Property of Aztec Home Services LLC

Property of Aztec Home Services LLC

5.0 Test Conditions 5.1 Long-Term Tests (those lasting more than 90 days) do not require closed-building conditions. Longterm tests should be conducted as close to a year as possible. It is recommended that the test period include multiple seasons. 5.2 Short-Term Tests conducted for two to 90 days require closed-building conditions. 5.2.1 Purpose of Closed-building Conditions: Closed-building conditions are required for short-term measurements to stabilize radon concentrations and entry rates and increase the reproducibility of the measurement. Without these controlled conditions, measurements can indicate higher or lower readings than are typically present. 5.2.2 Severe Weather: Short-term tests lasting less than four days should not be conducted during unusually severe storms, such as periods of unusually high winds or unusual precipitation. This Table (5.0-A ) provides information that would normally be provided to occupants (See Exhibits 1, 2 and 3.) Additional specifications are provided in Tables 5.0-B and 5.0-C 7

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Measurements In Multifamily Buildings (ANSI/AARST MAMF) in addition to, or as otherwise required by, local statutes. 2.1.6 Retesting: When tests indicate low concentrations, consider confirming low concentrations by repeating tests during different seasons to account for possible seasonal variations. In addition, radon concentrations should be retested at least every five years and when any of the following circumstances occur: ü A new addition is constructed or significant renovation occurs; ü A ground contact area not previously tested is occupied or a home is newly occupied; ü Heating or cooling systems are significantly altered resulting in changes to air pressures or distribution; ü Ventilation is significantly altered by extensive weatherization, changes to mechanical systems or comparable procedures; ü Significant openings to soil occur due to: - groundwater or slab surface water control systems (e.g. sumps, drain tiles, shower/tub retrofits, etc.) or, - natural settlement causing major cracks to develop; ü Earthquakes, construction blasting, or formation of sink holes nearby; or ü An installed mitigation system is altered or repaired. 2.2 Testing Devices 2.2.1 Approved Devices: Use test devices that are listed for meeting minimum requirements as set forth by local statutes or a federally recognized radon proficiency program (e.g. the National Radon Proficiency Program, or NRPP or the National Radon Safety Board, or NRSB) if your jurisdiction has no program for evaluating and approving devices. For additional information, contact the appropriate State Radon Office or other local authority. 2.2.2 Instructions: Use devices or detectors in compliance with device-specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. 2.2.2.1 Whenever placing two detectors side-by-side in the same location, place the detectors no less than 4 inches (10 cm) away from each other or as per manufacturer recommendations (see Table 4.3 for additional information) and not more than 8 inches (20 cm) from each other. 2 2.2.3 Test Device Types. For the purpose of this document: a) Passive Devices refers to those that do not provide hourly readings. b) Continuous Monitors are monitors that can integrate, record and produce reviewable readings in time increments of one hour. If a device is not capable of these functions or is not set to record readings each hour, it is functioning as a passive device and is not considered a continuous monitor under this protocol. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer when evaluating hourly readings. For continuous monitors, the first four hours of data may be discarded or incorporated into the result using system correction factors (EPA 402-R-92-004; EPA 1992). 3.0 TWO TESTING PROTOCOLS Two different radon testing strategies have long been considered satisfactory to determine the need for mitigation in two different circumstances. Both strategies recommend initial measurements made with short-term tests under closed-building conditions. A short-term test ensures that residents are alerted quickly if elevated concentrations of radon are present in the home. 3.1 Time-Sensitive Testing Protocol See Table 3.1 for approved options and guidance when conducting tests under the Time-Sensitive Testing Protocol. The Time-Sensitive Test protocol (corresponding to EPA s Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon) was developed specifically to accommodate the time-sensitive nature of home sales where mitigation decisions are needed quickly and to respond to the potential for test interference. 3.2 Extended Testing Protocol See Table 3.2 for approved options and guidance when conducting tests under the Extended Testing Protocol. The Extended Testing Protocol (corresponding to EPA s Citizen s Guide to Radon ) was developed for circumstances that do not have immediate time constraints. The recommended first step is a shortterm test that will determine the appropriate followup testing recommendation. Choices for follow-up test procedures depend upon the readings indicated by the initial test. Follow-up testing may be shortterm or long-term tests. When long-term tests are deployed, either as a follow-up test or initial test, the closer a long-term measurement is to 365 days, the more representative it will be of annual average radon concentrations.

