MAH_2019

Protocol for Conducting Measurements of ANSI/AARST MAH 2019 Radon and Radon Decay Products in Homes 20 b) as required by statute, state licensure or certification program, where applicable, for licensure or certification programs that evaluate individuals for radon-specific technical knowledge and skills. 10.17 Quality Assurance (QA) A complete program designed to produce results that are valid; scientifically defensible; and of known precision, bias, and accuracy, including planning, documentation, and quality control activities. 10.18 Quality Control (QC) The system of activities to ensure a quality product, including measurements made to ensure and monitor data quality. This includes calibrations and background, duplicate , blank and spiked measurements ; inter-laboratory comparisons; audits; and other control activities. 10.19 Radon (Rn) A colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, radioactive, inert, gaseous element formed by radioactive decay of radium (Ra-226) atoms. The atomic number is 86. Although other isotopes of radon occur in nature, in this document, radon refers to the gas Rn-222. 10.20 Radon Decay Products Often termed “radon progeny,” each radon atom after emitting an alpha (RDP) particle transforms to become different radioactive elements in a series where the short-lived decay products of radon (Po-218 and Po-214) also emit alpha particles as they decay. These decay products are solid elements rather than gaseous and are left suspended in the air we breathe. 10.21 Radon Test Detector The element of a radon measurement device or system that detects radon. The detector may be a separate component from the analysis equipment such as for many passive radonmeasurement systems or may be housed within a device that functions as a combined detector and analysis instrument. 10.22 Radon Test Device A radon measurement system regardless if configured as a combined detector and analysis instrument or as a system where detectors and analysis equipment are separate components. 10.23 Single-Family Dwelling A residence or home intended to house a single family and requiring discrete testing location(s). 10.24 Spiked Measurements Spikes are detectors that have been exposed in an approved chamber to a known concentration of radon (i.e. “spiked” with radon). Spikes help evaluate the accuracy of a laboratory analysis and/or how accurately detectors supplied by a laboratory measure radon. 10.25 Standard Operating A written document that details an operation, analysis, or action whose Procedure mechanisms are prescribed thoroughly, and which is commonly accepted as the method for conducting certain routine or repetitive tasks. 10.26 State Radon Office An office established by a state government to provide information about radon and in some cases, to regulate radon activities in a manner as required by local statute. 10.27 Test Interference The altering of test conditions prior to or during a measurement to change the radon or radon decay product concentrations, or the altering of the performance of the measurement equipment. 10.28 Time Sensitive Testing A measurement strategy that involves a single phase of testing, requiring enhanced quality control measures. Time-sensitive tests include simultaneous and continuous monitor testing.