Radon Training for Professionals

MURC logo.

Program Brochure
For more information download the program brochure:

2007-2008 brochure

About the Program
The Midwest Universities Radon Consortium (MURC) is one of four U.S. EPA established Regional Radon Training Centers (RRTCs) founded in 1988. The mission of the RRTCs is to provide training to public officials, nonprofit and private firms, and the public regarding the health risks posed by radon and to demonstrate methods of radon measurement and mitigation in residential, educational, and other environments. MURC collaborates with the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA), States, partner RRTCs, industry, National Radon Safety Board (NRSB), and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) to create a network of programs and outreach materials for our clients and to offer the highest quality training in radon measurement, mitigation, and indoor air quality.

MURC is located at and managed by the University of Minnesota. Courses are offered in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Kansas State University is a member of MURC and offers courses in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

About the Courses

NEW! Two-Hour Online Course - Available Now
Radon Prevention in New Homes: Tools for Architects and Builders

NEW! Eight-Hour Online Course - Available August 2008
Radon Control Options in New Homes

Radon Measurement Course
This two-day course covers physics of radon, health effects of radon, radon sources and transport, how to properly make radon measurements, quality assurance and quality control, radon measurement devices, and radon mitigation fundamentals. This course is especially important for home inspectors, contractors, environmental consultants, public health officials, real estate professionals, indoor air quality professionals, and nonprofit health advocacy organizations.

Radon Mitigation Course - (prerequisite: Radon Measurement Course)
This two and one-half day course covers indoor air quality based diagnostics, design, installation, trouble-shooting radon mitigation systems, worker health and safety, radon in water, and preventing radon in new homes. This course is essential for home builders and inspectors, HVAC and plumbing contractors, environmental consultants, public health officials, indoor air quality professionals, and nonprofit health advocacy organizations.

Hands-on Radon Mitigation Course
This is a hands-on course where participants will be part of a team that installs a radon mitigation system. The goals of the course are two-fold: first, to give participants the opportunity to complete diagnostics, design, installation, and performance testing of a radon mitigation system; and second, to mitigate the home of a resident with limited means to do so. The content of the course includes: review of safety equipment and procedures; assessing prior radon tests in accordance with protocols and standards; building investigation; system design and layout options; system installation; combustion spillage testing; system performance testing; and system labeling and documentation. The course is limited in size to give each participant the greatest opportunity to be involved with the installation.

Multi-Family Building Measurement Course
The goal of this course is to give participants the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of standards for radon testing of multi-family residential buildings by designing a testing plan. This course is especially important as secondary mortgage markets begin to require radon testing in multi-family residential buildings, such as apartments. The content of the course includes: review of radioactivity and radon, radon health effects, radon exposure, and radon entry; an overview of testing strategies; communication with residents including notice of inspection; selecting a measurement service; role of on-site staff; where to test and device placement logs; testing devices; conditions during the testing; quality assurance; and when and how to mitigate.

Radon Control in New Homes Course
The goal of this course is to give participants an understanding of research-based techniques and practices to reduce radon in new homes and to offer buyers of these homes low-cost options to further reduce indoor radon concentrations. This course is especially important as more jurisdictions consider adopting code requirements for radon resistant new homes and as federal agencies and secondary mortgage markets increasingly recommend or require radon testing for all home purchases. The content of the course includes: review of radioactivity and radon, radon health effects and radon exposure; radon entry dynamics; basic control strategies; codes and standards in the U.S. and other countries; subslab preparation; soil gas retarders; floor openings including joints, condensation drains, and sumps; subslab and crawlspace ducts; foundation walls, including dampproofing and waterproofing; vent pipes; labeling; and recommendations for occupant testing.

To request registration materials e-mail conferences2@cce.umn.edu or call 612-624-4754 or 1-800-843-8636.

About the Exams
Both the Measurement and Mitigation courses prepare attendees for the exam which is offered after each course. These exams are challenging and the successful completion of a MURC course will improve your ability to pass the examination. Some states require that you pass the exam MURC administers for licensing, certification, or registration. When taking the exam, you should bring two Number 2 pencils with erasers and a simple calculator.

Our courses prepare you to take National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) examinations. The exams are challenging and our courses significantly improve your ability to achieve passing scores. To be listed or licensed by states, you need to pass a national proficiency exam. NRPP is jointly administered by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Check with states in which you wish to do business to see if there are additional requirements. Individuals requiring certification through the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) must take and pass the NRSB exam. Contact NRSB directly to make arrangements to take the exam, 1-866-329-3474 or www.NRSB.org.

NEHA Exam Scores
View your NEHA exam scores online.

Founded in cooperation with:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Sponsored by:
University of Minnesota Extension Service
College of Design, University of Minnesota

For Further Information
University of Minnesota Courses (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin)
Shirley Mueffelman
University of Minnesota, College of Continuing Education
352 Classroom Office Building
1994 Buford Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Telephone: 612-624-4754 or 800-843-8636
Fax: 612-624-6225
E-mail: conferences2@cce.umn.edu

Kansas State Courses (Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)
Bruce Snead, Instructor and Program Coordinator
Kansas State University
Engineering Extension
133 Ward Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
Telephone: 785-532-4992
Fax: 785-532-6952
E-mail: bsnead@ksu.edu

To register for courses in Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska:
http://radon.oznet.ksu.edu/radon_courses.html.