Application of the Time-Sensitive Testing Protocol: This protocol is appropriate for real estate transactions and can be used for any other situation where quick decisions are needed. Note: Test durations longer than the common 2-7 days are also supported in the definition for short term testing Section 3.3 so long as closed conditions are maintained for all tests with durations of 90 days or less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

3.3 Detector Deployment Periods 3.3.1 Short-Term Testing: For short-term tests, detectors shall be deployed for two to 90 days under closed-building protocol conditions (see Section 5). 3.3.1.1 Deployment periods should optimally collect at least 48 hours of valid sampling time. Deployment periods shall not be less than 46 hours. In addition: a) If a short-term test is longer than 2 days, whenever practical it is recommended, but not required, to terminate the test nominally at 24-hour increments to reflect day to night fluctuations in radon concentrations within a dwelling. b) If closed-building conditions were not maintained for twelve hours prior to deployment: i) When using passive integrating or equilibrating devices, the test period shall be extended to four days or more after closed-building conditions are initiated. ii) When using continuous monitors, the test period shall be extended by 12 hours after closed-building conditions are initiated. The periodic results after removal of the first 12 hours of data shall be averaged to produce a result that is reported to the client and used to make mitigation decisions. iii) For professional services, see 7.3.2 for further description of the options available. 3.3.2 Long-Term Testing: Long-term detectors shall be deployed for greater than 90 days. It is recommended that they be deployed for a minimum of six months over different seasons (one of which is a heating season) or as close to a year as possible to reflect seasonal changes in radon concentrations and building operation. Long-term tests are more likely to represent annual exposures to radon in a home. Background: Long-term testing has been traditionally defined in the U.S. in a manner to help identify: a) a prudent time period for when closed-building conditions throughout the test are to be required (e.g. test durations lasting 90 days or less); and b) a prudent time period for when closed-building conditions would not be required so that a test might seek representation of yearlong exposures (e.g. test durations exceeding 90 days). Virtually all guidance documents observe that long-term tests should be conducted as close to a year as possible. Such guidance observes that, though longer test durations can reduce the influence of temporary fluctuations of radon entry on a test result, even a 90- day test can be influenced by temporary seasonal conditions. 4.0 CHOOSING A TEST LOCATION 4.1 Choosing A Floor Or Level Of A Home Note: Some local jurisdictions may have different or more extensive requirements or recommendations. 4.1.1 Time-sensitive Testing Protocol: Test the lowest level that could be occupied. This means the basement or the lowest level that is currently lived-in or which an occupant could use for living space. If the lowest level is not currently used but could serve as a playroom, office, work area, den or an additional bedroom at sometime in the future, conduct a test in this level. 4.1.2 Extended Testing Protocol: At a minimum, test in the lowest lived-in level of the home. Testing in the lowest level that could be occupied is recommended to ensure the safety of current and future occupants who may use these areas. 4.1.3 Additional Considerations. Additional test locations are recommended for: 4.1.3.1 large homes, where the footprint on the level of the home being tested is over 2,000 square feet. 4.1.3.2 homes with multiple heating and cooling systems where one test location may not be representative of radon concentrations in other locations. 4.1.3.3 homes with combination foundations where one test location may not be representative of radon concentrations in other areas of the home. An example of a combination foundation is a split-level dwelling with an occupiable basement, a slab-on-grade room, and a room over a crawl space. 4.1.4 Post-Mitigation: Conduct the test(s) in the same location(s) as the pre-mitigation test(s), consistent with the strategy options in Section 3.0. Also conduct a postmitigation test in the lowest livable area above any crawlspace that is structurally isolated from occupiable or tested rooms. It is recommended that additional measurements be conducted in the lowest livable area of each other unique structural area. 4.2 Choosing A Room: Conduct the test in rooms located in the lowest portion of the home being tested. (See 4.1.1 and 4.1.2). Choose rooms where detectors will not be influenced by other factors. (See Table 4.3.) It is recommended to choose a finished or occupied room when this choice exists. If rooms are not currently used but could serve as a den, playroom, office, work area or an additional bedroom at some time in the future, conduct a test in this location. 5

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6.0 Recommendations Based on Test Results The purpose of radon testing is to make a decision on whether to reduce radon concentrations in the home. The average year-round indoor radon concentration in the U.S. is estimated to be about 1.3 pci/l (48 Bq/m 3 ). The average outdoor concentration is estimated to be about 0.4 pci/l (15 Bq/m 3 ). In 1988, the U.S. Congress set a long-term goal of reducing indoor radon concentrations to outdoor concentrations. While it is not yet technologically achievable for all homes to have their radon concentrations reduced to outdoor concentrations, the radon concentrations in homes can often be reduced to about 2 pci/l (74 Bq/m 3 ) or below. As with any health threat from radioactivity, there is no safe level. U.S. health agencies recommend minimizing exposure. 6.1 The Action Level observed should, at a minimum, comply with guidance of the country, state or other local jurisdiction of authority where the test is being conducted. U.S. Action Level. The following Action Level descriptions reflect guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 4 pci/l (148 Bq/m 3 ) or greater - Fix the home. The higher the radon concentration, the more quickly action should be taken to reduce the concentrations. Below 4 pci/l (148 Bq/m 3 ) - Radon concentrations below 4 pci/l still pose a risk. Consider fixing the home if test results indicate radon concentrations between 2 and 4 pci/l (74 and 148 Bq/m 3 ) or greater than half the action level. Note that reducing and accurately confirming radon concentrations of about 2 pci/l or below may be difficult. For additional guidance, see Sections 2.1.6. 6.2 Special Consideration for Large Disagreement Between Two Simultaneous Duplicate or Collocated Test Results Some variation between the results of collocated detectors is typical. However, if the variation is unusually large, it may indicate problems in the measurement system which could adversely affect the test. One situation requires special attention: Where one test result is 4.0 pci/l (148 Bq/m 3 ) or greater and the test result of the collocated detector is less than 4.0 pci/l (148 Bq/m 3 ), if the higher result is twice or more the lower result, a repeat test is required. 6.3 Regions With Geologic Considerations (Karst): Certain local geologic and topographic characteristics have been correlated with the potential for unusual or sizable variations in indoor radon concentrations. If a foundation is connected to a sub-surface cavity system, which connects to radon-producing strata, large variations can occur. The most common examples are buildings found in limestone-rich areas where groundwater has eroded passages in the underlying rock (karst) or areas with faulting, which could allow radon to be easily transported. Confirming low test results by repeating tests during different seasons and weather conditions or with longterm testing is especially important for such regions. A State Radon Office, geological authority or other local authority may have information on local experiences with any unusual fluctuations in radon concentrations. 7.0 ADDITIONAL TEST PROTOCOLS FOR MEASUREMENT PROFESSIONALS 7.1 Selecting A Measurement Strategy 7.1.1 Home Sales: For tests conducted during a home sale, measurement professionals shall at a minimum use testing strategies outlined in Section 3.1 in addition to, or as required by local statutes where applicable. Strategies stipulated in Section 3.1 are currently reflective of those found in EPA s Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon. 7.1.2 Testing Not Associated With A Home Sale: Various test strategy options are provided in this standard for situations outside of a home sale. These include both extended options reflective of guidance in EPA s Citizen s Guide to Radon and additional options for time-sensitive situations. 7.1.3 Professional Guidance: Measurement professionals should consider their inherent fiduciary obligation to conduct test services in a manner that protects both the health and financial concerns of the client. By appropriately meeting that obligation, all associated and interested parties are also protected. 7.2 Prior Notification: 7.2.1 Determine whether the building is new, occupied, and who will be responsible for closed-building conditions prior to and during the measurement period. Failing to comply with required conditions often occurs when residents are not properly informed about the necessary test conditions. 7.2.2 Information about required test conditions should be clearly communicated to the person responsible for the home prior to the 12-hour closed-building requirement. In addition, written instructions shall be provided to include key elements required for compliance with closed-building protocols. (See Exhibit 1 for an example.) 10

