MANDATORY RADON MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS
MANDATORY RADON
MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS
DH\PI 150-334
Bureau of Epidemiology
Radon Program
May 11, 2010
Bureau of Epidemiology
Radon Program
ERRATA SHEET
Mandatory Radon Measurement Protocols
November 2001
Section 404.056(4), Florida Statutes, was amended in 1999 and again in 2001. These amendments changed some of the radon measurement requirements for certain facilities in Florida. Some elements of this 1998 measurement protocol are out of date because of these statute revisions. While this measurement protocol is undergoing revision, use the revised statute and state maps (included below) to determine which facilities require testing, and the amount of testing to conduct.
The information in section 1.2, section 2.1, section 3.1.1 and section 3.1.2 for the selection and placement of devices and building testing conditions shall still be followed. Report forms may be obtained as indicated in section 5.1. Where other sections of this protocol are in conflict with the amended statute, the statute shall take precedence.
Replace Section 404.056(5), Florida Statutes, located in Appendix B with the following 2001 revision.
404.056 Environmental radiation standards and programs; radon protection.--
(4) MANDATORY TESTING.--All public and private school buildings or school sites housing students in kindergarten through grade 12; all state-owned, state-operated, state-regulated, or state-licensed 24-hour care facilities; and all state-licensed day care centers for children or minors which are located in counties designated within the Department of Community Affairs' Florida Radon Protection Map Categories as
"Intermediate" or "Elevated Radon Potential" shall be measured to determine the level of indoor radon, using measurement
procedures established by the department. Testing shall be completed within the
first year of construction in 20 percent of the habitable first floor spaces within any of the regulated buildings. Initial measurements shall be completed and reported to the department by July 1 of the year the building is opened for occupancy. Follow-up testing must be completed in 5 percent of the habitable first floor spaces within any of the regulated buildings after the building has been occupied for 5 years, and results must be reported to the department by July 1 of the 5th year of occupancy. After radon measurements have been made twice, regulated buildings need not undergo further testing unless significant structural changes occur. No funds collected pursuant to s. 553.721 shall be used to carry out the provisions of this subsection.
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MANDATORY RADON TESTING PROTOCOLS
Section 1: General Information
These protocols are designed to identify and test the potential for elevated
radon concentrations in Florida structures (Section 404.056(4), F.S., Mandatory
Testing)
Initial tests are to be reported to the department on the proper forms within
one year from the date of occupancy, or license approval. Fifth Year Follow-up
Test shall be started and completed between the fifth and sixth anniversary of
the date of occupancy or license approval.
Once a building has been tested twice, no further testing is required unless the
building undergoes structural changes or receives approval for a new or amended
license, when a cycle of initial and follow-up testing is repeated. At that
time, testing begins again, even if it has been completed under the previous
license or for the previous building design.
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1.1 Facilities Requiring Radon Testing
Only facilities located in counties designated within the Department of
Community Affairs Florida Radon Protection Map as "Intermediate or "Elevated
Radon Potential are required to test to determine the level of indoor radon.
Appendix C of this brochure contains a listing of the designated counties.
The following facilities in the designated counties are required by Florida
Statute to be tested for radon or radon progeny using these procedures and
protocols:
- All public and private school buildings or school sites housing students
in kindergarten through grade 12.
- All state-owned, state-operated, state-regulated or state-licensed
24-hour care facilities. This shall include but not be limited to the
following: hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, assisted living
facilities, mental health facilities, detention centers, correctional
institutions, and pre-release centers.
- All state-licensed day care centers for children or minors.
The requirement for radon testing is divided into two building types:
1) single family homes and duplexes, and
2) all other building types (large buildings).
You must first identify the type of building(s) at your facility to determine if
there is a radon testing requirement.
Refer to Appendix C for county specific testing requirements. Once you establish
that you are required to test, determine if your facility is operated out of a
residential dwelling or a building other than a dwelling to identify the testing
protocol used. Residential dwelling units are tested using the methods specified
in section 2 (Measuring Facilities in Houses, Apartments, Condominiums and
other Dwellings). All other buildings are tested using the methods in section 3
(Testing Facilities in Buildings other than Dwellings). Examples of the
application of the testing protocols to different facility type and building
type combinations can be found in Appendix E.
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1.2 Exclusions
1.2.1 Portable classrooms or other small buildings which meet all of the following criteria may be excluded:
- the building's floor area is less than 2,000 square feet,
- the building has a crawlspace or pier foundation that is open and
unobstructed on all sides of the building,
- there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the floor joists and grade,
- supporting pillars are of solid construction or have barriers to prevent the transport of radon through any hollow cavities, and
- there is no usable HVAC duct, HVAC duct penetration or fresh air intake in the crawlspace.
1.2.2 Facilities not located on the first floor:
When a facility has no presence on the ground contact or first floors of a
building, it is exempt from radon testing. In this case, clients of the facility
may only use the ground contact or first floors of the building as a means to
access the facility. No facility related activities may occur on the ground
contact or first floors of the building for this exemption to remain in effect.
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Section 2:
Testing Facilities in Houses, Apartments, Condominiums and other Dwellings
2.1 Initial Test
Buildings or portions of buildings, which were originally constructed and are
currently used as a dwelling, are tested using the "initial testing method
described in section 2 of the US Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA)
Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes,
Publication No. EPA 402-R-93-003.
Any radon testing device that meets requirements of a national proficiency
program recognized by the EPA or the department can be used to conduct these
tests. The testing period for dwelling units must be within the time limits
specified in the EPA protocols and within the exposure times specified in the
manufacturer's instructions for the device used. The initial testing for
dwelling units shall be reported to the department within one year from the date
of occupancy or license approval. Additional reporting information may be found
in section 5 of this document. Initial testing for these facilities shall be
reported on form
DH1778.
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2.2 Follow-Up Measurements
If any initial measurement equals or exceeds 4 pCi/l (0.02 WL), follow-up measurements must be conducted. Follow-up short term or long term measurements are performed following the protocols in section 2.4 of the US EPA's
Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, Publication No. EPA 402-R-92-003 and must be performed by a department certified radon measurement person. Information regarding how to obtain a listing of department certified individuals may found in the section 5, Reporting Measurement Findings.
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Section 3: Testing Facilities in Buildings other than Dwellings
Facilities in buildings other than dwellings are tested using the procedures
for initial and follow-up test found in this section. *Examples of these types
of facilities can be found in Appendix E*. The initial testing results shall be
reported to the department within one year of the date of occupancy,
establishment or license approval. Fifth year follow-up tests shall begin after
the first day of the fifth year since the date of occupancy or license approval
and reported by the first day of the sixth year. All reports shall be submitted
as specified in section 5, Reporting Testing Results. Testing results must be
reported on form
DH1777.
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3.1 Identifying the Locations for Initial Test
Initial testing shall be made at all of the following:
- newly licensed or previously untested facilities
- newly licensed or constructed buildings at existing facilities
- a cycle of initial and follow-up testing is required when there is a
change of usage for existing buildings of existing facilities
- existing buildings at existing facilities after structural changes have
been made to the buildings (even if the building was previously tested)
Initial testing shall be made in a minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the
habitable ground contact and/or first floor rooms (or one room whichever is
greater) which are used or accessed by the clientele.
A floor plan of the building shall be marked and evaluated to identify locations
for initial testing before placing radon testing devices in a building. The
following shall be identified on the floor plan(s):
- plumbing, electrical conduit and ventilation penetrations entering
through the floor;
- ventilating fans;
- chases with plumbing or other conduits;
- locations where initial testing devices are placed;
- locations of re-testing devices when placed.
Rooms with the highest radon entry potential, such as those with in room
floor penetrations (other than bathroom, kitchens, etc), shall be selected first
for testing. After that a random selection of rooms shall be made to complete
the 20% requirement.
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3.2 Approved Devices and Placement for Initial
Testing
Any of the following testing devices, which meet proficiency requirements of
a program recognized by the department (either the National Radon Safety Board [www.nrsb.org]
or the NEHA- National Radon Proficiency Program [National Environmental Health
Association
www.neha-nrpp.org]), can be used to conduct initial non-residential
testing:
- Alpha track detectors;
- Charcoal adsorption devices;
- Continuous radon monitors; or
- Electret ion chambers
Placement of the radon testing devices must follow these general guidelines:
- Test devices shall be placed in client used, occupied, or accessed
habitable spaces.
- Large rooms require at least one testing for each 2,000 square feet of
habitable floor space or part thereof.
- Test devices shall be placed away from room corners, between 2 feet and
6 feet above the floor, at least 1 foot from any wall, and at least 3 feet
from windows or other potential openings in an exterior wall.
- Test devices shall be placed away from drafts caused by sources such as
heating and air conditioning vents, doors, fans, windows, and fireplaces.
- Test devices shall remain undisturbed during the testing period.
- Test devices shall not be placed in direct sunlight or near or on top of
appliances or other devices which emit heat or moisture.
- Test devices shall be placed in areas of normal air supply and shall not
be shielded or covered during the testing period. A "tamper-proof" cage may
be used if it has been shown not to interfere with the accuracy of the test.
- Test devices (short-term) shall be exposed or operated in place for at
least 48 hours, or longer if recommended by the device manufacturer.
- Test devices (long-term) shall be exposed or operated in place for at
least 90 days, or longer if recommended by the device manufacturer. At least
thirty days of testing period shall be when the HVAC system is either
heating or cooling while the building is occupied.
- Test exposure time shall not exceed the maximum specified in the
manufacturer's instructions.
- A duplicate test shall be taken for each 10 test devices to check
testing precision.
- One control blank shall be used for each 20 devices to check for
potential problems occurring during shipping, storage, or processing of test
devices. This quality assurance device shall be opened, then immediately
resealed for the remainder of the exposure period, and processed with the
other exposed test devices.
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3.3 Building Operations and Testing Conditions for Initial
Tests
The following conditions shall be maintained for 12 hours preceding the test
and during the testing period when using short-term test devices for initial
testing:
- All windows and doors shall be kept closed except for normal entry and
exit. This shall include those rooms that do not have an HVAC system and are
ventilated by natural means.
- The HVAC system shall be operated on a 24-hour basis in all rooms of the
building.
- The HVAC system shall be to the normal heating, cooling, or ventilation
cycle, appropriate for the time of year.
- Thermostatic controls shall be set to the normal operating temperatures
used when the building is occupied.
- These tests should not be conducted if severe storms with high winds (>
30 mph) or rapidly changing barometric pressure are predicted during the
testing period.
For buildings in which the HVAC system is not turned off during the evenings,
weekends or other unoccupied times, initial tests may be conducted any time the
building and testing conditions specified above are met.
For buildings in which the HVAC system is normally turned off during the
evenings, week-ends or other unoccupied times, initial test may not be conducted
during the weekend or during other periods when the rooms are unoccupied unless
the HVAC system is set to operate normally beginning 12 hours prior to and
during the testing period. The building and testing conditions specified above
shall be maintained for the testing period. For example, in schools and other
buildings normally closed during the weekends, a testing period from Friday
afternoon to Monday morning is acceptable, provided the HVAC system is set to
operate normally during testing.
For those buildings that do not have an HVAC system, windows shall be operated
in the manner appropriate for the building, the weather conditions and the time
of year.
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3.4 Evaluation of Initial Results and Additional Measurements
If any initial room testing results exceeds 4 pCi/l, follow-up tests using the follow-up measurement procedures in
Appendix D, shall be conducted in those rooms with elevated levels within 90 days. In addition, 20 percent of the second story rooms shall be measured using the initial measurement procedures in section 3.1 through 3.3. If elevated radon levels are found on the second story, all additional second story rooms must be measured. No measurements are required above the second story.
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Section 4: Fifth Year Follow-up Testing Requirements [Section 404.056(4) Florida Statutes]
After successfully completing all initial radon tests, facility operators are
to repeat radon testing for their facility as specified in sections 4.1 or 4.2.
Fifth year follow-up tests indicate if radon levels have increased due to
building changes such as aging, settling, or renovations. Fifth year follow-up
tests shall be completed and reported to the department between the fifth and
sixth anniversary of the date of: 1) occupancy, 2) license approval or 3)
completion of structural changes. After the fifth year follow-up testing, no
additional radon testing is required unless there are structural changes to any
building or there is a change in facility license, or address change, or change
of functional use.
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4.1 Follow-up Testing Requirements for Facilities in Houses, Apartments, Condominiums and other Dwellings
Facilities with buildings or portions of buildings, which were built as and
are currently used as dwellings, are tested again after five years, following
the procedures for initial and follow-up tests specified in section 2, Testing
Facilities in Houses, Apartments, Condominiums and other Dwellings. If a
building has been renovated so that it is no longer designated as a residential
dwelling unit, it shall be retested following the procedures in section 4.2. The
requirements for reporting these results are found in section 5, Reporting
Testing Results.
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4.2 Follow-up Testing Requirements for Facilities in Buildings other than Dwellings
The fifth year follow-up test for facilities with non-residential buildings
follow the procedures for initial testing found in section 3, Measuring
Facilities in Buildings other than Dwellings except as noted here:
- A minimum of five percent or one of the ground contact and first floor
rooms (which-ever is greater) must be tested.
- Any room previously found to have elevated levels shall be included in
the selection of the rooms for the fifth year follow-up test.
- If no elevated levels were previously found, or if additional rooms need
to be selected to meet the 5% minimum, the remainder shall be selected from
any untested rooms and shall be evenly distributed throughout ground contact
and first floor structures.
- Those that have floor penetrations for plumbing, electrical conduit, or
ventilation or other open pathway to the ground shall be selected first out
of the untested rooms.
Testing shall be reported as noted in section 5, Reporting Testing Results.
Additional re-porting information may be found in section 5.
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Section 5: Reporting Testing Results
Facilities that are issued a certificate of occupancy or licensed after June 11, 1999 shall report initial testing results to the department within one year following the date of occupancy or licensing. Any results of 100 pCi/l (0.5 WL) or higher shall be reported on the appropriate form to the department within 2 working days after testing results are known. As required by section 404.056(4), F.S., the five year follow-up tests shall be started and completed and must be reported to the department by the first day of the 6th year of occupancy.
5.1 Report Forms
Testing results from residential dwellings, which have been tested using
section 2 of the EPA
Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, Publication No. EPA
402-R-93-003, shall be reported to the department on form DH1778, or the most
recent version. Testing results obtained using the non-residential protocols in
this document shall be re-ported to the department on form DH1777, or the most
recent version. Testing results and the floor plans identifying the location of
these tests may be kept for your records.
Copies of the mandatory radon testing reporting forms and this pamphlet may be
obtained from your local county health units environmental health division,
online at http://radon.doh.state.fl.us (under the "FORMS
Used by the Radon Program link) or by calling the departments radon
information line at 1-800 543-8279.
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APPENDIX A
Definitions
Addition means an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or
structure.
Alpha Track Detector means a long term passive radon testing device consisting
of a small piece of plastic film enclosed in a container with a filter-covered
opening that performs a time-integrated average test.
Charcoal Adsorption Device means a short term radon testing device filled with
activated charcoal that performs a time-integrated average test.
Continuous Radon Monitor means an active radon detection device which uses an electronic detector to accumulate, store and calculate information related to
the periodic aver-age radon concentration for short or long term test.
Crawlspace means an area beneath the living space in a building and between the
floor of the lowest living area and the under floor ground level.
Day Care Center means any child care facility or family day care home, as
defined in 402.302, Florida Statutes.
Dwelling or Dwelling Unit means a single unit providing complete, independent
living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for
living, eating, cooking and sanitation. Dwelling units are residential units
that include single family residences, town houses, apartments, boarding houses
and condominiums.
Electret Ion Chamber means a passive radon testing device consisting of a
canister containing a charged electret that performs a time-integrated average
test.
Exterior Wall is a bearing or nonbearing wall that is used as an
enclosing wall for a building, other than a party wall or fire wall.
Fifth Year Follow-up Test means radon tests taken between the fifth and sixth
year anniversary of the date of occupancy or license approval as referred to in
s. 404.056(4), F. S.
Fire Wall means a fire-resistant wall, having protective openings, which
restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or
through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to
allow the collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.
Floor means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a
floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above.
Floor Plan means an architectural or construction drawings or schematic
representations of a building which identifies clearly each floor and room by
name or number and which is of sufficient detail to identify plumbing,
electrical conduit and HVAC penetrations into a room and the locations of the
test devices.
Follow-up Test means an additional testing performed in a room that was
previously tested to confirm radon levels or to determine more accurately the
radon concentrations to which the occupants are exposed. This definition is
taken to include the definition that is used by the USEPA (Protocols for Radon
and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, EPA #404-R93-003).
Group I Restrained Occupancy means the use of a building, structure or any
portion thereof to provide sleeping facilities for four or more persons who are
confined or housed under some degree of restraint or security, including jails,
detention centers, correctional institutions, reformatories, pre-release centers
and other residential-restrained care facilities.
Group I Unrestrained Occupancy means the use of a building, structure or any
portion thereof to provide medical care and sleeping facilities for four or more
persons who are mostly incapable of self-preservation because of physical or
mental disability, including hos-pitals, nursing homes, mental institutions and
nursery facilities providing 24-hour care for persons less than 6 years of age.
Habitable Space means the space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or
working. Cooking areas, bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls,
stairwells, chases, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not
considered habitable space.
HVAC System means the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system for a
building; it generally refers to a ducted air handling system.
Initial Test means the first test performed in a ground contact and first floor
habitable space to determine if elevated radon or radon progeny concentrations
are present.
Large Building means any building other than a single family home or duplex.
NEHA-NRPP is an acronym for the National Environmental Health Association
National Ra-don Proficiency Program. NEHA-NRPP operates a radon proficiency
program recognized by Florida as being equivalent to the original EPA
proficiency program. Details on the pro-gram can be found at
http://www.radongas.org.
NRSB is an acronym for the National Radon Safety Board. NRSB operates a radon
proficiency program recognized by Florida as being equivalent to the original
EPA proficiency program. Details on the program can be found at
http://www.nrsb.org.
Radon refers to Radon-222, a naturally occurring odorless, tasteless, invisible,
radioactive gas released from natural deposits of uranium in the soil, which is
an alpha emitter and exposure is associated with lung cancer.
Radon Progeny means radioactive element by-products from the decay of radon
which emit either alpha radiation or beta radiation, and sometimes gamma
radiation.
Room means a habitable space in a building.
School means a building or collection of buildings used primarily for
instructional purposes that may include rooms used as classrooms, offices,
cafeterias, libraries, and gymnasiums.
Story means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a
floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above.
