MAH_2019

Protocol for Conducting Measurements of ANSI/AARST MAH 2019 Introduction Radon and Radon Decay Products in Homes MAH 2019 Introduction Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Homes Scope Summary This standard of practice specifies procedures and minimum requirements for measuring radon concentrations in single-family residences for determining if radon mitigation is necessary to protect current and future occupants. This standard applies to homeowners, professionals and any other party seeking to determine if radon mitigation is necessary for real estate or non-real-estate purposes. Sections 1-7 are directed at anyone conducting radon tests. Additional requirements in Sections 8-9 are directed at those conducting radon tests in association with professional services. Limitations—This standard does not address all technical aspects of measurement device technology, quality assurance or techniques to specifically identify radon sources such as radon in water supplies, building materials or relative to the possession and handling of radioactive materials. Purpose Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general population. 1 Most people receive their greatest exposure to radon in their homes. Radon in U.S. homes causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. 2 Be it at home, work or school, an individual’s exposure to radon gas combines over time to increase the risk of preventable lung cancer. Historical Perspective In the 1950s, studies confirmed increased incidence of radon-induced lung cancer for workers in underground mines. In the 1980s, studies found that exposure to radon in homes can exceed exposures found for mine workers. This discovery resulted in the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (1988) that authorized U.S. state and federal activities to reduce citizen risk of lung cancer caused by indoor radon concentrations. Since 1988, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Surgeon General have recommended that all homes be tested for radon. In 1999, with publication of the BEIR VI 2 study, the National Academy of Science confirmed that any exposure to radiation, including any concentration of radon, carries risk. In 2009, theWorld Health Organization’s “WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon” confirmed the association between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer, even at the relatively low radon concentrations found in residential buildings. 1 Measurement standards developed to respond to the threat of cancer caused by radon: MAH Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Homes MAMF Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily Buildings MALB Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Schools / Large Buildings MS-PC Performance Specifications for Instrumentation Systems Designed to Measure Radon Gas in Air MS-QA Radon Measurement Systems Quality Assurance These are complemented with ANSI/AARST radon mitigation standards: SGM-SF, RMS-MF and RMS-LB. Designation of this standard: MAH As used for catalogue identification, “MAH” stands for Measurement of Air in Homes. 1 World Health Organization, “WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective” 2009 2 National Academy of Sciences, “Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation” (BEIR VI Report) 1999