Uncertain if you need a Primary Tester, Secondary Tester or Mitigator?
According to the Indiana Radon Rule, 410 IAC 5.1, everyone who is serving Indiana by doing radon testing, analysis and mitigation (radon reduction) in residential structures must be certified by the Indiana State Department of Health. The three categories for radon tester are Radon Laboratory Tester, Primary Radon Tester and Secondary Radon Tester. There is only one category for Radon Mitigator. The category definitions listed below are in accordance with 410 IAC 5.1. (This list is usually updated at least once a month.)
The radon laboratory tester is an individual who manufactures passive monitors or analyzes passive monitors for radon. He/she may also place passive monitors and measure radon utilizing active monitors. He/she is the full-time employee or employer, who shall be responsible for all laboratory activities. He/she may also perform the functions of the "Primary Radon Tester" and the "Secondary Radon Tester". (Most of the individuals, who are Radon Laboratory Testers, work for a laboratory, which sells and analyzes detectors for the public. For instance, if someone wants to test their own home, they can call a laboratory to purchase a detector.)
The primary radon tester is an individual who measures radon with active monitors. He/she may also place passive monitors but may not analyze passive monitors. He/she may also perform functions as a "Secondary Radon Tester", however, he/she may not perform functions of a "Radon Laboratory Tester". (If someone wants to hire an individual to do a test, they can call the Primary Radon Tester or the Secondary Radon Tester. [Ex: for a real estate transaction]).
The secondary radon tester is an individual who places and/or retrieves passive monitors. He/she may not perform any functions as a "Primary Radon Tester" or a "Radon Laboratory Tester". (This individual sends the monitors [or modems the data] to a certified lab for analysis).
The radon mitigator is an individual who repairs or alters a building to reduce radon levels. He/she may represent a company, but must be a full-time employee or employer, who shall be responsible for all mitigation activities.
Passive monitors - Examples include; Charcoal Canisters, Alpha Track Detectors, Liquid Scintillation Detectors, Electret Ion Chamber Detectors, femto-Tech 510M Monitors, and Radalink TeleMonitors.
Active monitors - Continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors.
For a listing of Indiana-licensed radon testing and mitigation companies, please refer to:
Are you interested in testing your home for radon?
- To purchase a low-cost radon short term or long term test kit, please visit the American Lung Association
- If you have general radon questions, please contact the Indiana Radon Hotline at 1-800-272-9723
You may also contact Katie Etter at 317-233-1294, ketter@health.in.gov or Jennifer Berk at jberk1@health.in.gov or 317-419-0440.
Resources
- Rule 410 Indiana Administrative Code 5.1 (Radon Rule)
- Citizen’s Guide to Radon
- Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction
- Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon
- EPA Radon Fact Sheet
- Radon: A brief guide on how to keep your home and family safe from radon
- Radon: Keep your home safe from radon
Additional Information About Indiana and Radon Prevention