Structural Change means any modification, replacement or repair of foundation,
walls, floors, ceilings or roof assembly, or any addition to the existing
building.
Transient Use means use of an area as a byway or thruway between two locations.
Twenty-four Hour Care Facility means any Group I restrained occupancy, Group I unrestrained
occupancy or any dwelling unit with a resident caregiver providing care and
sleeping facilities to children or other individuals, neither of whom
are related to the caregiver.
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APPENDIX B
Florida Statutes
Section 404.056 - Environmental radiation standards and programs; radon protection.
(4) MANDATORY TESTING.
All public and private school buildings or school sites housing students in kindergarten through grade 12; all state-owned, state-operated, state-regulated, or state-licensed 24-hour care facilities; and all state-licensed day care centers for children or minors shall be measured to determine the level of indoor radon, using measurement procedures established by the department. Initial measurements
shall be completed and reported to the department by July 1, 1990, and repeated
measurements shall be performed and reported to the department at 5-year intervals. Test results, prior to the effective date of this act, may be accepted by the department as long as the tests conducted meet the standards for testing promulgated by the department, and the school or care facility certifies this in writing to the department. The provisions of paragraph (3)(c) as to confidentiality shall not apply to this subsection. No funds collected pursuant to s.
553.721 shall be used to carry out the provisions of this subsection.
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Florida Administrative Code
Section 64E-5.1208 - Measurement Requirements and Procedures
(1) The following buildings are required to be measured for radon or radon progeny.
(a) All public and private school buildings or school sites housing students in kindergarten through grade 12.
(b) All state-owned, state-operated, state-regulated or state-licensed 24-hour care facilities. This shall include but not be limited to the following; hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, adult congregate living facilities, mental institutions, nursery facilities providing 24-hour care, detention centers, correctional institutions, and pre-release centers.
(c) All state-licensed day care centers for children or minors.
(2) The radon measurement procedures for use in fulfillment of the requirements of section 404.056(4), Florida Statutes, Mandatory Radon Measurement Protocols, (Brochure DH\PI 150-334), may be obtained from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and is incorporated herein by reference. This measurement protocol will be used to identify structures in which the potential exists for elevated radon concentrations, to specify longer term measurements to establish occupant exposure levels when elevated concentrations are found, and to periodically re-measure facilities.
(3) Measurement reports for dwelling units which have been measured using section 2 of the US EPA
Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, Publication No. EPA 402-R-92-003, shall be reported to the department on
DOH Form 1778, Feb. 96, herein incorporated by reference and available from the department. Measurement reports for non-residential buildings which have been measured using sections 3 and 4 of the Mandatory Radon Measurement Protocols, (Brochure DH\PI 150-334), shall be reported to the department on
DOH Form 1777, Feb. 96, herein incorporated by reference and available from the department.
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APPENDIX C
Counties with Mandatory Testing Requirements (ADA
accessible language associated with the map below)
Section 404.056(4), F. S. requires mandatory radon testing in the Florida counties that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
has identified as containing areas of 'Intermediate' or 'Elevated Radon Potential'. DCA
developed standards for radon resistant construction in these areas. These
standards are included as appendices to the statewide building code. The
standards are divided into two categories: Residential Building and Commercial Construction. DCA
documents define this difference as follows: Residential Buildings as single
family homes or duplexes, Commercial Construction as all other buildings also
referred to as large buildings.
|
Single Family Home or Duplex
(Residential) |
All Other Buildings
(Commercial) |
|
Alachua
Brevard
Charlotte
Citrus
De Soto
Duval
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Hardee
Hernando
Highlands
Hillsborough
Indian River
Jackson
Jefferson
Leon
Levy
Manatee
Marion
Martin
Nassau
Osceola
Polk
Putnam
Sarasota
Seminole
Sumter
Suwannee
Union
Volusia
Walton |
Alachua
Brevard
Broward
Calhoun
Charlotte
Citrus
Columbia
Dade
De Soto
Dixie
Duval
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Gulf
Hamilton
Hardee
Hernando
Highlands
Hillsborough
Holmes
Indian River
Jackson
Jefferson
Leon
Levy
Liberty
Madison
Manatee
Marion
Martin
Nassau
Okaloosa
Osceola
Palm Beach
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Putnam
St. Johns
St. Lucie
Sarasota
Seminole
Sumter
Suwannee
Taylor
Union
Volusia
Walton |
The intermediate or elevated radon potential designation identifies areas in
Florida where it is better to build with radon resistant construction
techniques, than to rely only on post construction remediation to control radon
problems. These designations do not reflect the overall pattern of elevated
radon problems in existing buildings in these or any other areas of the state.
The only way to determine if a building anywhere has a ra-don problem is to test
that building.
Mandatory Radon Testing Requirement for State Licensed or
Regulated Facilities in Single Family Home and Duplex Buildings
The 1999 legislature amended the mandatory radon testing requirement to require
it only in the select counties show in the map below. For more guidance on the
mandatory radon testing requirements contact the radon and indoor air quality
program. Radon testing is required in the yellow shaded counties, while those
counties shaded green are exempt.
The text equivalent of the map is found at:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/doitest.htm
Mandatory Radon Testing Requirement for Large Buildings (ADA accessible
language associated with the map below)
The 1999 legislature amended the mandatory radon testing requirement to require
it only in the select counties show in the map below. For more guidance on the
mandatory radon testing requirements contact the radon and indoor air quality
program. Radon testing is required in the yellow shaded counties, while those
counties shaded green are currently exempt.
County Radon Testing Requirements:
Map describing counties that require radon testing. Mandatory Radon Testing
Requirement for State Licensed or Regulated Facilities in Large Buildings.
Daycare facilities in the following counties should check with their local
licensing agent to find out if they are required to test for radon: Sarasota,
Brevard, Broward, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Palm Beach.
The text equivalent of the map is found at:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/doitest.htm
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APPENDIX D
Recommendations for Facilities with Elevated Radon Levels
Section 404.056(4), F. S. does not require any action if elevated radon
levels are found in a facility. However, the presence of elevated radon levels
represents an increased lung cancer risk to all occupants of the building. The
only way to protect the health and well being of the occupants is to reduce the
radon exposure. Prior to taking actions to mitigate, it is recommended that
follow-up tests be conducted. For facilities in residential dwellings, it is
recommended that follow-up tests be made in accordance with the
US EPA guidance in the "A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting
Yourself and Your Family from Radon, EPA 402-K02-006, Revised September 2005.
For all other facilities, the recommended procedures are described below.
Follow-Up Testing of Facilities in Buildings other than Dwellings
The purpose of follow-up tests is to more accurately determine the radon levels
to which the room occupants are exposed and to confirm the initial results.
Initial testing results of 4 pCi/l (0.02 WL) or greater in a building indicate
there is potential for exposure risks in the building. There is still a health
risk associated with long-term exposure to levels below 4 pCi/l (0.02 WL) and
reduction to levels below this is desirable but may not be achievable using
current technology.
A buildings radon concentration is affected by seasonal weather changes and the
operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. When initial
testing results are 4pCi/l or greater but less than 10 pCi/l, an estimate of the
occupants annual exposure is deter-mined with seasonal testing and can only be
made when the building is occupied. For levels 10 pCi/l or greater, instead of
seasonal testing, a single short term test is made to con-firm the elevated
levels. This test can only be made only when the building is occupied. Each room
that had test results of 4 pCi/l (0.02 WL) or greater during the initial testing
period should be retested using the follow-up testing procedures and testing
devices that follow.
Recommended Devices for Follow-Up Tests
For buildings which are occupied less than 24 hours per day, any of the
following testing devices meeting proficiency requirements of the NRSB or
NEHA-NRPP can be used to con-duct follow-up tests:
- Continuous radon monitors; and
- Electret ion chambers.
For buildings which are occupied 24 hours per day, any of the following
testing devices meeting proficiency requirements of the NRSB or NEHA-NRPP
can be used to conduct fol-low-up testing:
- Alpha track detectors;
- Charcoal adsorption devices;
- Continuous radon monitors; or
- Electret ion chambers
Follow-Up Testing Procedures
Follow-up testing shall be
obtained during working or occupied hours with the HVAC system set to
its normal setting. This is to determine the actual radon levels to
which the room occupants are exposed.
If any initial testing result in a room is greater than or equal to 10
pCi/l (0.05 WL), a follow-up test in that room should begin as soon as
reasonably possible. For buildings that are not occupied 24 hours a day,
testing shall be conducted during sequentially occupied periods. The
accumulated exposure time shall be at least 48 hours. For buildings that
are occupied 24 hours a day, testing shall be conducted for a minimum
continuous 48 hour period.
If any initial test result in a room is greater than or equal to 4.0 pCi/l
(0.02 WL), but less than 10 pCi/l (0.05 WL), a follow-up test in that
room should be started within 90 calendar days. For buildings that are
not occupied 24 hours a day, testing shall be conducted during
sequentially occupied periods. The accumulated exposure time shall be at
least 48 hours. A follow-up test shall be conducted during the ensuing
12 months in each season the facility is operated. For buildings that
are occupied 24 hours a day, testing shall be conducted for a minimum
continuous 48 hour period in each season of operation. Alternatively, an
annual test may be conducted with a long term device in buildings
occupied 24 hours a day.
Mitigation Options
If elevated radon levels are confirmed, mitigation is recommended. See
Appendix E of the Florida Statewide Residential Building Code, 2004 or
Appendix C of the Florida Statewide Building code, 2004 or their
successors for guidance and requirements on radon mitigation. If hiring
a firm to perform the mitigation, they must be certified by the
Department of Health as a radon mitigation business. Information on
certified radon mitigation companies is available from the Department of
Health at 800-543-8279 or by visiting our website at: http://radon.doh.state.fl.us
(under the "Radon Measurement and Mitigation Businesses and Individuals'
link).
Table of Contents
APPENDIX E
Examples of the Application of Radon Testing Protocols
and Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Self Testing
Any facility may test itself using its own personnel by following the
appropriate EPA or state guidelines or regulations. Once a facility hires or
contracts with someone who is not one of its employees to perform the testing,
the individual who places and retrieves the test kits or provides guidance on
the testing must be certified by the department and must work for a certified
business. Should you choose to self test, the Department recommends you consider
having those personnel involved in radon testing attend a course from a Florida
approved radon training provider. For example, if a school uses their
environmental safety officer to perform the radon testing, he/she does not have
to be certified since they are school personnel. However, school personnel
performing these tests are encouraged to attend a Florida approved radon
training course (http://radon.doh.state.fl.us - under the "How to Become
Certified to Provide Radon Services link). If the school hires a business to
perform the radon testing, the company and its personnel providing the radon
services shall be certified.
Why do storm fronts affect radon levels?
The amount of radon that escapes from the soil to enter the house is influenced
by the weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, the negative pressure within the
house (stack effect), the HVAC system, and cracks in the concrete slab. You
should not conduct short-term tests lasting just 2 or 3 days during unusually
severe storms or periods of unusually high winds. Severe weather will affect the
test results in several ways. First, a high wind will increase the variability
of radon concentration because of wind-induced differences in air pressure
between the building interior and exterior. Second, rapid changes in barometric
pressure increase the chance of a large difference in the interior and exterior
air pressures, consequently changing the rate of radon influx. Weather
predictions available on local news stations can provide sufficient information
to determine if these conditions are likely. While un-usual variations between
radon tests may be due to weather or other effects, the test sys-tem should be
checked for possible problems.
Why keep HVAC running 24 hrs?
Night time variations. Radon levels vary hourly, daily, and monthly. There are
clear fluctuations between the daytime and nighttime levels. Running the HVAC
system should help ac-count for these fluctuations and should provide more
accurate test results of exposure.
How do I test my residential facility?
To determine what procedures to follow when testing your facility, you must
first look at the building type and how it is used. For facilities in single
family or multi-family homes and still used as or operated as a home, testing is
performed according to section 2 and reported on Form DH1778. All other
facilities test following the procedures in section 3 and report on DH1777.
Table 1. How to Report Using Mandatory Radon Testing
- Form DH1777 is used for reporting
mandatory radon testing in the following facilities: Assisted Living
Facility (previously ACLF); Alcohol, Drug Abuse or Mental Health;
Correctional Facility or Jail; Day Care Center (pre kindergarten);
Delinquency Pro-gram (Ex: Start Center, Training School); Hospitals (Acute
Care, Physical Rehab., Psychiatric, or Intensive Residential Treatment);
Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility; Public School (K-12); Private School
(K-12)
- Form DH1778 is used for reporting
mandatory radon testing in buildings built as and used as home or apartment,
for the following facilities: Assisted Living Facility (previously ACLF);
Alcohol, Drug Abuse or Mental Health; Developmentally Disabled (Ex: ICFDD
Cluster, Small Group Homes); Delinquency Program (Ex: Halfway Houses,
Non-secure Detention Homes); Foster Care - 24 hour Family (for children);
Foster Care - Adult; Family Day Care Home
Does my shelter require testing?
Do you offer 24-hour care? In general, shelters provide a place for
emergency or temporary housing and do not offer any level of care. The
individuals who use a shelter are generally independent persons free to come
or go. Unless a shelter offered a 24-hour care component or some other
service that would require testing such as K12 education, it would not be
required to test. Halfway houses are transitional living arrangements that
offer a reduced level of care to someone working towards independence.
Halfway houses are required to test for radon.
Does my halfway house or
transitional living facility require testing?
Transitional living facilities offer a reduced level of care to someone working
towards independence. They employ some form of 24-hour care or monitoring.
Transitional living facilities are required to test for radon.
What rooms do I test?
Any room that a client uses as part of routine facility activities that is
designed and licensed for occupancy is tested. Examples include but are not
limited to classrooms, offices, dining rooms, lounges, lobbies, patient rooms,
rehabilitation rooms, assessment or evaluation rooms, activity rooms, and other
rooms that are used by clients and their attending staff. Exempted
rooms include those not designed or licensed for occupancy or not designed and
licensed for very short term use or those rooms where reliable radon test
results would be difficult to obtain due to environmental and high humidity
factors. Examples include those rooms or areas not considered as 'livable' space
and include bathrooms, kitchens, storage areas, hallways. However, when
chairs or other furnishings are added to hallways to create a space for seating
or longer occupancy, the hallway space is tested for radon.
How many rooms shall be tested?
Initial testing requires a minimum of 20% of habitable first floor rooms used by
the clients of the facility in each building. For example: building A has 50
ground contact rooms, 40 of which are habitable and 33 of the 40 which are used
by clients. To meet a minimum 20% of the 33 habitable rooms, seven rooms must be
tested. If there are one to five rooms that meet the criteria, at least one must
be tested. If there are six to ten rooms that meet the criteria, at least two
rooms shall be tested and so forth. For the fifth year follow-up test, a minimum
of 5% of the rooms shall be tested. For example, if there are between one and
twenty rooms that meet the criteria, at least one shall be tested. If there are
between 21 and 40 rooms that meet the criteria, at least two rooms shall be
tested, and so forth.
What about my sanctuary, fellowship hall, or auxiliary buildings?
If regular scheduled activities occur in the space, testing is required. An
example may include weekly facility sponsored assemblies. If the use of the
space is infrequent and incidental, no testing is required. An example may
include a space used occasionally for an awards ceremony, banquet or other
assembly.
We are temporarily using a room/building/facility, do we need to test?
If you occupy the temporary space for more than 45 days, you are required to
test.
We are remodeling or repairing our room/building/facility, do we need to
test?
If the remodeling or repair activities involve the building structure, you are
required to retest the building or facility after completing the work, and as
specified in Section 1, General In-formation.
What affect does the mandatory radon testing requirement have on my facility
license or funding?
Section 404.056(4), F. S. does not link the mandatory radon testing with
facility licensure or funding. However, the agency licensing or providing
funding to your facility may, under their own authority, require compliance with
the radon testing or require you meet certain radon levels as conditions of
licensing or funding. You will have to contact your licensing or funding agency
for more information.
When do I need to report my radon test results to the Department of Health?
For facilities that receive a license such as daycare centers, hospitals and
adult living facilities, the initial results shall be provided to the department
within one year of your license approval date. For facilities such as schools
which do not receive a license, initial test results shall be reported to the
department with in one year of the day the doors are opened for normal facility
operation. The fifth year follow-up test shall be started and reported by the
first day of the sixth year after license approval or building occupancy.
We have added, reduced or reconfigured our room usage, do we need to test?
For licensed facilities with any change in room usage that requires a license
amendment, a new cycle of initial and follow up testing is required. For
example, an ALF that was originally licensed for six beds and amended their
license to add additional beds, radon testing shall be repeated. For
non-licensed facilities, when those changes involve rooms or spaces not
previously used radon testing is required. For example, a private school was
using a designated number of rooms in a building and now is expanding into the
rest of the building, the building must be retested.
What Realtors, Buyers,
Sellers, Landlords, Tenants, and Homeowners (apartments, houses, condominiums,
and other dwellings) should know about radon
Please be aware of notification requirements on section 404.056(5) F.S,
NOTIFICATION ON REAL ESTATE DOCUMENTS.--Notification shall be provided on at
least one document, form, or application executed at the time of, or prior to,
contract for sale and purchase of any building or execution of a rental
agreement for any building. Such notification shall contain the following
language:
"RADON GAS: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it
has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health
risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that
exceed federal and state guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida.
Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained
from your county health department."
How do I know which
form
to use when reporting testing results
- Form DH1750 is used for reporting radon testing in residential
facilities (homes, apartments, condominiums)
- Form DH1777 is used for reporting mandatory radon testing in the
following facilities: Assisted Living Facility (previously ACLF); Alcohol,
Drug Abuse or Mental Health; Correctional Facility or Jail; Day Care Center
(pre kindergarten); Delinquency Pro-gram (Ex: Start Center, Training
School); Hospitals (Acute Care, Physical Rehab., Psychiatric, or Intensive
Residential Treatment); Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility; Public School
(K-12); Private School (K-12)
- Form DH1778 is used for reporting mandatory radon testing in buildings
built as and used as home or apartment, for the following facilities:
Assisted Living Facility (previously ACLF); Alcohol, Drug Abuse or Mental
Health; Developmentally Disabled (Ex: ICFDD Cluster, Small Group Homes);
Delinquency Program (Ex: Halfway Houses, Non-secure Detention Homes); Foster
Care - 24 hour Family (for children); Foster Care - Adult; Family Day Care
Home
- Form DH1753 is used for reporting monthly radon mitigation reports
- Form DH1833 is used for reporting radon testing in non-residential
facilities (i.e. private and public office space, restaurants, malls, etc).
Questions?
Call the radon program at 800-543-8279.
