pybarra

Scott, Had many call here in the Chicago area. I had two on Friday that were in a Downtown Chicago high rise. Told these people to get a test kit at Lowes if they were concerned. I have asked other people calling if they have ever tested their home for radon and most have not. Been telling the people we could test their homes for radon to see the true reading for radon in their home. We would test areas as required in Illinois and also place a test in the room/rooms where they have concern with the building products (granite). We do not place our tests on the granite slabs it is at least 3 feet away. This test is only for radon (alphas) . We do not test for any gamma radiation... I have not seen a protocol to test granite for radon outside a lab. In September Dr. Mike Kieto of the NY Health Department is presenting his granite slab study findings at the AARST National convention in Las Vegas. This will be interesting.

Thanks Darren, NJ has a strong radon program and thanks for pointing out the uniqueness of their program. In my post I will agree with you that not all states follow every aspect of this protocol. But there is a protocol that is followed. Regards. While not every state has different requirements, some do. So, with that being said, the above statement is false. Here in New Jersey, you are allowed to use a single canister for testing. What's more, a continuous monitor only has to be deployed for 24 hours, not 48. I have had this argument many, many times. I know what my state requirements are, so please don't say I'm wrong or the requirements are wrong/bad. It is what it is, and I follow those requirements (actually, I exceed the requirement, I only do a 24 hour test if there is a time limit, even then I will do a duplicate test). So, just check your states laws and requirements before testing; it will keep you out of trouble.

Maryland may not have requirements to have a person certified or licensed BUT any person performing testing needs to follow protocol to provide the best service to their clients and have documentation that can be legally defensible. EPA protocol has long been the standard in this industry and many states; national certification and tribal areas have taken this into account and have used this as input for their requirements. Of course since Maryland is not regulated testing can be conducted as desired? Yea, I think not. There is the right way to do testing and the wrong way. Advice: Challenge this NEHA person that is attempting to herd you as a new student. If he thinks 2 feet and 4 inches are the same. Or run fast and find a new trainer. I also encourage you to review the EPA documentation to find out first hand (see EPA doc in earlier post of mine). Another idea is to call Rad ELec (maker of EPERMS IF that is what you are using), Air Check or Accustar and ask them the protocol for real estate transactions using passive devices. Also, if the instructor is so confident tell him to join the thread...ops he is reading... That's it ... we can lead a horse to water but we can't make them drink.

During a real estate tranactions you test either with active or passive devices. Continious Radon Monitors (CR or CRM) are active devices you only need one unless doing QA. Passive devices include carbon devices (AC,LS ...) and Electret Ion Chambers (ES or EL) and you ALWAYS use two devices for Real estate transactions. If you follow EPA protocol now administered by NEHA-NRPP and NRSB or a state regulated protocol you use two passive devices 4/5 inches apart. This is the most important protocol that will keep you out of hot water if someone challenges the results. John, Where did you get your devices? Rad Elec (EPERMS) ? AHIS: Please review the following or OR call IEMA to explain it to you... TITLE 32: ENERGY CHAPTER II: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SUBCHAPTER b: RADIATION PROTECTION PART 422 LICENSING OF RADON DETECTION AND MITIGATION SERVICES SECTION 422.130 MEASUREMENT PROTOCOL

The e-perm is an Electret Ion chamber not a carbon canister. "option 2: Simultaneous Testing" is an option used with carbon canister and does not apply in this case.

"They were hung in the center of the basement from the main girder. They were hung half way between the ceiling and floor and they were about two feet apart from each other. The deployment duration was 48 hours." Below is a portion of an EPA document. Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes (EPA 402-R-92-003, May 1993), is a guidance document. 3.2.2 Option 2: Simultaneous Testing ... The collocated devices should be placed four inches (10 centimeters) apart. Appears to be an invalid test if you placed the EPREM's 2 feet apart. I hope you are NEHA-NRPP , NRSB or state certified.