in 1986

+Participants failing to meet program proficiency conditions of  the  RMP
 progran will  be  offered  an opportunity to participate in  a  follow-up
 round.  Participants failing in this round or not  submitting  detectors
 will be dropped from the program.
                                 19

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          PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ROUND DETECTOR DISTRIBUTION

     The Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator will gather and dis-
tribute  exposed  detectors  initially on  a quarterly  basis, with  all
detectors supplied  by  the participants.    Laboratories  requesting par-
ticipation  in  their first Radon/Radon Progeny  Measurement Proficiency
(RMP) Program  proficiency round may  submit an enrollment (application)
request, along  with the unexposed passive radon detectors  to  the  RQA
Coordinator.   Ship  five (5) passive  detectors,  of each  type  on which
your laboratory wishes to be evaluated.  Participants submitting detec-
tors  requiring separate  air-flow measurements  must  also  submit  one
flowmeter for  calibration.   All five detectors  will  be assigned unique
identification numbers  and  four  will be exposed  at  one of  the  EPA or
DOE  radon  chamber  facilities.    The remaining  detector  will   be left
unexposed for  control.   The detectors  will  then be  shipped  to your
laboratory  for quantitation,  along  with  a results reporting form.   An
example of  this form  is' enclosed  for review  prior to  participation in
the quality assurance rounds.
     Laboratories submitting  non-passive detectors for entry  into  the
Program will need to coordinate the  delivery  date with the RQA Coordi-
nator prior to delivering  the instruments to a  Federal  Laboratory  for
exposure.  After exposure, the operator  will  submit  his reading on  the
same reporting form used for other detectors.
     If enrollment requirements are met  and analyses  are within accept-
able limits, the  laboratory will  be  listed in  the Radon/Radon  Progeny
Cumulative  Proficiency  Report  as  participating  successfully.   This is
the  report  that  will   be  made  available  to  state   agencies  and  the
public.
                                 20

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                           DETECTOR SHIPMENT

     Unexposed passive radon detectors should be packaged in protective
containers and  placed  in a rigid outer  container,  suitable for return'
shipment.  Any unique or specific containers required for shipping must
be  furnished  by the  participant and  will  be  used  for  packaging the
detectors for the return shipment.  The participant will provide return
shipping labels (including  street address)  for  each  container.  Ensure
that all addresses are clearly placed  and legible.  The laboratory must
pay postage on  all shipments  to the RQA Coordinator.   All  other  ship-
ping will be paid for by EPA.
     For non-passive  detectors  requiring the presence  of  an  operator,
the participant must  bring the detector to  a radon chamber  at a time
and place specified by  the RQA  coordinator at  the expense  of the par-
ticipant.
                                 21

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              RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY
                 PROGRAM ANALYSES REPORT INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Veri'fy that this  kit  contains the five (5) detectors  of each type
    that your laboratory submitted previously.  For control, one detec-
    tor was not exposed.

2.  If this kit is incomplete or contains open or damaged detectors:
       PHONE:    1-800/334-8571  ext. 7131
       ASK FOR:  Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator

3.  Perform a complete  analysis of each  detector  using  the appropriate
    measurement technique.

4.  Results Reporting Form (Front)

    o  Record your laboratory  identification  number  and detector iden-
       tification numbers.

       Explanation - Detector Labels:

                       A A A A -   01   -   0001
                        Lab.     Round    Detector
                        ID.        No.      I.D.

    o  Record  the  results of  analyses.   Analyses  of  radon  detectors
       will be reported as  pCi/L.   Analyses  of radon progeny detectors
       will be reported in Working Levels.

    o  Fill  in all  blocks  for  each analysis  performed,   using  zeros
       where  necessary.    Please  print  legibly  because  data  on  the
       Results Reporting  Form  are the data  on which  your performance
       rating will be based.   Reporting  forms  with  incomplete informa-
       tion will not be evaluated.

    o  Unavoidable analytical  problems and/or  damaged  detectors should
       be discussed under comments.

    o  If the analytical laboratory is subcontracted to the participat-
       ing laboratory,  the  subcontracting laboratory  and  address  will
       be listed under comments.

    o  The  affirmation  states  that  the  results being reported  were
       obtained by analyses performed, or contracted by the laboratory.
       Complete the  statement  with  the  name  of  the  laboratory  as  it
       appears on laboratory letterhead.  The  signature of the  labora-
       tory manager or other company officials responsible for analyti-
       cal  services  is required.    Reporting  forms submitted  without
       required signatures will not be evaluated.
                                 22

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    o  Submit  a  separate reporting  form  for each  method being  eval-
       uated.   Ensure that all  reporting  forms  are  completely  filled
       out.

    o  Please provide changes or corrections in the participating labo-
       ratory mailing address if applicable.


