page 1

I. Radiation, Radioactivity, Ions                                                IV. Radon Entry and Behavior

A. Atomic Structure                                                                                                    A. Overview

    1. Periodic Table                                                                                                     B. Mechanics of Radon Entry

    2. Electrons, Protons, Neutrons                                                                                   1. Nearby Radium Source P 60d

    3. Isotopes                                                                                                                     a. Prevalence of Radium in Soils and Rock

B. Interactions with Matter                                                                                                     -Radon Release into Soil Gas or Aquifer

    1. Ionization                                                                                                                    b. Ranges of Soil Gas Radon Concentrations.

    2. Excitation                                                                                                                       How Radon Moves through Soil and Rock

C. Radiation                                                                                                                          -Concentration Gradient Diffusion

    1. Types - Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X- Rays                                                                             -Pressure Driven Airflow

    2. Penetrating Abilities                                                                                                2. Transport Mechanism

    3. Process of Radioactive Decay                                                                                      a. Air Pressure Differentials

    4. Half-Life                                                                                                                         - Airflows Induced by Mechanical Equipment

D. Background Radiation                                                                                                        - Airflows Induced by Temperature Differential

    1. Natural                                                                                                                          - Wind Induced Airflows

    2. Man-Made                                                                                                                     - Other Environmental Effects

II. Radon and Its Decay                                                                                                 - Pathways for Pressure Driven Transport               

A. Radon Characteristics                                                                                                     b. Radon Transport by Concentration Gradient Diffusion

B. Radon Decay Product Characteristics                                                                              c. Well Water Transport

C. U-238 Decay Chain                                                                                                         d. Materials within the building

    1. Types of Radiation Emitted                                                                                    C. Indoor Radon Concentrations    

    2. Significance of Half-Life                                                                                            1. The Fate of Indoor Radon

    3. Position of Rn-222 and Daughters                                                                             2. Daily and Seasonal Variations in Rn Concentrations

D. Risk Estimates (focus on Citizens Guide)                                                                     3. Ventilation Rates and Radon Concentration

E. National Radon Programs                                                                                                a. Ventilation Rates

F. Comparative Radiation Standards                                                                                     b. How Ventilation Rates Affect Rn Concentrations

G. Common Health Risk Questions                                                                                      c. Studies of Groups of Houses

Ill. Health Risk                                                                                                                 -Why the Simple Model Does Not Work for Groups

A. History                                                                                                                                of Buildings

B. Method of Lung Cancer Induction                                                                                     d. Studies of Individual Houses

C. Scientific Basis for Risk Estimates                                                                                     -Why the Simple Model Doesn't Work for Individual

    1. Miners Studies                                                                                                                 Buildings

   2. Residential Studies                                                                                                           Activity:

   3. Animal Studies

D. Risk Estimates (focus on Citizens Guide)

E. National Radon Programs

F. Comparative Radiation Standards

G. Common Health Risk Questions


page 2

V. Intro to Measurement                                                                                  E. Grab Sampling

A. Activated Charcoal                                                                                                    1. Radon

    1. Canister                                                                                                               2. Radon Decay Product

        a. Open-Face                                                                                         VI. Measurement Protocols

        b. Diffusion Barrier                                                                                             A. Initial Measurement

       c. Bags                                                                                                               1. Homeowner Guidance

    2. Vials - Liquid Scintillation                                                                                      2. Real Estate Guidance

    3. Protocols for Use                                                                                               B. Follow-Up Measurement

   4. QC Procedures                                                                                                       1. Homeowner Guidance

    5. Advantages/Disadvantages                                                                                      2. Real Estate Guidance

B. Alpha Track                                                                                                           C. Interpretation of Results

    1. Description                                                                                               VII. QA/QC

    2. Protocols for Use                                                                                                A. Terminology

    3. QC Procedures                                                                                                       1. Duplicates

    4. Advantages/Disadvantages                                                                                      2. Blanks

C. Electret Ion Chamber                                                                                                  3. Spikes

    1. Ion Chamber                                                                                                          4. Blinds - Single and Double

    2. Voltmeter                                                                                                               5. Calibration Measurements

    3. Measurement Process                                                                                            6. Background Measurements

    4. Protocols for Use                                                                                                    7. Precision

    5. QA Procedures                                                                                                       8. Accuracy

    6. Advantages/Disadvantages                                                                                       9. Bias

D. Continuous Monitor                                                                                                   B. Formulation of QA Plan

    1. Alpha scintillation and Photo-Multiplier                                                                    C. Implementation of QA Plan

    2. Ion Chamber                                                                                                          Refer to Appendix C for TCS Industries Inc. plan

    3. Solid State Detectors

    4. Protocols for Use

    5. QC Procedures

    6. Advantages/Disadvantages

    HOME             Click here for course prices.