California Mandates ANSI/AARST Radon Standards for Multifamily Buildings

Radon Professionals Must Now Adhere to ANSI/AARST Standards for Radon Measurement and Mitigation in California

By Shavaun Cotter, Principal & Technical Director – Radon Services

On August 16^th, the California Department of Public Health website was updated with an information bulletin for Radon Professionals that mandated adherence to the ANSI/AARST standards for multifamily buildings.

What does this mean for the commercial real estate industry and for radon professionals?

First, here are some key points of the HSC as related to radon services and certifications:

1. Regulatory Framework:
   • HSC Section 106780: This section establishes that any individual providing radon services to the public or advertising such services must comply with specific requirements. These include obtaining certification through recognized programs.
2. Certification Requirements:
   • National Radon Measurement Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) Certified Radon Professional Program: Individuals must be certified through one of these programs. The certification ensures that the person is qualified to perform radon measurement, mitigation, and laboratory analysis.
3. Standards Compliance:
   • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Association for Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) Standards: Certified individuals must adhere to these standards in California.
   • These regulations and standards are designed to ensure that radon services are performed accurately and reliably.

Implications for Radon Professionals

As the field of radon testing and mitigation matures, there is a push towards greater standardization and professionalism. Updated regulations help establish clear, consistent practices and certification requirements, enhancing the credibility and professionalism of radon professionals. For radon professionals operating in California, this new directive introduces several important considerations:

• Adherence to Standards: All radon measurement and mitigation activities for multifamily buildings must comply with the ANSI/AARST standards. Familiarity with these standards is now essential.
• Training Requirements: Professionals may need to undergo additional training during renewal of their national certifications to understand specifics of the current 2023 standards.
• Quality Assurance Measures: Standards for equipment calibration, data integrity, and reporting must maintain high reliability in radon management.
• Documentation and Reporting: Enhanced documentation will be required to demonstrate compliance with the standards and ensure transparent reporting of radon levels and mitigation efforts.

Understanding ANSI/AARST Standards for Multifamily Buildings

The ANSI/AARST standards for multifamily buildings provide a comprehensive framework for radon measurement and mitigation that addresses the complexities of these larger and often more intricate structures. Multifamily buildings pose distinct challenges for radon management due to their size and complexity. Radon can accumulate in different areas, and the presence of shared spaces and ventilation systems can affect how radon disperses.

Key aspects of these standards include:

• Measurement Protocol: American National Standards Institute and American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (ANSI/AARST) Standard: Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily, School, Commercial and Multi-Use Buildings (MA-MFLB-2023)
• Sample Locations: According to the protocol, initial testing locations include 100% of all ground-contact dwellings and non-residential rooms that are regularly occupiable, and 10% of dwellings and non-residential rooms on the upper floors as defined within the MA-MFLB-2023.
• Additional Devices: Quality Control measurements are conducted in accordance with MA-MFLB-2023. This includes setting additional devices at a rate of 10% duplicates, 5% blanks, and 3% spikes.
• Reporting Requirements: Summary for radon measurement must include the following:
  • Essential information – Property address, Scope of Measurements, Lab Info, Radon Informational Sources, and Measurement Professional credentials
  • Measurement Results – Elevated concentrations, Upper floors, Follow-Procedures and Recommendations
  • Reliability of Measurements – Quality Assurance Compliance, Temporary Conditions, Protocol Deviations, Mitigation System Status
  • Conclusions – Confirmation of valid measurements and/or explanations of missing data.

These standards are crafted to address the specific needs of multifamily buildings, where factors such as shared ventilation systems, varied occupancy patterns, and diverse building layouts can impact radon levels and mitigation strategies.

Why is This Mandate Important for Lenders, Developers, and Owners in CRE?

To effectively transition to the new requirements, any of the above-mentioned key players in commercial real estate development or property investment should be prepared for the following:

1. Scope Adjustments: Enterprise Loans for Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae, HUD LEAN, and various FHA Programs will see an increase to sampling scope based on this directive from the state.
2. Stakeholder Communication: Increased testing might necessitate more frequent communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and update them on progress.
3. Analyze Risks: Early discovery of potential radon issues and recognizing that the risk is manageable or unavoidable and planning how to handle it if and when it occurs.

How Partner Can Help?

Partner understands the complexities and challenges these changes can present and can help clients to ensure compliance with the federal and local requirements. Overall, while increased testing can lead to some delays and higher costs, it often results in better quality deliverables and reduced risk, which can be crucial for the long-term success of a project. Partner offers clients a significant advantage in navigating this transformation with our assembled powerhouse team of over 20 certified testing professionals. Our specialists are ready to step in and provide you with the strategic support and hands-on assistance you need to ensure seamless compliance. Our staff of experienced radon consultants can provide cost estimates based on property evaluation, technical expertise, and guidance regarding lender and regulatory obligations.

Contact Partner if you have any questions concerning the mandate and to learn more.