5.  Return  the Results  Reporting  Form by  the date  indicated  in  the
    cover letter.  Mail to:

             RQA Coordinator
             Radon Technical Information Service
             Research Triangle Institute
             Post Office Box 12194
             Research Triangle Park, North Carolina  27709-2194

                  LATE RETURNS WILL NOT BE EVALUATED
                                 23

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Mall to:    Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
            Research Triangle Institute
            P.O. 8ox 12194
            Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

Telephone:  300-334-8571, Ext. 7131
                                                Mast  be  post-
                                                 imarked  by:
                                                 Page	; of	Forms
                    ANALYSES RESULTS REPORTING FORM
          RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY  PROGRAM
LABORATORY I.D. *  |   |   |   |  ]
                                               ROUND

DETECTOR I.D. #
1- 1 1 1

2. 1 1 1

3. |

4. 1 1 |

5. 1 1 |
DETECTOR TYPE*
HZ HI

picocuries/Liter Working Level
nD + J.1 1

4 l+| 1 1

; i + 1 1 1 J

1 l + l 1 1

•• l + l 1 1 . -1 -
l+l 1 1

+ I _]

U+ U

l + l 1 1

l + l 1 1
*Charcoal Cannister Detector = CC
                          Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling  Unit  =  RP
                          Alpha Track Detector =  AT
                          Radon Gas Monitor = GM
                          Continuous Working Level  Monitor =  CW
                          Grab Sample = GS   Radon	  Working  Level	
TIME IN  -

TIME OUT -
                RTI   USE   ONLY

                    EXPOSURE   DATA


               "1    I    DATE LZ

               ~~1    I    DATE r~
1.

2.

3.

4.
        INITIAL FLOWRATE

             L/min
                            RPISU DETECTORS
                                      FINAL  FLOWRATE
                                          L/mi n
                                 24

-------
 (Reverse Side of Reporting Form)


 Comments
Analyst signature  (required):
Affirmation:   I hereby  affirm  that the  information  appearing on this
Results  Reporting  Form  was  acquired  in  analyses  performed by/for,
                                                                       •
                                                                       «
             '(name  of  participating  laboratory)
that  the analyses were  performed  by the person  who signature appears
above  as "Analyst";  that said  analyst  is an  employee,  officer of, or
consultant  to the above-name organization;  that the  detector used in
the analyses  are the property of said organization;  and that the  analy-
ses represented  by  this Results Reporting Form are typical of analyti-
cal services  available  to the public from the  participating laboratory.

	  Laboratory Manager  	
        - Signature                                         Date

ADDRESS  CORRECTION, PLEASE:

Contact  Name:
Affiliation:
Address:
City                                        State          Zip Code:
Telephone:
                                          Ext.
                                 25

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             LETTER INSTRUCTING RMP PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
                      ON PREPARATION OF A QA PLAN

                      EPA   LETTERHEAD

                                    Date

Address
SUBJECT:  Quality Assurance Plan Guidelines for Participants in the
          Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Program

Dear   :

     The attached sample report is intended to assist participant labo-
ratories involved in preparing Quality Assurance Plans  for  their labo-
ratory's operations.  The sample report is an abbreviated plan based on
guidance presented in the following two documents:

     0 U.S. Environmental Protection  Agency.  "Interim  Guidelines  and
       Specifications for Preparing  Quality Assurance  Project  Plans."
       qAMS-005/80.   Washington, D.C.  December 29,  1980.

     " U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   "AEERL  Quality Assurance
       Procedures Manual  for  Project  Officers."   AEERL  (QA)-002/85.
       Research Triangle Park, N.C.  April 15, 1985.

     When using the sample report in preparing a Quality Assurance Pro-
ject Plan, please keep in mind the following:

     0 A Title Page and Table of Contents.

     0 Use  the  "document control  format"  on  all   pages  of  the  Plan,
       except for the title page.   (Place  in the upper  right-hand cor-
       ner of the page.).  This format should be updated.whenever a page
       of the Plan is revised.   (The document  control format is illus-
       trated in the sample report.)

     8 Standard Operating Procedures,  Work  Plans,  and   other  relevant
       documentation should  be reference and placed  in the Appendix.

     0 Add subsections as needed.

     If you need  additional  information relating to the RMP  program or
the  attached  schedule of events,  please  contact  the  Radon  Technical
Information  Service  (300-334-3571,  ext.  7131)  at Research  Triangle
Institute.                •                 ,       !

                                    Sincerely,
                                    H.  Michael  Mardis
                                    Quality Assurance Officer
                                    Environmental  Studies and
                                    Statistics  Branch (ANR-461)
                                    Office of Radiation Programs

Attachment


                                 26

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QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN GUIOELNES
     QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN:
 (PROJECT TITLE AND LABORATORY)
            (Authors)

     (Author's Organization)
    (Organi zation's Address)
          Prepared for
               rn
        (Month and Year)
              27

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                                                 Section 1.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10, 1985
                                                 Page 1 of 1
                1.0  ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

     [This section should include a figure or chart showing the project
organization and line of authority.  In particular, the relationship of
the Quality Assurance Officer to Laboratory Management should be illus-
trated.  (It is highly desirable that the QA Officer be organizational-
ly independent of the project so  that  the  risk  of conflict of interest
may be minimized.)   In addition  to  the QA  Officer, all  key individuals
who are responsible  for  analyses,  data assessment, and  project manage-
ment should be presented.]
                                 28

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                                                 Section  2.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10,  1985
                                                 Page 1  of 1
                       2.0  SAMPLING PROCEDURES


     [This  section  should  reference EPA,  "Interim Indoor  Radon  and
Radon  Decay Product Measurement  Protocols".    The detector  placement
will be method specific.]
                                 29

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                                                 Section 3.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10, 1985
                                                 Page 1 of 1
                 3.0  DETECTOR CUSTODY (Traceabililty)


     [This section should discuss the  procedures  needed  to:   (1)  track

detector  placement  and  delivered 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,  the  following

information should be provided:

       The nane and duties  of  the detector custodian  (or other respon-
       sible individuals) who signs for incoming field samples and ver-
       ifies the entry  of pertinent information  into  the detector cus-
       tody records.

     0 The data  tracking information  required  to  be  entered on  the
       Laboratory's detector custody and lab-tracking forms.


     Examples of  detector custody  forms used  in  the  Laboratory should

be included in this section.]
                                30

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                                                 Section 4.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10, 1985
                                                 Page 1 of 1
                      4.0  ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES

4.1  Analytical Equipment and Procedures
     [All analytical equipment  used  in  the  program should be listed in
this   section,   and  all   analytical/reading  procedures   should   be
described.]

4.2  Calibration Procedures and Frequencies
     [All calibration procedures, and the frequency at which these pro-
cedures are performed, 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  non-critical  measurements,  i.e.
barometric pressure].

4.3  Internal Quality Control
          v
     [All internal quality control checks associated with critical mea-
surements should be discussed or  referenced.   The QC  checks  to be dis-
cussed could include the following samples:
                 0 Replicates (how many?  frequency?)
                 8 Blanks
                   Internal  standards/check sources
                 ' Control charts
                                 31

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                                                 Section 5.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10,  1985
                                                 Page 1  of 1
            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.   This
       may include all  equations  used  to calculate concentrations  and
       other parameters of interest.

       The methods used to identify and treat anomalous data

       The key individuals who  will handle data and be responsible  for
       its integrity in the final  report.]
                                 32

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                                                 Section  6.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10,  1985
                                                 Page 1 of 1
                        6.0  CORRECTIVE ACTION


     [Corrective action procedures  should  be specified, including  the
following:

       The predetermined  limits  for data acceptability, beyond  which
       corrective action is required.

       The corrective action to be taken.

     '  The individual responsible for initiating  and  approving  the cor-
       rective actions.]
                                33

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                                                 Section 7.0
                                                 Revision 0
                                                 December 10, 1985
                                                 Page 1 of 1
             7.0  QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
     [This section should present  a mechanism  for the periodic report-
ing  to  Management on internal/external  audit  results, QC  checks,  and
data quality.  As a minimum these reports should include:
     0 The periodic assessment of measurement data accuracy, precision,
       and completeness, i.e, inter comparisons and calibrations.
     0 The results of internal/external audits.
       All significant QA/QC problems, and recommended solutions.]
                                 34

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        RADON/RADON PROGENY ANALYTICAL PROFICIENCY (RAP) REPORT



                    *EPA   LETTERHEAD


                                    Date
Laboratory
Address
Dear Participant:

     Enclosed are the results of the Office of Radiation Program's June
	,      . Radon/Radon Progeny Intercomparison Study.   Your  laboratory
code is	.

     Data which  are  consistently higher or lower than  the known  value
or outside the control  limits may  indicate  analytical  problems.   It is
suggested  that  the  suspect  instrument  and  procedure  be checked  for
bias.

     Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not
hesitate  to contact  the Radon Technical Information  Service  (800-334-
8571,  ext.  7131)  at Research  Triangle Institute,  Research /Triangle
Park, NC.

