InterNACHI releases new, free, online, Radon Measurement Service Provider course.

[Nick Gromicko]

Steven, yes. Every one of InterNACHI's online courses www.nachi.org/education.htm have a navigation system in the left blue border that permits you to take the course in sections or repeat sections as often as you like.

[Nick Gromicko]

Joe, the EPA abandoned their own radon mitigation standards and no longer recommends their own mitigation standards. They did this is 2006. I'm sorry if the outside courses you tout... have failed to keep up.

[Joe Farsetta]

Not speaking mitigation, Nick. We're speaking measurement.

NRSB and NEHA are the recognized orgs.

BTW, there are still EPA-recognized mitigators...

[Nick Gromicko]

I'm speaking about the inspection of mitigation systems because knowledge of inspecting radon mitigation systems is an IAC2 requirement to be radon certified.

Diploma mill ASHI member Jim Bushart saying that "testing for radon is the same as inspecting a radon system", is as silly as saying... "checking for leaks is the same as inspecting a roof." Absurd.

[Joe Farsetta]

Nick,

You are incorrect. Inspection of a radon mitigation system would require an analysis of initial radon levels in the home prior to the design and installation of the system in question. Differing types of foundations also factor into the equation, including foundation wall composition, presence of french drains, open sump pits, crawlspaces, dirt floors etc.

Granted, here are some basic observations which can be made, including a comment (perhaps) on the type of system installed, the location of the fan, etc. Some sysems may be passive, while others avtive. The proof, at the end of the day however, is whether the system is functioning for its intended purpose. This may only be accomplished by performing a short-term (or long term) radon test.

TO truly inspect the system, one would need to examing a year-round average, along with short-term testing dating from pre-install to system verification after install, then comparing it to a current test.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

....Inspection of a radon mitigation system would require an analysis of initial radon levels in the home prior to the design and installation of the system in question....

I suggest the previous is an incorrect statement.

It is cost effective for builders to install a passive sub-slab depressurization system during construction, instead of installing one afterward.

One can not test the radon levels in a home that is under construction (as you suggest).

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

TO truly inspect the system, one would need to examing a year-round average, along with short-term testing dating from pre-install to system verification after install, then comparing it to a current test.

Nope.
Thank God your previous requirement is not in the International Standards. It would place an unnecessary, heavy financial burden on those who desire an inspection of a radon system that looks like the picture below.

This system (above picture) would PASS (according to Joe's method of "truly inspecting the system." Radon levels came to 2.0 pCi/L.)

Thankfully, the inspector correctly communicated to his client the DEFECT of the system, which requires correction by a professional.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

...
I had discussed this with Nick some time ago, and encourage the recognition of existing and current national and state - recognized courses in this subject, as well.

I recognize that them courses cost 'bout $300-$500.
InterNACHI's Radon Course is superior, and of no cost to the student.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Radon gas is said to be colorless. Not readily visible.

But I've learned that radon gas can be SHINE BRILLIANTLY and be phosphorescent. Under what conditions? (by the way, this question is not in the course or on the test - just-for-fun stuff)

[Joe Farsetta]

Ben,

International Standards

Of which standards do you speak?

I assume you were licensed in PA to test for radon when with Peach?

Are you saying that utilizing a long-term test, such as with e-perm or alpha-track, puts a financial burden on the homeowner, or are NOT part of standard protocol for those with active or passive mitigation systems?

Passive systems are installed all the time, and are simply designed to be converted to active with the addition of an in-line fan, usually in the attic.

Dont play with words, Ben. In a majority of cases, the need to mitigate is discovered after short-term radon testing, such as during a RE transaction. Once the levels are established, pre-system, the system is designed based on the design of the home and sometimes based on the levels encountered. After the system is installed, it is recommended that the mitigator NOT re-test, but that an independent certified radon measureent technician or specialist be called upon to perform the testing.

Tell me, will your course qualify one to interpret results for an EPA-certified lab, in the same manor as my radon measurement specialist credential given through classes and testing by the NRSB does?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

Ben,
I assume you were licensed in PA to test for radon when with Peach?

I was not licensed.

[Nick Gromicko]

Joe the international standards recommended by the EPA are authored by ASTM. This from EPA:

EPA recommends the Standard Practice for Radon Mitigation Systems in Existing Low-Rise Residential Buildings* for residential radon mitigation. The Agency initially recognized this standard in 2003 as the most appropriate guide to reducing radon in homes as far as practicable below the national action level of 4 pCi/L in indoor air. A single free copy of the E-2121 standard is available from the Agency’s National Service Center for Environmental Publications. Copies of the standard may be purchased from ASTMI, or from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

*E-2121-03 (February 10, 2003), American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTMI); an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved consensus standard.


Note: As of May 2006, EPA's Radon Mitigation Standards (EPA 402-R-93-078, Revised April 1994) is no longer recommended or available.

To control for radon in new residential construction, EPA recommends the use of ASTM’s Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings*.

A single free printed copy of ASTM E 1465-07a is available from EPA upon request. Use EPA’s document number (402-K-07-010) when ordering from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications.

*ASTM E1465-07a; July 15, 2007. EPA reprints E1465-07a by permission with ASTM. Copies of E1465-07a may be purchased from ASTM International, or from the American National Standards Institute.

A radon measurement is only an indication as to whether the radon system is functioning properly. A radon system's fan could have burned out, and the radon measurement (for many reasons) still be low. Just like a roof that needs to be replaced could be leak-free.

A radon measurement and a radon mitigation system inspection are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Knowledge of both is required for IAC2 Radon Certification, as it should be.

[Nick Gromicko]

... and yes this course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm will help anyone in a radon-measurement-licensed state, pass whatever exam is required.

... and yes this course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm will be submitted for accreditation wherever online courses are accepted, just like all of www.nachi.org/education.htm is.

... and yes this course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm will help anyone who wishes to learn how to inspect radon mitigation systems as per http://www.nachi.org/comsop#18

... and yes this course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm is required to be IAC2 Radon Certified.

... and yes this inspection related course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm counts as approved CE at InterNACHI.

... and yes this course www.nachi.org/radoncourse.htm is good for inspectors who simply want to learn more about the topic.

[James H. Bushart]

Joe....you are interrupting an infomercial with facts.

Remember that you are arguing with the same folks who tell us that the wet and narrow crawlspace is where every good inspector slides himself into and that water heaters manufactured after 2004 should be replaced.

When you try to teach a pig to sing....you simply waste a lot of your time and annoy the pig.

Now, go throw away your 4 year old water heater and stop arguing with the Gromicko Brothers.

[Nick Gromicko]

To be IAC2 Radon Certified you need to have basic knowledge on:

1. Performing a radon measurement.

AND

2. Inspecting a radon mitigation system.


The two are very different and you saying over and over that they are the same isn't going to change anything.

How can an inspector not be able to check to see if a radon mitigation system is running, yet call himself/herself an IAC2 Radon Certified, Indoor Air Consultant???

The courses Joe points to teach only 1/2 of the two (above). IAC2 requires knowledge of both to use the Radon Certified logo: http://www.iac2.org/logo.php

In most every thread Jim, a point exists when you "jump the shark." It's a stark pattern. You typically say some general statement like "don't interrupt an infomercial" (whatever that means) or you bring up some statement that some guest on an unscripted NACHI.TV show once said. Or you say that Keith Swift lost a foot in height. It's really a clear point in your threads. I call it "Jim jumping the shark." Perhaps when you get to this point in your threads where you start telling others that they can't win an argument... it is because you've lost the argument.

If you think you are right, hang in there. I'll fight all day. If I lose to you, I'll admit defeat and we'll fix IAC2's requirements to your liking. Until then... they stand.