1. Radon Sampling

2. Radon Facts
radioactive gas formed in the ground from the decay of uranium
radon is the number one environmental hazard radon is found all over the planet
can build up to high concentrations in some buildings
gas drawn inside by small pressure differences
only way to know what the radon levels are is to measure

4. Radon Facts cancer of the lung is health hazard of radon
high levels of radon have been shown to give the lungs enough radiation increase the risk of lung cancer
radon is the number two cause of lung cancer in the world
typical house can be fixed in one day

5. Radon Sampling Two general ways to test for Radon SHORT-TERM TESTING
two days to 90 days
Charcoal canisters, alpha track, electret ion chamber, continuous monitors, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors are most common
radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season
short-term test is less likely than a long-term test to reveal year-round average radon level
short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used

6. Radon Sampling LONG-TERM TESTING more than 90 days
Alpha track and electret detectors are commonly used
Long-term test will give reading that is more likely to tell year-round average radon level

7. Radon Sampling EPA Recommends the Following Testing Steps
Take a short-term test. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher) take a follow-up test (Step 2) to be sure.
Follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test. For a better understanding of your year-round average radon level, take a long-term test. If you need results quickly, take a second short-term test. The higher your initial short-term test result, the more certain you can be that you should take a short-term rather than a long-term follow up test. If your first short-term test result is several times the action level - for example, about 10 pCi/L or higher - you should take a second short-term test immediately
If you followed up with a long-term test: Fix your home if your long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or more (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher). If you followed up with a seconds short-term test: The higher your short-term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is 4 pCi/L or higher (0.02 Working Levels [WL] or higher).

8. EPA Approved Radon Sampling
Continuous monitors
Scintillation cells
3-5 day integrating charcoal canisters
Alpha-track detectors
Grab-sample Scintillation cells
Passive Radon badges

9. References Cited http://www.remradon.com/ Accessed 05/02/01
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM®), 4th ed. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication (August, 1994), Cassinelli, M.E. & O'Connor, P.F. Eds.

10. Bibliography
DiNardi Salvatore R. (1998) The Occupational Environment-Its Evaluation and Control, AIHA, Fairfax, Virginia
Goetsch David L. (1999) Occupational Safety and Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey