RADON 1/ 60 © Copyright Training 4 Today 2000 Publsihed by Envirowin Software LLC WELCOME RADON CUSTOMIZED ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING

RADON 1/ 60 © Copyright Training 4 Today 2000 Publsihed by Envirowin Software LLC

WELCOME

RADON

CUSTOMIZED ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING


INSTRUCTOR

Insert Instructor Name Here


Define Radon

Discuss How Radon Causes Cancer.

Discuss How Radon Enters Buildings.

Discuss Radon Testing.

Discuss Use of Contractors.

Discuss Radon Mitigation Techniques.

Discuss Radon Records.

Discuss Radon in Water.

OBJECTIVES


Understand Where Radon Comes From.

Understand The Dangers of Radon.

Understand the Need to Test For Radon.

Understand How to Hire a Contractor.

Understand the Different Radon Mitigation Strategies.

Understand the Records to Maintain.

Be Familiar With the Problem of Radon in Water.

GOALS


BACKGROUND

EPA estimates there are 14,000 to 30,000 deaths every year attributed to lung cancer caused by radon inhalation.

Dangerous levels of radon gas are found in 1 out of 15 homes in the United States.

Elevated levels of radon gas are found in 1 out of 5 homes in the United States.

Radon induced lung cancer costs over $2 Billion dollars per year in both direct and indirect health care costs.

Radon can also be found in water supplies.


Supervisors

Facility Engineers

Maintenance Personnel

Department Managers

Building Occupants

Process Specialists

Environmental and Safety Committees

LEARNERS


The goal of this course is to provide supervisors with the tools needed to help recognize the problem of indoor radon. It recommends practical, actions that can be carried out by facility management, maintenance personnel and building occupants. The course will help you to integrate good radon testing and mitigation activities into your existing organization and identify which of your staff have the necessary skills to carry out those activities.

OVERVIEW


WHAT THIS COURSE DOES NOT DO

The course is not intended to provide information to test or mitigate radon. These specialties required training beyond the intended scope of this course. Where this expertise is needed, outside assistance should be solicited.


INDOOR RADON ABATEMENT ACT

The Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988

Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)


FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Pertinent Regulations:

40 CFR 190 – Radon Proficiency Programs. 40 CFT Parts 141 and 142

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations; Radon-222; Proposed Rule.

29 CFR 1910.1096 – Definition of an Airborne Radioactivity Area.


INTRODUCTION

Environmental Risk Comparisons

Annual Cancer Deaths

Pesticide Applications 100

Hazardous Waste Sites 1,100

Toxic Outdoor Pollutants 2,000

Pesticide Residues on Food 6,000

RADON 14,000


WHAT IS RADON?

Radon-222 is a radioactive gas released during the natural decay of thorium and uranium. Naturally occurring in rock and soil. Odorless, invisible, and without taste, radon cannot be detected with the human senses. Radon-222 decays into radioactive elements, two of which -- polonium-218 and polonium-214 -- emit alpha particles, which are highly effective in damaging lung tissues.


HOW RADON CAUSES CANCER

If inhaled, radon decay products (polonium-218 and polonium-214, solid form), unattached or attached to the surface of aerosols, dusts, and smoke particles, become deeply lodged or trapped in the lungs, where they can radiate and penetrate the cells of mucous membranes, bronchi, and other pulmonary tissues. The ionizing radiation energy affecting the bronchial epithelial cells is believed to initiate the process of cancer causing process.


HOW RADON CAUSES CANCER


SOURCES OF RADON

Outdoors radon poses significantly less risk than indoors. Indoors radon can accumulate to significant levels. The magnitude of radon concentration indoors depends primarily on a building's construction and the amount of radon in the underlying soil. Radon gas can enter a buildings from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pumps, construction joints, and tiny cracks or pores in hollow-block walls. Radon levels are generally highest in basements and ground floor rooms that are in contact with the soil. Well water is another source of radon.


