The Commonwealth of Virginia requires certification for any individual performing Radon testing, analysis, or mitigation. This requirement does not apply to the homeowner running a test in his or her own home. A builder testing his or her own construction projects is not required to be certified or have ANY KNOWLEDGE of Radon, testing, or mitigation.
If you have anyone perform a Radon test or install a mitigation system for you, ASK TO SEE THEIR CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATE. If they hold a current certification, they will have a card issued by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) even if they work for a company. The INDIVIDUAL is certified, not a company. There are people in the home inspection and environmental services industries who just want to make a buck and don't care about following regulations, rules, drirections, or laws. They aren't too worried about how that may effect you either.
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
Advantages of Electret Ion Chambers: · Can be used for short and long term radon measurements.
· Electret can be re-used until voltage drops below
the operation voltage for the device used -200 volts.
Disadvantages of Electret Ion Chambers: · Sensitive to external gamma radiation, which should
be corrected for.
· Sensitive to altitude changes, which should be
corrected for.
· Electret can be damaged by touching the surface,
surface contamination, or impact.
· Pre/post voltages must be measured at the same
temperatures.
· Does not provide indication of changes in radon
concentration during the measurement period.
Advantages of Liquid Scintillation: · Convenient and economical.
· Unobtrusive and makes no noise.
· Requires no power.
· Can be obtained through the mail.
· Methodology can be used to measure radon in water.
Disadvantages of Liquid Scintillation: · Limited to short term sampling
· Biased towards later periods of exposure
· Does not provide indication of changes in radon
concentration during the measurement period.
Advantages of Activated Charcoal Device: · Convenient and economical.
· Can be used for a 48 hour test.
· Unobtrusive and makes no noise.
· Requires no power.
· Can be obtained through the mail.
Disadvantages of an Activated Charcoal Device: · Limited to short term sampling.
· Biased towards later periods of exposure.
· No printout available for the sampling period.
· Must wait on test results from laboratory.
· Does not provide an indication of changes in radon
concentration during the measurement period.
Advantages of Continuous Radon Monitors: · 48 hour reading display.
· Relatively good precision.
· Can track hourly variations.
· Can be down loaded or printed on site.
· Can indicate when tampering or ventilation occurs.
Disadvantages of Continuous Radon Monitors: · Equipment is costly.
· Requires trained and licensed operator.
CONTINUOUS RADON MONITOR
LIQUID SCINTILLATION
ELECTRET ION CHAMBER
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Virginia Inspection Service uses Sun Nuclear Model 1027 continuous monitors to measure Radon levels in homes. These devices are approved by the NEHA National Radon Proficiency Program. The devices are returned to the factory annually for calibration as required to maintain our certification.
Please call Virginia Inspection Service. LLC to answer any questions you may have about Radon, how it can effect you and your family, and how you can reduce a high level concentration.
A standard short term test runs from 2 to 90 days. The 48-hour short-term radon test was developed by the EPA specifically to meet the needs of the Real Estate industry. It provides a "snap-shot" of the Radon levels during a relatively brief period of time and provides the buyer the opportunity to have a possible risk situation remedied prior to closing or moving into the home.
SHORT-TERM RADON TEST CONDITIONS
A short-term Radon test requires maintaining Closed House Conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period.
CLOSED HOUSE CONDITIONS
Closed-house conditions means keeping all windows closed and keeping doors closed except for normal entry and exit. Please don't hold doors open.
Do not operate fans or other machines which bring in air from outside including an Heat Recovering Ventilation (ERV) system.
Fans that are part of an existing radon-reduction system may run during the test.
Small exhaust fans like bathroom or kitchen fans may be operated for only short periods of time.
Heating and Air Conditioning may be operated normally. Set circulation fan or operation mode to "Auto".
Window type air conditioners must be run in "recirculation" mode if used during the test period.
Please keep anyone or pets from touching the Radon detection device, stand, or power.
For example, assume a short-term Radon test is scheduled to be started tomorrow between 12:00 o'clock Noon and 2:00 o'clock P.M.
Today, before or around Noon,
Make sure all windows are closed and remain closed.
Make sure all doors are closed and remain closed except for normal entry and exit of the home.
If you have forced hot air heating running or central air conditioning running, make sure the fan control is set on "Auto".
If you have window or wall mounted air conditioners operating, set the controls to "Recirculate" (not to "Fresh Air").
If you have a whole-house fan, may sure it is OFF and stays off.
You may exit and enter the house as normal, just please keep the time the door is open to as short as possible.
A long-term test remains in your home for 91 days to a year and does not require closed house conditions. "Alpha track" and "electret" detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home's year-round average radon level than a short-term test. The EPA recommends that you fix your home if your long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or more.
