Subject:
Radon
Effective Date: February 1, 1997
Approved: Robert Martin, Vice Chancellor - Policy:
3
PURPOSE
AND BACKGROUND:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which
according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), is the second leading cause of lung cancer
in the U.S. Several organizations, including the World
Health Organization (WHO), and the National Council
on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP), have
recommended various levels that they regard as safe.
The U.S. EPA is the agency most involved with indoor
air pollution concerns and they recommend that levels
not exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l) for an extended
period of time.
POLICY:
The 4 pCi/l radon concentration recommended
by the U.S. EPA will be used as a goal for all occupied
areas. If radon levels in occupied areas are 4 pCi/l
or less, no additional action will be required.
If
long-term radon concentrations are in the 4 pCi/l
to 20 pCi/l range, action should be taken to reduce
levels to 4 pCi/l or below. This action should be
initiated within several years (up to 3 years),
sooner if levels are at the upper end of this range.
If
long-term radon concentrations are above 20 pCi/l,
remedial action should be taken within several months
to reduce concentrations to a more acceptable level.
PROCEDURE:
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety
will monitor occupied building space as deemed necessary
to determine radon levels in buildings in accordance
with current U.S. EPA guidelines. If results of
these tests indicate the long-term radon level exceeds
4 pCi/l, investigations will be conducted to identify
reasons for the elevated radon level and means of
reducing the level, at reasonable expense, to the
goal of 4 pCi/l.
If
the radon level cannot be reduced to the 4 pCi/l
level, Environmental Health and Safety will inform
the Environmental Safety Committee of the results
of their investigation.
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