RESULTS OF STATE SURVEYS OF ACTUAL INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATIONS


HOW IS RADON MEASURED?

Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. The U.S. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that buildings with radon levels 4 pCi/L, or greater, be fixed. It should be remembered that radon is a radioactive gas.


WHAT WORKPLACES ARE MOST AFFECTED?

WHAT WORKPLACES ARE AFFECTED? The level of ventilation in the workplace is an important indicator. Radon levels are generally low in workshops and other well ventilated workplaces. Problems have been found in more confined workplaces such as shops, offices and public buildings where rates of ventilation are relatively low. Building construction is an important indicator because radon is often drawn into the building through cracks in floors, gaps around pipes, cables, drains etc. High radon levels are most severe in cellars and basements.


HOW RADON ENTERS A BUILDING

A. Cracked slab

B. Spaces between bricks

C. Pores in concrete blocks

D. Floor-wall joints

E. Exposed soil

F. Weeping drain tile

G. Mortar joints

H. Loose fitting pipe

I. Open tops of block walls

J. Building materials (rock)

K. Well water


RADON TESTING

Professional radon testing services can cost as high as $300. Home radon test kits can cost as little as $10 per kit. Two types of methods to detect radon.

– Radon Gas Measurement Methods: Detect the amount of radon gas build-up.

– Radon Decay Measurement Methods. These look at the source material and measure how much radioactive decay has taken place.

The most accurate and reliable radon measurements are those that continuously monitor radon. Make sure tests “Meet EPA Requirements.”


RADON GAS MEASUREMENT METHODS

1. AC - Activated Charcoal Adsorption Uses an airtight container with activated charcoal that is opened in the area to be sampled and radon in the air adsorbs onto the charcoal granules. At the end of the sampling period, the container is sealed and may be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The gamma decay from the radon adsorbed to the charcoal is counted Charcoal adsorption detectors, depending on design, are deployed from 2 to 7 days. Use of a diffusion barrier over the charcoal reduces the effects of drafts and high humidity.



2. AT - Alpha Track Detection (filtered) The detector is a small piece of special plastic or film inside a small container. Air being tested diffuses through a filter covering a hole in the container. When alpha particles from radon and its decay products strike the detector, they cause damage tracks. At the end of the test the container is sealed and returned to a laboratory for reading. Exposure of alpha track detectors is usually 3 to 12 months, but because they are true integrating devices, alpha track detectors may be exposed for shorter lengths of time when they are measuring higher radon concentrations.



3. UT - Unfiltered Track Detection The unfiltered alpha track detector operates on the same principle as the alpha track detector, except that there is no filter present to remove radon decay products and other alpha particle emitters. EPA currently recommends that these devices not be used when the equilibrium fraction is less than 0.35 or greater than 0.60 without adjusting the calibration factor.



4. LS - Charcoal Liquid Scintillation This method employs a small vial containing activated charcoal for sampling the radon. After an exposure period of 2 to 7 days (depending on design) the vial is sealed and returned to a laboratory for analysis. Analysis is accomplished by treating the charcoal with a scintillation fluid, then analyzing the fluid using a scintillation counter. The radon concentration of the sample site is determined by converting from counts per minute.



5. CR - Continuous Radon Monitoring This method category includes those devices that record real-time continuous measurements of radon gas. Air is either pumped or diffuses into a counting chamber. The counting chamber is typically a scintillation cell or ionization chamber. Scintillation counts are processed by electronics, and radon concentrations for predetermined intervals are stored in the instrument's memory or transmitted directly to a printer.



6. EL - Electret Ion Chamber: Long-Term For this method, an electrostatically charged disk detector (electret) is situated within a small container (ion chamber). During the measurement period, radon diffuses through a filter-covered opening in the chamber, where the ionization resulting from the decay of radon and its progeny reduces the voltage on the electret. EL detectors may be deployed for 1 to 12 months. Since the electret-ion chambers are true integrating detectors, the EL type can be exposed at shorter intervals if radon levels are sufficiently high.



7. ES - Electret Ion Chamber: Short-Term An electrostatically charged disk detector (electret) is situated within a small container (ion chamber). During the measurement period, radon diffuses through a filter-covered opening in the chamber, where the ionization resulting from the decay of radon and its progeny reduces the voltage on the electret. ES detectors may be deployed for 2 to 7 days. Since electret-ion chambers are true integrating detectors, the ES type can be exposed at longer intervals if radon levels are sufficiently low.



8. GC - Grab Radon/Activated Charcoal Requires a skilled technician to sample radon by using a pump or a fan to draw air through a cartridge filled with activated charcoal. Sampling takes from 15 minutes to 1 hour. After sampling, the cartridge is placed in a sealed container and taken to a laboratory where analysis is approximately the same as for the AC or LS methods.



9. GB - Grab Radon/Pump-Collapsible Bag Uses a sample bag made of material impervious to radon. At the sample site, a skilled technician using a portable pump fills the bag with air, then transports it to the laboratory for analysis. Usually, the analysis method is to transfer air from the bag to a scintillation cell and perform analysis in the manner described for the grab radon/scintillation cell (GS) on the next slide.



10. GS - Grab Radon/Scintillation Cell A skilled operator draws air through a filter to remove radon decay products into a scintillation cell To analyze the air sample, the window end of the cell is placed on a photomultiplier tube to count the scintillations (light pulses) produced when alpha particles from radon decay strike the zinc sulfide coating on the inside of the cell. A calculation is made to convert the counts to radon concentrations. This test takes less than an hour to complete.



11. SC - Three-Day Integrating Evacuated Scintillation Cell A scintillation cell is fitted with a restrictor valve and a negative pressure gauge. Prior to deployment, the scintillation cell is evacuated. At the sample site, a skilled technician notes negative pressure reading and opens the valve. The flow through the valve is slow enough that it takes more than the 3-day sample period to fill the cell. At the end of the sample period, the technician closes the valve, notes the negative pressure gauge reading, and returns with the cell to the laboratory. Analysis procedures are approximately the same as for the GS method described above.



12. PB - Pump-Collapsible Bag (1-day) A sample bag impervious to radon is filled over a

24-hour period. This is usually accomplished by a pump programmed to pump small amounts of air at predetermined intervals during the sampling period. After sampling, analysis procedures are similar to those for the GB method.


RADON DECAY PRODUCT MEASUREMENT METHODS

13. CW - Continuous Working Level Monitoring This method encompasses those devices that record real-time continuous measurement of radon decay products. Radon decay products are sampled by continuously pumping air through a filter. A detector such as a diffused-junction or surface-barrier detector counts the alpha particles produced by radon decay products as they decay on this filter. The monitor typically contains a microprocessor that stores the number of counts for predetermined time intervals for later recall. Measurement time for the program measurement test is approximately 24 hours.



14. GW - Grab Working Level For this method, a known volume of air is pulled through a filter, collecting the radon decay products onto the filter. Sampling time usually is 5 minutes. The decay products are counted using an alpha detector. Counting must be done with precise timing after the filter sample is taken. The two counting procedures most commonly used are the Kusnitz and the Tsivoglou methods.



15. RP - Radon Progeny (Decay Product) Integrating Sampling Unit For this method, a low-flow air pump pulls air continuously through a filter. Depending on the detector used, the radiation emitted by the decay products trapped on the filter is registered on two thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), an alpha track detector, or an electret. Devices require access to a household electrical supply, but do not require a skilled operator. The sampling period should be at least 72 hours. After sampling, the detector assembly is shipped to a laboratory where analysis is performed.


HIRING A CONTRACTOR

EPA recommends that you have a qualified contractor fix your building because lowering high radon levels requires specific technical knowledge and special skills. Without the proper equipment or technical knowledge, you could actually increase your radon level or create other potential hazards. If you decide to do the work yourself, get information on appropriate training courses and copies of EPA's technical guidance documents from your state radon office.


HIRING A CONTRACTOR

Here are some questions to ask before a contractor prior to hire:1. Will the contractor provide references or photographs, as well as test results of 'before' and 'after' radon levels of past radon reduction work?2. Can the contractor explain what the work will involved? 3. Does the contractor charge a fee for any diagnostic tests? 4. Did the contractor inspect your home's structure before giving you an estimate?5. Did the contractor review the quality of your radon measurement results?


HIRING A CONTRACTOR

Do the contractor’s proposals and estimates include:1. Proof of liability insurance, bonded and licensed?2. Proof of state certification and/or RPP listing?3. Diagnostic testing prior to design and installation of a radon reduction system?4. Installation of a warning device to caution you if the radon reduction system is not working correctly? 5. Testing after installation to make sure the radon reduction system works well? 6. A guarantee to reduce radon levels to 4 pCi/L or below, and if so, for how long?


THE CONTRACT

Contracts should include the following information: 1. The total cost of the job2. The time needed to complete the work.3. The contractor will obtain necessary licenses and follow required building codes.4. A statement that the contractor carries liability insurance and is bonded. 5. A guarantee the contractor will be responsible for damage and clean-up after the job.6. Details of warranties, guarantees, or other optional features, including the acceptable resulting radon level.7. A declaration stating whether any warranties or guarantees are transferable if you sell the building.8. A description of what the owner is to do.


RADON MITIGATION STRATEGIES

EPA generally recommends methods which prevent the entry of radon. Reducing radon entry by: - Collecting it prior to entry into the building and discharging it to a safe location. - Modifying building pressure differentials or sealing entry points. Methods that reduce radon concentrations after entry by: - Dilution with increased ventilation. - Filtering radon from the air.


SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION

Reduces radon concentrations 80-99% Works best if air can move easily through the soil under the slab. Costs normally are under $3000 with an annual heat/air conditioning loss of $150-200.


SUMP/DRAIN-TILE DEPRESSURIZATION

Reduces radon levels by 90-99%. It works best if drain tiles form a complete loop around the building. Costs normally are under $2000 with an annual heat/air conditioning loss of $150-200.


BLOCK WALL DEPRESSURIZATION

Reduces radon 50-99%. Works only in buildings that have hollow block walls. Requires sealing of the openings. Costs $3000 with an annual loss of $150-300 for air conditioning/ heating.


SUB-SLAB PRESSURIZATION

Works best with tight basements isolated from outdoors and upper floors. Discourages entry of radon. Reduces radon by 50-99% Costs $500-1,500.


VENTILATION

Ventilation increases the fresh air make-up to a building and dilutes radon concentrations. It also reduces the negative pressure within a building, thereby decreasing the radon entry. Negative pressures build up by a tightly sealed house running its heating and air conditioning system.


VENTILATION

There are various ventilation approaches such as: Isolating and ventilating substructures such as crawl spaces.Passively adding fresh air make-up to working spaces. Actively adding fresh air make-up to a working space while removing interior air with some means of heat recovery.

It should be noted that during ventilation methods, there is significant heat and air conditioning air loss resulting in higher utility bills.


CHARCOAL ADSORPTION FOR LOW LEVELS OF RADON


HEPA FILTRATION OF RADON DECAY PRODUCTS

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters screen the finest particles out. Many Radon Decay Products (RDPs) plate out on the surface of the filter. HEPA filters screen out other air contaminants. HEPA filters must be placed in many rooms or in the central air conditioning system. Use of a HEPA filtration system of Radon Decay Products still requires radon test monitoring.


ELECTROSTATIC AIR CLEANERS

Electrostatic air cleaners remove dust particles that have Radon Decay Products attached. These cleaners do not effect the radon. As dust particles are removed from the air, the unattached fraction of RDPs can increase in the room. These cleaners remove other air contaminants and like the HEPA filter they must be placed in every room or in a central air conditioner. Electrostatic air cleaners must have a radon testing device to measure their effectiveness.


