MALB_2014 with 1-21 Revisions

Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon ANSI/AARST MALB-2014 with 1/21 Revisions Decay Products in Schools and Large Buildings 38 Although other isotopes of radon occur in nature, in this document, radon refers to the gas Rn-222. 9.52 Radon Decay Products Often termed “ radon progeny,” each radon atom after emitting an alpha particle (RDP) 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. 9.53 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 radon measurement systems or may be housed within a device that functions as a combined detector and analysis instrument. 9.54 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. 9.55 Return-Air Air being pulled towards an HVAC air handling fan unit. When the HVAC fan activates, air enters return air vent openings and gaps in ductwork. This air then travels through return air ductwork to the HVAC air handling unit. When the HVAC fan activates, air within the ductwork is under negative pressure relative to indoor air or other surrounding environment. 9.56 Setback See HVAC Setback . 9.57 Short-Term Test Device A radon measurement device or detector that is capable of producing a time weighted average for radon concentrations for periods that may extend for multiple days or weeks. 9.58 Significantly Occupied The time period when the building is typically occupied by the majority of the workers or students. See “Normal Occupied Operating Condition”, “Occupied”, “Significantly Occupied” and “Occupied Weeks”. 9.59 Single-Family Dwelling A residence or home intended to house a single family. 9.60 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 . 9.61 Structurally Isolated A portion of a building where structural components, such as doors and walls Airspace result in an isolated airspace that resists air movement between the isolated airspace and surrounding portions of the building. 9.62 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. 9.63 Summary Report A summary or executive summary report is a short section of a document that summarizes a longer report or a group of related reports in such a way that readers can rapidly become acquainted with a large body of material without having to read it all. 9.64 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.