7.3 Conducting The Test 7.3.1 Documentation The measurement professional shall take appropriate actions to notify occupants of the protocol required for the test process. Examples that are recommended include: 7.3.1.1 RADON TEST IN PROGRESS NOTICE : Upon initiation of a short-term test, post notifications of a Radon Test in Progress" in conspicuous locations stating required conditions of the test. (See Exhibit 3.) 7.3.1.2 Radon information: Provide documents or information for obtaining national guidance documents such as the USEPA Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, Citizen's Guide to Radon, or a comparable document from the state or local authority where the test is conducted. 7.3.1.3 Noninterference Agreement: Efforts should be made to obtain a signed noninterference agreement that lists the necessary test conditions and includes a statement that any test interference that is detected may be documented in the report and may nullify the test results. (See Exhibit 2 for an example.) 7.3.2 Test Condition Verification: The test should include methods to prevent or attempt to detect interference with testing conditions or the testing detector. The radon measurement professional or occupant should be able to verify or provide documentation asserting that testing conditions were not violated during the testing period. 7.3.2.1 To fulfill minimum requirements for verifying test conditions, measurement professionals shall: a) Inform the person responsible for building operation of the required test conditions. b) Request a signature on a noninterference agreement (and note in the report if this document was not signed). c) Post notification of a Radon Test in Progress in conspicuous locations stating the required conditions of the test. (See Exhibit 3.). d) Conduct a visual inspection of the dwelling upon detector placement to ensure all closed-building conditions are met. Required: If, at the initiation of the test, the radon measurement professional discovers or observes that pre-test closed-building conditions have not been maintained, one of the following options is required: i. The radon test can be postponed until at least 12 hours of closed-building conditions have been maintained prior to the test; or ii. The radon test period can be extended to 4 days or more with an appropriate detector after closedbuilding conditions are initiated; or iii. For continuous monitors, device features or other methods can be used to obtain an average reading that represents at least 48 hours of contiguous data collected after at least 12 hours of closed-building conditions have been maintained (e.g., a test may be run for 60 hours, the first 12 hours discarded and the last 48 hours averaged manually). e) Conduct a visual inspection of the dwelling upon retrieval of the detector to verify that: i. Closed-building conditions are still being maintained; ii. Detector placement has not changed; and iii. Tamper seals, if present, have not been broken. 7.3.2.2 The measurement professional is not responsible for inspecting for closed-building conditions 12 hours before the start of the test or between placement and retrieval of the detectors. 7.4 Test Devices, Quality Assurance and Proficiency 7.4.1 Test Devices: All equipment used for measuring radon shall meet requirements of Section 2.2.1 and be used in accordance with other provisions of Section 2.2. 7.4.2 QA Plans Required: Anyone providing radon measurement services shall establish and maintain a quality assurance program reflective of national guidance such as found in the EPA Guidance on Quality Assurance (402- R-95-012, October 1997). A quality assurance program includes written procedures for meeting quality assurance objectives and a system for recording and monitoring the results of the quality assurance measurements. See Appendix A for further guidance. 7.4.3 Qualified Measurement Professionals : For the purposes of this document, a Qualified Measurement Professional is defined as: An individual that has demonstrated a minimum degree of appropriate technical knowledge and skills specific to radon measurement in homes: a) as established in certification requirements of the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB); and/or b) as required by statute, state licensure or certification program, where applicable. 7.5 Test Reports: 7.5.1 Basic information that shall be included in reports: 7.5.1.1 The complete address of the building measured; 7.5.1.2 Name of the company, contact information, and identification of the measurement professional responsible for adherence to protocols to include: current certification ID numbers or equivalent state certification ID numbers as applicable; 7.5.1.3 The detector model or type, the detector serial number(s), and the name and identification number of the service or organization used to analyze detectors; 7.5.1.4 The beginning and ending dates and times of the exposure period and information on the detector locations such as a diagram, photo or verbal description; and 7.5.1.5 Radon Information Sources: 11