                                    Sincerely,
                                    H. Michael  Mardis
                                    Quality Assurance Officer
                                    Environmental  Studies and
                                    Statistics  Branch (ANR-461)
                                    Office of Radiation Programs
Enclosure
                                 35

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               ORP RADON/RADON PROGENY INTERCOMPARISON STUDY


June 7, 1986


                                        Known-value =
Expected Laboratory precision (IS, 1 determination) =


     Detector          Experimental  Rng Anly           Normalized  deviation
Lab    No.     Result     Sigma      (R + SR)  Average  (grand-avg)  (known)
AAAA   xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx

AAAB   xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx

AAAC   xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx

AZZZ   xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx
       xxxx
Experimental sigma (all labs) = Grand average =
 * = Determined to be an outlier, not used in calculations.
** = Less than 4 valid determinations not used in calculations.
                                  36

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RADON/RADON PROGENY CUMULATIVE PROFICIENCY REPORT

  (This publication valid through	)
             EPA Analysis Round
                   Prepared by
           Research Triangle Institute
                 P.O. Box 12194
        Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
                  Prepared for
          Office of Radiation Programs
      U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
              Washington, DC  20460
                  January 1986
                      37

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                             INTRODUCTION

     Recent public  concern  with health effects related  to  exposure to
radon  has  greatly increased the  demand  for laboratories  qualified to
measure  radon and/or  radon progeny  in  indoor  air.    In  response to
request  for assistance from States, the U.S.  Environmental Protection
Agency's  Office  of  Radiation  Programs  has developed  the  Radon/Radon
Progeny Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program in which laboratories are
invited to voluntarily demonstrate their proficiency at measuring radon
and/or radon  progeny levels.  The main benefits of the program are  two-
fold:

     1.  Laboratories  are offered an opportunity to improve their qual-
         ity  assurance  program  by  attempting  to  correctly  measure
         established levels of radon and/or radon progeny and by inter-
         comparison with other laboratories.
     2.  This report is available to Federal and State agencies and the
         public for  use  in  selecting  which laboratory to use for radon
         and/or radon  progeny measurements.

     The RMP  Program is  not designated for laboratory acreditation and
does  not certify, recommend,  or  endorse  participating laboratories.
The list of program participants is provided by EPA only as a source of
analytical  laboratories  with demonstrated  radon  and/or  radon  progeny
measurement capabilities (Table 1).
     The  laboratories  listed  in this  publication  are  current partici-
pants  in the  RMP program  and  are  listed  with  descriptors of their  per-
formance for  this and  up  to three previous rounds.   Laboratory perfor-
mance  was  assessed  on the  basis  of screening  and  conformation levels
designated  respectively  as Levels  1   and  2.   Laboratories  failing to
meet minimum  proficiency requirements  for a second  consecutive round
will be removed from this list.  The following is a list of descriptors
used to  indicate each  laboratory's performance.
                                 38

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Descriptor          Explanation
    LI              Level  1  - Met  minimum screening  requirements  for
                    participating successfully  (analysis  within 25% of
                    actual detector exposure levels).

   *L2              Level 2 - Analysis  proficiency  desirable for reme-
                    dial action programs (analyses within  ?% of actual
                    detector exposure levels).
                    Provisional  -  Failed  to  meet  minimum  proficiency
                    performance requirements
    DT              Oector damaged or lost through no fault of the par-
                    ticipant.
*Level 2  descriptors will  not be  listed  for measurement  proficiency
 Rounds 1 and 2.
     Although the minimum  criterion for participating in  the  RMP  pro-
gram is  lenient,  it recognizes the basic  concern  of the  public  - the
ability  to  determine the  presence or  absence  of  potentially harmful
levels of radon  and/or  radon progeny.   Descriptors  indicating labora-
tory performance  are measurement  method (detector)  specific  and  only
indicate that  laboratory's ability to  perform  measurements  with  that
detector.  For laboratories participating in the program with more than
one type of  detector there is a separate  performance  listing  ,'for each
measurement method entered.
     EPA has requested, but  not  required,  that  participating  ^aborato-
ries submit  for  review  a copy of  their quality assurance plan.   An X
under  the  column headed  "Quality Assurance  Plan"  indicates  that the
laboratory has submitted a plan  and it  has been reviewed  by EPA staff
and considered adequate.
     Participants  in the  RMP program   are  listed   alphabetically  and
grouped according to EPA Regions as shown in Figure 1.
                                39

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     Regional Organizations
0.
            Figure 1.
              40

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                    TABLE 1
            REGION
N 0.
This listing valid to (Date of next Publication)
Laboratory
Laboratory Name
Addresss

Phone No.
Laboratory Name
Address

Phone No.
Date of
Round
(mo.,
yr.)
3/86
6/86
9/86
1/87
3/86
6/86
9/86
1/87
Radon Measurement
Detectors
Alpha
Track
LI
L2
12
12




Charcoal
Canister




12
12
LI
12
Working Level
Measurement
Detector
Grab Sample
Radon








Working
Level








RPISU








CWLM








Quality
Assurance
Plan
X



X



                  41

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Melinda's Protocols will be placed here.
                  42

-------