lesson 7: how do you conduct a notes

Measuring radon in residential properties How do you conduct a radon test?

Lesson 71

Notes Lesson 7: How do you conduct a radon test?

Lesson overview

This lesson describes the procedures for conducting a radon test.

Lesson objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learners will be able to: • Explain how to prepare residents for a radon test • Describe conditions necessary for radon test • Select a location for a device in a hypothetical situation • Describe methods to prevent and detect test interference

• Prepare residents for a shortterm test in a hypothetical scenario

• Summarize the process of conducting a radon test

We’ve talked about the devices and the strategies for radon testing in previous lessons.

See slide 71.

Now we’ll discuss the actual procedure for conducting a radon test. We’ll discuss 1. Preparing for a test 2. Preparing the residents 3. Conducting the test

See slide 72.

As in many other procedures, careful preparation is the first step. For a radon test, you’ll need to do the following: • Determine the timing the test • Determine the placement of the device • Consider how to prevent or detect interference with the test,

especially in connection with real estate transactions

See slide 73.

You’ll also need to prepare certain documents and your device. We’ll discuss these topics in the lesson on quality control.

See slide 74.


Lesson 72

Notes • We’ve already talked a little about timing of the test. As we

mentioned earlier, most shortterm tests must run at least 48 hours. However, some devices require a longer test period. Check the directions on your device carefully when you plan the test.

• Consider, too, the convenience of the owner or resident of the home. Especially in the case of a real estate transaction, the more considerate you are, the more likely the owner or resident will be to cooperate with the testing procedure and conditions. While you may not be able to change how long the test will run, you can try to arrange the period at a convenient time for the residents.

• Check weather predictions for the test period

See slide 75.

Earlier, we mentioned that extreme weather can affect radon concentrations in homes. For that reason, you should not test during extreme weather or when extreme weather is predicted within 48 hours.

Check local news stations for weather forecasts concerning extreme weather, including • Heavy rain storms • Hurricanes • Major snow storms • Periods with rapid barometric pressure changes • Periods of unusually high winds (greater than 30 mph)

See slide 76.

As we mentioned earlier, rain, snow, or freezing temperatures may act as a seal on the soil and prevent radon from moving into the outdoor air, thus raising indoor radon levels.

High winds (greater than 30 mph) can create greater differences in air pressure inside and outside the home. They can make radon concentrations more variable.

However, in some areas, such as the coast, high winds are normal. In those areas, you can test when the winds are at their usual (high) level.

See slide 77.


Lesson 73

Notes Finally, consider barometric pressure. Rapid changes in barometric pressure • May change the rate of radon entry • Create greater difference in air pressure inside and outside of

home

To determine whether barometric pressure might have affected the test, record the barometric pressure during the test period. If there are rapid changes, you may need to discard the results and repeat the test.

See slide 78. See Handout 71.

Now let’s consider the placement of the device.

You’ll need to determine the appropriate location: 1. Level in the home 2. Room on that level 3. Location within the room

See slide 79.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the general principle is to test at the lowest level suitable for occupancy. However, the recommended level on which to test depends in part on the purpose of the test: • During inspections that are not associated with real estate

transactions, place the device at the lowest level where people actually live. o For example, if the owners have an unfinished basement that

they use only for storage, test on the main floor. • During inspections associated with real estate transactions, place

the device at the lowest level where people could live without renovating the area. (Remember that a home should be retested after major renovations are made.) In fact, the buyers should discuss and agree on the location of the test based on the buyers’ expected use of the home. o For example, the sellers might have a finished basement that

they rarely use, but the buyers might intend to use the basement as a bedroom for their teenage son. You should therefore test in the basement.

See slide 710.

There is another factor to consider—foundation types.


Lesson 74

Notes If a house has more than one foundation type, test in or above each area. For example • If the home has a basement that is or could be a living space, test

in the basement • If the home has a crawl space, test in the room above the crawl

space • If the home has a room with a cement floor ("slabongrade"),

test in that room

If a home has more than one foundation type, test in or above each area and report the results separately for each area.

