The radon program for the State of Connecticut has undertaken two new initiatives. Currently in the early stages of development, these regulatory proposals mark an exciting opportunity. Radon advocates are optimistic that these new regulations could eventually lead to long-term policy changes around radon information collection and testing. The first initiative would foster important data collection efforts. The second would put into rules some of the guidance on radon testing and mitigation currently provided to schools. Both initiatives would advance Connecticut’s radon outreach and mitigation efforts.
To advance the first initiative around data collection, the state radon program has drafted language that requires reporting residential radon test results. The draft is being circulated for review and discussion among stakeholders who would be affected by the new regulations, including realtors and home inspection professionals. New data will be used to update or replace current maps of high radon zones in the state. The data would not be identifiable to a particular street address, but would be linked to larger areas, such as zip codes and counties. As Allison Perry Sullivan of the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program explains, “We know most areas along the coast have potentially high levels (exceeding 4pCi/L, the EPA action level). The west and east portions of the state are considered to have moderate levels. Although Hartford County is considered to be in a low radon area, some testing has found high levels.”
To advance the second initiative, the state radon program has drafted language to establish requirements for radon measurement in schools. These requirements would replace the guidance that is currently in place. Most of the schools in Connecticut have been tested. Ms. Sullivan says, “We are proud that the schools have followed the guidance thus far. Sometimes this means testing as many as 100 rooms and then reevaluating 10% of them every five years.” State law already requires that new school construction or major renovations involve radon resistant new construction. The new initiative would also bolster testing protocols in existing school buildings.
For more information on these initiatives, please contact:
Allison Perry Sullivan
Environmental Analyst
Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program
Telephone: 860-509-8140
Fax: 860-509-7378
United States