Radiation Control Bureau
INDOOR RADON OUTREACH PROGRAM
Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the radioactive decay of uranium, which exists in most soils. Radon enters homes and buildings from the soil under the slab, in the crawlspace, basement, etc. Radon can also be found in some water supplies entering the home or building. Because radon is radioactive, it’s breakdown to other products releases alpha, beta, and gamma radiations which can be physically damaging. When radon, and especially these decay products, are inhaled, the lungs can potentially be seriously damaged by this radiation. Studies have determined that as a result of this damage, radon is the overall second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is also believed to be the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Individuals are exposed to elevated radon primarily in indoor environments, homes, offices, schools, daycares, etc. Any home or building, old or new, can have a radon problem. The only way to determine if a home or building has elevated indoor radon is to test. Fortunately, testing can be easy and relatively inexpensive. Low cost short and long-term test kits are available from the National Safety Council (See link at bottom of this page).
Health organizations worldwide have determined that there is “No safe level of indoor radon.” The EPA recommends that owners of homes or buildings with an annual indoor radon average of 4.0 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) should consider fixing or “mitigating” them. If a home or building has been found to be high in radon, various mechanical means can be used to correct this problem and prevent radon from entering into the indoor spaces. It is also very easy and cost effective to build new homes such that they are radon resistant.
The Indoor Radon Outreach Program was formed by the Department to provide public education about the health risk of radon gas, and disseminates information on methods for fixing (mitigating) radon problems. The Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Program also prepares public service announcements, and seasonally distributes (late fall and early winter), on a first-come-first-served basis, free radon testing kits to the public. The Program works with other state, federal and local agencies to provide outreach to communities and the public through public meetings, workshops, health fairs and presentations.
Are radon service providers required to register with NMED?
Due to the nature of the health hazard (radiological) posed to the public by exposure to elevated indoor radon, and the type of the services provided by radon service providers (radiological measurement, mitigation, consulting, training, and/or laboratory (analytical) services), Part 2 (20.3.2 NMAC) of the New Mexico Radiation Protection Regulations (20.3 NMAC) requires such persons to register with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) as radiological service providers.The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that service providers possess adequate qualifications to safely furnish these services.
It is unlawful to provide these services without a valid New Mexico registration. For more information, consult the NMED Radiological Services webpage at:
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/nmrcb/radserv.html
What are the regulations governing radiological service providers?
NMED regulates registrants and their activities in accordance with the requirements of the New Mexico Radiation Protection Regulations (20.3 NMAC). Registrants are required to maintain hardcopies of pertinent parts of the regulations. Mandatory parts for radiological service providers include 20.3.2, 20.3.4, and 20.3.10 NMAC. Other parts may apply as applicable for the type of services provided. To view or download pertinent parts of the regulations, please visit the New Mexico Radiation Protection Regulations webpage at:
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/nmrcb/regs.html
How to apply for registration:
Application for a new or renewed registration must be made by completing the Department's application form. The submitted application should include all supporting documentation. The application form is available for downloading (Microsoft Word format) at the following link:
Radiological Services Application (PDF)
Vendor Application Guidance
List of Registered Measurement Service Providers:
A dated list of registered radon measurement service providers is available for downloading at the following links.
List of Registered Measurement Service Providers (PDF format)
List of Registered Measurement Service Providers (Microsoft Excel Format)
List of Registered Laboratory Analytical Service Providers:
A dated list of registered radon laboratory analytical service providers is available for downloading at the following links.
List of Registered Laboratory Analytical Service Providers (PDF format)
List of Registered Laboratory Analytical Service Providers (Microsoft Excel Format)
List of Registered Mitigation Service Providers:
A dated list of registered radon mitigation service providers is available for downloading (PDF format) at the following link.
List of Registered Mitigation Service Providers (PDF format)
List of Registered Mitigation Service Providers (Microsoft Excel Format)
For information on service providers or services not currently listed contact Michael A. Taylor.
For questions on this program or to register as a Indoor Radon Service Provider please contact:
Michael Taylor, Program Coordinator
Indoor Radon Outreach Program
(505) 660-5690 cell or (505)476-8608
(505) 476-8654 fax
Mailing Address |
New Street Address starting Aug. 9, 2011. |
Radiation Control Bureau |
Radiation Control Bureau |
Web Links:
EPA Radon Home Page
National Radon Safety Board
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
National Safety Council Radon Web Page
For information regarding this page, contact Carl Sullivan of the Bureau at carl.sullivan@state.nm.us.