See slide 711.

A practical note:

Because a home inspector’s job is to identify potential issues for the home buyer, many home inspectors always test in the lowest level (basement), whether or not it is unfinished, whether or not it is an area where people could live without renovating. That way, the results show the potential buyer a worstcase scenario.

However, while the buyer and the inspector may agree to test a basement, there is no need to test in a threefoot crawl space.

See slide 712.

Once you determine which level to test, you must consider which room to test.

• Put the device in a room that is or will be used regularly, such as a bedroom, living room, family room, den, or playroom. o If there is a bedroom on the lower level, that location may be

best, because most people spend more time in their bedrooms than in any other room in the house.

o If there are children in the home, you might measure the radon concentration in their bedrooms or in other areas in the lowest levels of the home where the children spend a lot of time, such as a playroom or family room.

See slide 713.

But do not put the device in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or hallway.


Lesson 75

Notes Why do you think that these rooms may not be good choices?

Correct answers: • A kitchen often has an exhaust fan, and small airborne particles from cooking may affect some measurements.

• People generally spend relatively little time in a bathroom, and its high humidity may affect some devices.

• A laundry room has high humidity, and the dryer exhausts air

• People do not usually spend much time in hallways, closets, or crawl spaces.

Note that although radon in water may contribute to radon in the air (as in a bathroom), radon in air should be measured before radon in water is measured.

See slide 714.

Assume that the plan on this slide represents the appropriate level for testing in this home. Which rooms on this level may be suitable for radon testing?

See slide 715.

This slide shows the rooms that may be suitable. The master bedroom, family room, and living room are possible locations for testing. The laundry room, kitchen, bathrooms, closet, hallway, and garage are not suitable.

In the case of a real estate transaction, to confirm your choice of location, • Ask the buyers how they plan to use the home. • Ask the buyer and seller to discuss and agree on the test location.

See slide 716.

Once you have selected a room, you have to find a location within the room.

Place the device • Where it will not be disturbed • Where there is enough room for it • More than 1 foot from exterior walls that have no windows or

other potential openings • More than 3 feet from windows, doors, or other potential

openings in the exterior wall


Lesson 76

Notes • More than 4 inches from other objects • In the breathing zone

o More than 20 inches from the floor o For devices that hang from the ceiling, 6 to 8 feet from the

floor

See slide 717.

Avoid locations • Where the device might be disturbed during the test • With drafts • With high heat • With high humidity

See slide 718.

Also, do not place the device near cracks in a wall or next to a sump pump. These locations might give a false high reading.

And do not place the device on appliances.

See slide 719.

Look at the plan for a hypothetical room. Assuming the room is on the correct level, and based on the information available, where might you place a radon measurement device?

Correct answer: The desk is the most likely place.

The plan shows that the desk is more than 1 foot from an exterior wall that has no windows or other openings. The desk is also more than 3 feet from windows and doors. It’s safe to assume that a desk is more than 20 inches off the floor.

Consider.

What else would you need to know?

Correct answer. You’d need to know that the room is not very humid and that the device can be at least 4 inches from other objects, not in a draft, in direct sunlight, or over a baseboard heater.

See slide 720.


Lesson 77

Notes In addition to considering the location of a testing device, you must also consider the possibility of interference with the test.

Interference is any change in test conditions before or during the measurement that changes • The concentrations of radon or its decay products, or • The performance of the measurement device

Interference may be accidental or intentional.

If a homeowner hires you to test a home that is not for sale, the owner has no reason to purposely tamper or interfere with the test. In fact, tampering would defeat the purpose of hiring you, so the probability of intentional interference is small. However, the owner might accidentally disturb the device.

However, when the owner is selling the home, the seller may feel that a low radon measurement will help sell the home or will avoid the cost of installing a mitigation system for a buyer. That is, there may be a financial incentive for the seller to interfere with the test.

See slide 721.

Sellers may try to reduce radon levels temporarily by influencing the radon concentration in the test area.

Opening windows and doors brings in outside air, thus reducing radon entry and diluting radon concentration. Opening a window even a little can have a significant effect.

Increasing air movement—with a fan, for example—lowers the concentration of radon decay products (the RDPs plate out on walls and other surfaces, thus reducing the airborne concentration that the device measures).

We should note that, although the seller may intend to lower radon levels, these techniques can sometimes actually increase radon levels. In either case, however, they interfere with the correct radon measurement.

Sellers may also try to influence the testing device itself. The method depends on the type of device. To lower the radon readings, dishonest sellers may • Move the device into an area where they believe the radon

concentration is lower • Block the sampling mechanism


Lesson 78

Notes • Cover the device • Turn off the device • Apply heat or humidity, which affects some devices

See slide 722.

There are two approaches to dealing with interference: • Use methods to detect interference during the test • Work with the sellers and residents before the test to prevent

interference

See slide 723.

In this section, we’ll consider some methods to detect interference: • Use a continuous device that frequently records radon levels to

detect unusual changes • Use a motion detector that shows whether the device has been

moved or test conditions have changed • Use a proximity detector that shows whether people have been in

the room when radon levels have changed • Use a device that does not allow residents to see preliminary

results

See slide 724.

• Record the temperature and humidity frequently to indicate whether doors or windows are opened during the test

• Carefully place the device o Place precisely so you can detect any change of position o Place at edge of support to discourage covering device

• Apply seals (caulk or tape) o To device to indicate whether it is opened o To nearby windows and doors to show if they are opened o Between device and its support to show if device is moved o To device and other components to indicate tampering

See slide 725.

A word about seals: they • Must stick to many surfaces • Must be easy to remove without damaging the surface • Must not be resealable or must show evidence of interference • Must be unusual enough to prevent seller from duplicating them

easily • Should be visible to discourage tampering


Lesson 79

Notes See slide 726.

Do you have any questions so far about preparing for the test?

See slide 727.

At least as important as being prepared to detect interference is working with residents before the test to prevent interference.

This brings us to the second step in getting ready for a test: preparing the residents.

While preventing interference is important in all radon testing, it is especially important when you are working in association with a real estate transaction. You’ll need to prepare the residents before you place the device, because they may need to apply test conditions 12 to 24 hours before the test.

To prepare residents, you must • Explain the purpose of test

Consider.

How would you explain the purpose of the test to the resident?

How would you explain the test procedure and conditions?

How would you explain the importance of cooperating with test requirements?

In addition, to prepare residents for the test: • Give them written information about the test. • Ask them to sign an agreement to cooperate with test

requirements • Answer their questions

See slide 728 for sample answers.

Correct answers may vary somewhat but they should include the following information: • Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that causes cancer. • The only way to know if you have a dangerous level of radon is to measure it.

• The test will measure the radon level in your home. • If your home does have high radon levels, a system to reduce those levels should be installed to protect the health of everyone who lives in the home.


Lesson 710

Notes In this example, the inspector explains: • The people who are interested in buying your home want to

know the level of radon. • Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. • The only way to know if you have a dangerous level of radon is

to measure it. • This test will measure the radon in the air in your home. • If your home does have a high radon level, a system to reduce

the level should be installed to protect the health of everyone who lives there.

See slide 729.

Next, explain the test procedure briefly. • Identify the device. • Reassure the owner that the device itself, although it measures

radioactive gas, is not dangerous. • Explain where you would like to place the device. • Explain when you would like to place the device and when you

would like to remove it. • Make sure that the arrangements are convenient for the resident.

See slide 730.

Most radon tests, especially those associated with a home sale, are shortterm tests. They must last at least 48 hours.

For any test that lasts 1 week or less, the residents must keep the home closed as much as possible.

Ask the residents to keep the house closed, starting at least 12 hours before you put out the device, and continuing until you remove the radon measurement device, 2 to 7 days later. • Ask residents to keep all doors and windows closed. They may

open doors to enter or leave the home, but they should close the doors as quickly as possible.

• Ask residents to turn off any devices that bring air into the home (intake fans) or take air out of the home (attic fans, kitchen exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, or fireplaces).

• Explain that residents may use regular heating systems, air conditioners that recycle inside air, and permanent airtoair heat exchangers.

• If the home already has a radon mitigation system installed, confirm that the system is working properly.


Lesson 711

Notes o Ask the residents to make sure that the fan is running at least 24 hours before you start a test that lasts less than 4 days.

o Explain that residents should keep it operating during the entire test.

Distribute copies of EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon (EPA 402K005). This free booklet is available from www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/html.

When you talk to residents, you can give them a copy of the EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon (EPA 402K005). This free booklet is available from www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/html.

You may also need to give residents specific written instructions about the particular test you are conducting. Attach a business card to the instructions or include your contact information with the instructions.

See slide 731.

We talked a bit earlier about interference. Now is the time for you to discuss the importance of cooperating—or not interfering—with the residents.

In this example, Hank James tells the homeowner that it is standard practice to use methods to detect and prevent interference, so that the residents do not feel they are being singled out as potential cheats. He explains what interference is and asks the residents to sign an agreement not to interfere.

See slide 732. See Handout 72.

Handout 72 is an example of an agreement that you might ask residents to sign.

After you have explained the purpose of the test, the procedure, and the closedhouse conditions, assured residents of the test safety, and explained that they must not interfere with the test, ask the residents whether they have any questions.

See slide 733. Consider.

What questions do you think residents might have about radon testing?


Lesson 712

Notes This slide shows some of the common questions that residents might have about radon testing.

Imagine that you have been hired by potential buyers to inspect the home where Rick lives. Although the realtor has already talked to Rick about the inspection, Rick seems very uncertain and concerned about the radon test. You want to answer Rick’s questions very carefully.

Imagine that you have to answer the following questions: • Why test? • Where? • When? • How long? • Is it safe? • What do you mean by closed conditions? • What do you mean by interference?

See slide 734.

Do you have any questions about preparing residents for the test?

See slide 735.

At the time of the test, • Show a photo identification to the client and resident. • Place the device or devices in the appropriate location • Remind residents

o How long the test will take (at least 48 hours) o Not to disturb the device o To operate the heating or recirculating air conditioning

system normally o If a radonreduction system is already operating, to continue

operating it during the test

See slide 736.

For shortterm tests (less than 1 week) • Confirm that home has been closed for at least 12 hours • If a radonreduction system is already operating, confirm that

the fan has been running for at least 24 hours before the start of the test.

• Remind residents o To keep home closed as much as possible o To operate only airconditioning units that recirculate

interior air


Lesson 713

Notes See slide 737. See Handout 73.

Of course, you must document the test. • Record information about the device:

o Manufacturer o Type/model o Serial or ID number

• Record times o Start date and time o Stop date and time

• Record exact location of device on diagram of room and building

• Record other building information o Type of building o Type of heating system o Foundation types o Operation of humidifiers, air filters, electrostatic

precipitators, and clothes dryers • Record any other test conditions

Be sure to document any evidence of interference with either the test conditions or the device itself.

See slide 738.

At the end of the test • Collect the device • Confirm that closedhouse conditions were maintained • Confirm that the device was not interfered with • Complete the documents • Send the device to the appropriate lab promptly

See slide 739.

The last step of conducting the test is to report the results you receive from the lab.

Report the results in the units measured: • pCi/L for radon

o Report no more than 1 decimal place o Example: 4.3 pCi/L

• WL for radon decay products o Report no more than 3 decimal places o Example: 0.033 WL


Lesson 714

Notes If you convert between pCi/L and WL, explain the conversion to the client. • As we discussed earlier, we generally assume an equilibrium

ratio of 50 percent (unless you have determined the actual equilibrium ratio).

• Explain that the 50 percent ratio is typical for a home, but any given home may be different, so the result may not be exact.

See Handout 74, the lesson summary. See slide 740.

In this lesson, we talked about preparing for a radon test, preparing the residents, and conducting the test.

To prepare for a test, we talked about • Determining the timing the test

o Tests must run for at least 48 hours o Consider weather conditions

• Determining the placement of the device in the level in the home, room, and location within the room o In general testing, place in the lowest level where people

live o In real estate testing, place in the lowest level where people

could live o Also consider foundation types

• Considering how to prevent or detect interference with the test, especially in connection with real estate transactions o Interference with test conditions o Interference with device

See slide 741.

We also talked about preparing residents before you place the device by • Explaining the purpose of test • Explaining the test procedure and conditions • Explaining the importance of cooperating with test requirements • Giving them written information about the test • Asking them to sign an agreement to cooperate with test

requirements • Answering their questions

See slide 742.

Finally, we considered how to conduct a test. • Place the device in appropriate location


Lesson 715

Notes • Remind residents of test conditions • Document the test • Check for interference • Send device to lab promptly • Report results

See slide 743. Consider.

Do you have any questions about this lesson?

See slide 744. Check comprehension. See Handout 75A. This comprehension check is not graded.

Now you’re going to see whether you remember the main points that we’ve discussed in this lesson. Please answer the questions on handout 75A. When you all finish, we’ll review the answers together.

See Handout 75B, the answer key. Review the answers.

See slide 745. As a review of most of the material covered so far, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s video entitled Breathing Easy: What Home Buyers and Sellers Should Know about Radon (EPA 402C03CD). This free video is available from www.epa.gov/iaq or 18004384318.


Lesson 716

Notes Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air and Radiation. 2005. Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon. EPA 402K05 005. May.

———. 1992. Technical Support Document for the 1992 Citizen’s Guide to Radon. EPA 400R92011. May.

———. 1992. Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols. EPA 402R92004. July.

———. 1993. Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes. EPA 402R92003. May.

———. Indoor Environments. 2005. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon. EPA 402K02006. September.


Lesson 717

Handout 71: Location worksheet for radon device

You can use this worksheet to locate one or more radon devices in a home that you inspect. The answers to all of the questions should be yes.

Yes No

Level: Place device in lowest level suitable for occupancy In general testing: Is the device in the lowest level where people live? In real estate testing: Is the device in the lowest level where people could live

without renovation? Foundation types

If the home has a basement, is the device in the basement? If the home has a crawl space, is the device in a room above the crawl space? If the home has a slabongrade, is the device in a room that is slabongrade? If the home has more than one type of foundation, is there a device for each type? Room: Place device in room that is or will be used frequently (more than 8 hours/week) Is the device in a bedroom, family room, den, playroom, or other room that is or will be used frequently?

Identify the room or rooms: _____________________________________ Have you avoided rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room? Have you avoided rooms where residents spend little time, such as a hallway? Have you avoided very small, enclosed spaces, such as a closet, crawlspace, utility room, or furnace room? Location within the room Is the device in a location where it will not be disturbed? Is there enough room for the device? Is the location more than 1 foot from exterior walls that have no windows or other potential openings? Is the location more than 3 feet from windows, doors, or other potential openings in the exterior wall? Is the location more than 4 inches from other objects? Is the location more than 20 inches from the floor? If the device hangs from the ceiling, is it 6 to 8 feet from the floor? Is the location free of drafts? Is the location away from high heat sources (such as direct sunlight, appliances, a fireplace, or baseboard heaters)? Is the humidity in the location no greater than 50% (low to moderate humidity)?


Lesson 718

Handout 72: Sample agreement on radon testing

Home location:_________________________________________________________________ Test dates: ____________________________________________________________________ Name of home inspector: _________________________________________________________

I/we agree to the following conditions to make sure that the radon test is as accurate as possible.

I/we will maintain test conditions: • Starting 12 hours before the test and during the whole test, I/we will keep the home closed as

much as possible. • I/we will keep all windows, outside vents, and outside doors closed. However, I/we may open

a door to enter or leave the home but will close the door quickly. • I/we will shut down any internalexternal air exchange systems, such as an attic fan and

window fans. • I/we will not have to turn off furnace fans, air conditioners that recycle inside air, and

permanent airtoair heat exchangers. • If the home already has a radon mitigation system installed, I/we will keep it operating at least

24 hours before and during the entire test.

I/we will not interfere with the radon measurement device in any way. I/we will not move, cover, block, touch, or otherwise interfere with the device.

I/we understand that if the tester has any evidence of interference, the test results will not be accepted.

To the extent possible, I/we will ensure that all residents of this home follow these conditions.

______________________________________________________________________________ Printed name of resident Signature of resident Date




Lesson 719

Handout 73: Sample documentation for radon test

Name of inspector

Company

Date

Name of client

Contact information

Name of resident Contact information

Address of home

Town/state/zip code

Test duration (at least 48 hours)

Start date and time

Stop date and time

Device

Manufacturer/type/model

Serial or ID number

Device location

Level/room

Diagram: location of room in home Diagram: location of device


Lesson 720

Building

Type

Heating system

Foundation types

Humidifiers, air filters, electrostatic precipitators, clothes dryers

Crawl space vents present? Open/closed?

Evidence of interference

Test conditions

Device

Laboratory

Name

Contact information

Results


Lesson 721

Handout 74: Lesson summary

Preparing for a radon test • Use a radon measurement device and a laboratory service that are recognized by EPA's

National Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) program (EPA 520/191006; U.S. EPA 1991) or by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

• Determine location of the device • Plan methods to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing

device itself.

Preparing the residents (in advance or at the time of the test) • Show your photo identification to the client and resident. • Explain the purpose of test. • Explain the test procedure and conditions.

• Explain the importance of cooperating with test conditions. • Give residents written information about the test:

o A copy of the EPA Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon (EPA 402K05; May 2005)

o Written directions about the specific test. Explain the directions carefully • Ask residents to sign an agreement to cooperate with test conditions. • Answer any questions residents may have.

Conditions for a shortterm test (less than 1 week)

• Keep home closed as much as possible: o Start 12 hours before the test and continue during the entire test. o Keep all windows closed. o Keep all doors closed except for normal entry and exit. Close doors promptly after

using them. o Do not operate fans or other devices that bring in air from outside (such as attic and

window fans), with these exceptions: § Fans that are part of a radon reduction system should operate normally during the

test. § Small, essential ventilation devices (such as bathroom fans) that operate for only

short periods may be run normally during the test. • Heating and cooling systems

o Operate normal heating system, including furnace fan, normally. o Operate only airconditioning units that recirculate interior air

• If a radonreduction system is already operating o Confirm that system is operating properly o Run fan for at least 24 hours before the start of the test.


Lesson 722

Conducting the test At the time of the test, • Show your photo identification to the client and resident • Place the device or devices in the appropriate location • Remind residents

o How long the test will take (at least 48 hours) o Not to interfere with test conditions o Not to disturb the device

• Document the test

In addition, for shortterm tests (less than 1 week) • Confirm that home has been closed for at least 12 hours • If a radonreduction system is already operating, confirm that the fan has been running for at

least 24 hours before the start of the test. • Remind residents of closedhouse conditions.

At the end of the test • Collect the device • Confirm that closedhouse conditions were maintained (for shortterm test) • Confirm that the device was not interfered with • Complete the documents • Send the device to the appropriate lab promptly

Reporting the results Report the results in the units measured: • pCi/L for radon

o Report no more than 1 decimal place • WL for radon decay products

o Report no more than 3 decimal places • If you convert between pCi/L and WL, explain the conversion to the client.


Lesson 723

Handout 75A: Check your understanding

Select the best answer from the choices below. Circle the correct answer.

1. Shortterm tests must run for at least a. 12 hours b. 24 hours c. 36 hours d. 48 hours

2. For a shortterm test, a home must be closed before the start of the test for at least a. 12 hours b. 24 hours c. 36 hours d. 48 hours

3. You’ve arranged with a homeowner to start a shortterm radon test on May 11. Which of the following conditions would probably not affect the start date? a. Weather predictions of heavy winds

and rain on May 12. b. The home’s existing radon mitigation

system is not functioning properly and will be repaired on May 12.

c. On May 8, a window broke in the room where you plan to test, and the room was open to outdoor air for most of the day.

d. The owner has a family emergency and cannot be available when you want to drop off or pick up the device.

4. According to the EPA, during inspections that are not associated with real estate transaction, you should place a test device a. In the lowest level where people

actually live b. In the lowest level where people could

live without renovating the area c. In the highest level in the home d. In the middle level of the home

5. In a real estate transaction, EPA recommends placing a radon test device a. In the lowest level where people



6. If a house has more than one foundation type, test a. Only the basement level b. Only the crawl space c. Only the slabongrade level d. In or above each type of foundation

7. Assuming that all rooms are on the appropriate level, the best room to test is a. The kitchen b. The bathroom c. The hall closet d. The master bedroom

8. Within the appropriate room, the device should be a. More than 1 foot from exterior walls

that have no openings b. More than 10 inches from the floor c. More than 2 inches from a piece of

furniture d. More than 2 feet from a door

9. Bad locations for a test device include a. Locations that are uniformly cool b. Locations with low humidity c. Drafty locations d. Locations far from cracks in a wall


Lesson 724

10. Residents are interfering with a shortterm radon test in the basement if they a. Operate an existing radon mitigation

system for the entire test b. Open a kitchen window for a few

hours c. Use a bathroom fan for 10 minutes

after they shower d. Run the dishwasher in the kitchen

during the test


Lesson 725

Handout 75B: Check your understanding Answer key

The correct answers are shown in bold.

1. Shortterm tests must run for at least a. 12 hours b. 24 hours c. 36 hours d. 48 hours

2. For a shortterm test, a home must be closed before the start of the test for at least a. 12 hours b. 24 hours c. 36 hours d. 48 hours

3. You’ve arranged with a homeowner to start a shortterm radon test on May 11. Which of the following conditions would probably not affect the start date? a. Weather predictions of heavy winds

and rain on May 12. b. The home’s existing radon mitigation

system is not functioning properly and will be repaired on May 12.

c. On May 8, a window broke in the room where you plan to test, and the room was open to outdoor air for most of the day.

d. The owner has a family emergency and cannot be available when you want to drop off or pick up the device.

4. According to the EPA, during inspections that are not associated with real estate transaction, you should place a test device a. In the lowest level where people



5. In a real estate transaction, EPA recommends placing a radon test device a. In the lowest level where people

actually live b. In the lowest level where people

could live without renovating the area

c. In the highest level in the home d. In the middle level of the home

6. If a house has more than one foundation type, test a. Only the basement level b. Only the crawl space c. Only the slabongrade level d. In or above each type of foundation

7. Assuming that all rooms are on the appropriate level, the best room to test is a. The kitchen b. The bathroom c. The hall closet d. The master bedroom

8. Within the appropriate room, the device should be a. More than 1 foot from exterior walls

that have no openings b. More than 10 inches from the floor c. More than 2 inches from a piece of

furniture d. More than 2 feet from a door

9. Bad locations for a test device include a. Locations that are uniformly cool b. Locations with low humidity c. Drafty locations d. Locations far from cracks in a wall


Lesson 726

10. Residents are interfering with a shortterm radon test in the basement if they a. Operate an existing radon mitigation

system for the entire test b. Open a kitchen window for a few

hours c. Use a bathroom fan for 10 minutes

after they shower d. Run the dishwasher in the kitchen

during the test

lesson 7: how do you conduct a notes

Documents