OTHER TECHNIQUES

Sealing Cracks Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. Sealing does two things, it limits the flow of radon into the building and reduces the loss of conditioned air. EPA does not recommend the use of sealing alone to reduce radon Pressurization Pressurization uses a fan to blow air into the basement or work area from either upstairs or outdoors. It creates enough pressure at the lowest level indoors to prevent radon from entering into the building.


OTHER TECHNIQUES

Heat Recovery Ventilator Heat recovery ventilators (HRV), also called an air-to-air heat exchangers, can be installed to increase ventilation. An HRV will increase building ventilation while using the heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air. HRVs also can improve air quality in buildings that have other indoor pollutants. There could be significant increase in the heating and cooling costs with an HRV, but not as great as ventilation without heat recovery.


RECORDS TO KEEP

EPA recommends that radon mitigation contractors keep records of all radon mitigation work performed and maintain those records for 3 years or for the period of any warranty or guarantee, whichever is longer. These records should include:

1.The Building Investigation Summary and floor plan sketch.

2. Pre- and post-mitigation radon test data.

3. Pre- and post-mitigation diagnostic test data.

4. Copies of contracts and warranties.

5. A narrative or pictorial description of mitigation system(s) installed.


UPON COMPLETION OF A PROJECT

Upon completion of the mitigation project, contractors shall provide clients the following information:

1. Any building permits required by local codes.

2. Copies of the Building Investigation Summary and floor plan sketch.

3. Pre-and post-mitigation radon test data.

4. Copies of contracts and warranties.

5. A description of the mitigation system installed and its basic operating principles.


RADON IN WATER

Radon is able to dissolve in water. The radon gas later escapes from the water and goes into the air, raising the room’s radon content. Each year, 183 people die from exposure to radon in drinking water. The primary health risks from radon in drinking water are lung cancer, from inhaling radon discharged from water used in the home.


RADON IN WATER

There is currently no federally-enforced drinking water standard for radon. EPA is proposing to regulate radon in drinking water from community water suppliers. EPA does not regulate private wells. EPA is proposing to require community water suppliers to provide water with radon levels no higher than 4,000 pCi/L, which contributes about 0.4 pCi/L of radon to the air in your building.


RADON IN WATER

If you have tested the air in your building and found a radon problem, you may also want to find out whether your water is a concern. If you get water from a public water system: Find out whether your water system gets its water from a surface or a ground water source. If you have a private well: EPA recommends testing your drinking water for radon. Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or the Radon Hotline (1-800-SOS-RADON) for more information.


RADON IN WATER

Radon can be removed from water by using one of two methods: aeration treatment or granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment. Aeration treatment involves spraying water or mixing it with air, and then venting the air from the water before use. Aeration is more efficient than GAC. GAC treatment filters water through carbon. Radon attaches to the carbon and leaves the water free of radon. Some building owners opt for a service contract from the installer to provide for carbon replacement and general system maintenance.


Remember, You Control Your Facility or Area!

Review Procedures With Them Before Starting the

Job!

Ensure They Are Properly Trained!

Determine Their Environmental Compliance Record!

Determine Who Is in Charge of Their People!

Determine How They Will Affect Your Facility’s

Environmental Compliance!

TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS


ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL RADON PROGRAM

1. TEST INDOORS FOR RADON.

2. USE A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR FOR TESTING AND

MITIGATION.

3. MAINTAIN ANY RADON MITIGATION EQUIPMENT.

4. PERIODIC FOLLOW-UP


THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

“I would ask all of us to remember that protecting our environment is about protecting where we live and how we live. Let us join together to protect our health, our economy, and our communities -- so all of us and our children and our grandchildren can enjoy a healthy and a prosperous life.”

Carol Browner Former EPA Administrator

Documents

RADON 1/ 60 © Copyright Training 4 Today 2000 Publsihed by Envirowin Software LLC WELCOME RADON CUSTOMIZED ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING