RESOURCES
GLOSSARY
DISCUSSION FORUM

COURSE MODULES

Basics of Radiation and Radioactivity, Part 1

Module Objectives

  • Describe the component of an atom and the atomic structure.
  • Define three naturally occurring radon isotopes.
  • Cite three different types of ionizing radiation.
  • Define radioactive decay and why it occurs.
  • Explain the principles of ionization and half-life.

Basics of Radiation and Radioactivity, Part 2

Module Objectives

  • Understand the uranium/radon decay chain.
  • Become acquainted with sources of radiation exposure.
  • Understand that radon is a Class A Human Carcinogen.
  • Become familiar with history.
  • Understand the mechanism of lung cancer.
  • Become acquainted with scientific basis for radon risk estimates.
  • Become familiar with the various agencies involved in radon risk research.

Radon Entry and Behavior

Module Objectives

  • Describe the factors that change radon entry and concentrations within a building.
  • Explain how measurements are performed.
  • Learn how to properly characterize the radon risk presented within a building.

Licensing and Regulation

Module Objectives

  • Define the Radon Industry Licenisng Act.
  • Outline section topics: 44/20, 44/30, 44/35, 44/40, 44/45, and 44/50.
  • Define 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422 Licensing of Radon Detection and Mitigation Services (Adopted Rule)
  • Outline sections 422.60, 422.70, 422.80, 422.110, 422.120, and 422.150.

Measurement

Module Objectives

  • Unit of Measure
  • Sampling Methods: Measurement Duration
  • "What the Lab Sees"
  • To be able to properly deploy radon and radon decay product measurement devices in determining the need for mitigation
  • To be able to assess the quality and confidence of radon measurements

Radon in Water Regulation

Module Objectives

  • To understand how radon in water may impact radon in air concentrations and how this relates to health risk and measurements.
  • To be able to take water samples for shipment to, and anaylsis at, third party laboratories.

Radon Mitigation System Design & Installation

Module Objectives

  • Design radon mitigation systems.
  • Estimate installation and operating costs.
  • Evaluate the usefulness of various mitigation techniques or combinations of techniques.
  • Implement Illinois Mitigation Standards.

Fan Piping Design Considerations

Module Objectives

  • To understand the layout and installation options for radon vent pipes.
  • To be able to select the appropriate type of fan for active soil depressurization systems.
  • To be able to calculate pressure drop in piping.
  • Sub-slab systems will be used as an example, however, these design criteria will apply to all ASD systems that will be described later.

Sump and Drain Tile Depressurization

Module Objectives

  • Describe the type of drainage systems present in homes.
  • Explain the impact of drainage systems on mitigation system design.
  • State the Illinois Rule relating to sump depressurization.

Unit Activity
Unit Self-Assessment

Methods that Discourage Radon Entry

Module Objectives

  • Describe the limitation of soil pressurization.
  • Outline diagnostics recommended for determining air flow needs.

Unit Activity
Unit Self-Assessment

Treating Crawl Spaces & Other Earthen Areas

Module Objectives

  • Define submembrane depressurization.
  • Outline the steps necessary for preparation of the membrane.
  • Describe common failure modes.

Unit Activity
Unit Self-Assessment

Methods that Reduce Radon by Dilution or Ventilation

Module Objectives

  • Describe approaches to ventilation.
  • Define air changes per hour.

Unit Activity

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Module Objectives

  • Define quality assurance.
  • Explain why quality assurance is important to radon mitigation.
  • List the elements of a quality assurance plan.
  • Describe resources for radon mitigation quality assurance.

    Unit Activity
    Unit Self-Assessment

Radon-Resistant New Construction

Module Objectives

  • Describe how radon exposure is prevented through the use of radon-resistant construction techniques.
  • Explain the benefits and limitation of site evaluation.
  • List construction techniques.

    Unit Self-Assessment

Worker Health and Safety

Module Objectives

  • Explain the need for worker health and safety protection.
  • Describe the safety requirements that are a condition of radon mitigation licensing.
  • Define the term "as low as reasonably achievable."
  • Describe how to monitor for worker radon exposure.
  • List resources for health and safety programs.

    Unit Activity
    Unit Self-Assessment

Evaluation of Online Component

               

Copyright 2000, Great Lakes Center for Occupational & Environmental Safety & Health, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago