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RADON TESTING


Radon testing is not included in the scope of a Home Inspection. Radon testing is an additional test .

Robert Drennan is a Certified Radon Measurement Specialist. We are listed with the National Radon Safety Board. NRSB is an independent agency assigned by the Federal EPA to examine, regulate and certify Radon professionals.

We use the Sun Nuclear Corp. Model 1027 Professional Continuous Radon Monitors for our testing services.Sun Model 1027EPA approved since 1986, the Sun Nuclear Continuous Radon Monitor is intended for applications where accurate measurements of a duration of 48 hour or more are desired. For fast, accurate real estate transactions and and reliable commercial building evaluations.

The Sun Nuclear Professional Radon Monitor is a continuous radon monitor (CRM) that samples radon gas concentrations using a passive radon chamber design. A special filter in the chamber wall allows for the free movement of radon gas but prevents the entry of radon decay products. Based on principles of gas diffusion, the concentration of gas in the chamber will be equivalent to the concentration of radon gas in the air.

As the radon gas decays inside the chamber, alpha radiation is released. When the alpha radiation comes in contact with a silicon chip inside the chamber, an electric pulse is generated.

The concentration in picocuries per liter (pCi/l) is computed by a microprocessor, on the basis of the number of pulses that occur over time. An internal memory stores long-term data for later print-out. The Sun Nuclear Professional Radon Monitor is intended for applications where accurate measurements of a duration of 48 hours or more are desired.

Cost
This separate Radon testing costs $150 when performed as part of a home inspection. A Radon test not done at the time of a home inspection is $250.
Certified by the following organizations



You will need to contact a Radon Mitigator. The mitigator will conduct further analysis and testing, then design a system. The system will capture the Radon gas before it enters your home and vent it safely to the outside.

Mitigation Service - We are also a listed EPA Citified Radon Mitigation Contractor, doing business as, Berkshire Radon Technologies. If you would like us to rid your home of Radon, please contact us.

Tri-Town Health Department hopes to raise awareness of radon dangers


March 11, 2000

By Timothy Q. Cebula

Berkshire Eagle Staff

LEE -- With new federal radon standards expected to be implemented in August, Tri-Town Health Department Director Peter Kolodziej hopes to raise the county's awareness about the dangers of radon in the home.
The No. 2 cause of lung cancer in the country, radon has a strong -- though too often ignored -- presence in Berkshire County, Kolodziej and other health officials say. State Department of Public Health radon scientist William Bell estimated that 21 percent of the homes in Berkshire County host dangerous levels of radon. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has listed the county as having the majority of houses at or just below the threshold of acceptable radon presence.
Radon, a radioactive gas, enters homes predominately through the soil, though smaller amounts can enter through the water supply.
"But because you can't see it, smell it or taste it, it's hard to get anyone to do anything about it," Kolodziej said. "The whole country is pretty much ignoring the radon issue," said Bell.

The EPA has proposed new radon standards for public drinking water that would reduce the acceptable levels of radon from 4,000 units per liter to 300 units per liter.

"We've got quite a few [water sources] in the area that will be impacted. The majority will not be able to meet the requirement," Kolodziej said. Communities and states will have 51/2 years to come into compliance with the new regulations. For now, Kolodziej wants to concentrate on making county residents more aware of the hazards of radon in the home.
Kolodziej and Michael Card, head of inspection services in Williamstown, have taken radon education programs. The two will meet with area building inspectors and health officials to spread the word and develop a network of people -- similar to the network Tri-Town Health developed for Title V septic issues -- who can help county residents identify and mitigate radon in their homes.

Bell said testing should optimally conducted in the colder months, when warm houses tend to draw radon from the soil.
"There's an awful lot of testing going on," Bell said. "But clearly it's not enough."

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