Air Pollution - Changes Needed in EPA's Program That Assesses Radon Measurement Firms: Rced-90-209 (Paperback)

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) voluntary Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) program, which assessed the proficiency of radon measurement companies. GAO found that: (1) homeowners lacked assurance of radon measurement accuracy and measurement companies' competency in measuring radon, since RMP was voluntary and firms could still market untested devices or those that failed RMP testing; (2) EPA did not require companies to develop and implement quality assurance procedures as a condition for participating in RMP; (3) most states did not have programs to ensure the reliability, consistency, and quality of radon test data that companies provide homeowners; and (4) states had differing requirements for accrediting, licensing, or certifying radon measurement companies, thus providing homeowners with differing levels of assurance.