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Model RD1
User’s Manual
Radon Gas Test Kit
Short-Term Analysis
Limited Warranty
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand products warrants that for
a period of one year from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects
in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or
any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period.
Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component.
If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product
of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail
purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is
required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores
selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the
terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of
the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use contrary to the operating
instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an
authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as
fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the
breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by
applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states,
provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the
above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or
province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service:
If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to
obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005,
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist us in
serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when
calling.
303 Nelson Avenue, Neosho, MO 64850-8806.
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
M08-0083-001 L 07/04
All Rights Reserved. © 2004 BRK Brands, Inc.
Made in USA.
BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
M08-0083-001
L 07/04
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user’s manual contains important information about your
Radon Gas Test Kit’s operation. Meets EPA RMP Requirements.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). A picoCurie is equal to 10
-12
curies, or one trillionth of a Curie. This measurement determines the potential threat
of long-term exposure to radon.
EPA Recommendations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following guidelines for
determining what type of action you should take after receiving your test results:
Less than 4 pCi/L
Equal to or greater than
4 pCi/L but less than 10 pCi/L
Equal to or greater than 10 pCi/L
If this is an initial short-term test: A follow-up
test is not necessary now. Consider testing
again in the future. If a lower level (basement)
becomes more frequently used, test there also.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you consider reducing the radon
level if the average of your first and second
tests is 4 pCi/L or higher.
Even radon levels below 4 pCi/L pose some
health risk, and you can reduce your risk of
lung cancer by lowering your radon level. Most
homes can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or less.
If this is an initial short-term test: The EPA
recommends you conduct a follow-up test
using either a long-term test (90 days to one
year duration), or a short-term test. A long-
term test will provide a better understanding of
your year-round average radon level; however,
if you need results quickly, conduct a second
short-term test. A long-term test may only be
purchased through Alpha Energy Labs directly
at (800) 324-5928.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you fix your home if the average
of your first and second tests is 4 pCi/L or
higher.
If this is an initial short-term test: The EPA
recommends you follow up with an immediate
short-term test.
If this is a follow-up short-term test: The EPA
recommends you fix your home if the average
of your first and second tests is 4 pCi/L or
higher.
Are There Any Other Ways For Radon To Enter My Home?
Radon can also enter a home through its water supply. If you drink water that is
contaminated with radon, the EPA believes there is no real health threat. However,
radon gas can escape from the water and either create or add to a potential radon
problem. Radon escapes from water when the temperature of the water is hot and
its surface area is large (i.e. dishwashers, washing machines, showers, etc.). In some
cases, especially when water is obtained from a private well, this “radon entry point”
can be a major contributor to radon in the home.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Potential Radon Entry Points
1 Cinder block basement walls 4 Floor drain
2 Cracks in cement floor 5 Edge between wall and cement floor
3 Sump pump 6 Sink
General Information About Radon
What Is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that is found in the
earth’s soil and rocks that contain uranium. Although almost all of the soil in the
United States contains uranium, it is usually only found in small amounts. When soil
with high concentrations of uranium is located, there is also a noticeable increase in
radon levels.
From the natural breakdown of uranium comes radium. A radioactive gas (called
“radon”) is emitted from radium, which is passed up through the soil. This gas, in its
original form, is inert—it can be breathed in and out again with no harmful effects.
However, within thirty minutes of the formation of this gas, its natural decay process
begins forming radioactive particles, commonly called “the daughters of radon.” The
“daughters” are tiny particles that attach themselves to dust and smoke in the air.
Once these “daughters” are breathed into the lungs, they lodge themselves in the
walls of the lungs and, because of their natural radioactivity, begin to emit bursts of
radiation that can destroy cells in the lungs.
If Radon Comes From Soil, Isn’t The Outside Air Contaminated
With Radon?
When radon escapes into the outside air, it is quickly diluted by many other particles
in the air. In essence, the amount of radon that is being emitted from the soil is only a
very minute portion of the atmosphere. The outdoor radon level is generally between
0.2-1.0 pCi/L, with the average level being around 0.5 pCi/L.
When radon becomes “trapped” within a home, there is no means to dilute or
distribute the gas. The gas enters the home through cracks in the foundation, loose-
fitting pipes, drains, and even cement floors, but has no means of escape. This can
result in indoor radon concentrations many times higher than outdoor levels.
What Risks Do I Face If Radon Is In My Home?
The risk of long-term exposure to radon is lung cancer. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), an agency of the U.S. government, has estimated that there are
between 5,000 and 30,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year, and that
radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Since there are no “symptoms” of lung cancer in the early stages, and there may be a
“lag time” of between 10 and 40 years between initial exposure to radon and onset of
the disease, there are no clues as to whether or not the “daughters” are destroying
cells in your lungs at this very moment. Because radon is invisible, odorless and
tasteless, the only way to evaluate whether or not you face the risk of radon exposure
is to test your home for radon.
When Is The Best Time To Test My Home For Radon?
Since radon levels can vary according to the weather and the season, it is important
that you test your home for radon when all windows and doors can be kept closed,
except for normal entry and exit, prior to and for the duration of the test. For northern
climates, the winter months are the optimum time to test. For southern climates, the
test should be performed at a time when windows and doors will not be opened for
ventilation. Also, it is acceptable to continue operation of central air conditioning
systems that recycle interior air during the test period.
It is also important that you conduct the test when the weather is calm. Testing
during high winds (30+ mph) or during thunderstorms can seriously alter radon levels.
If you begin testing when weather is calm and severe weather conditions arise during
the test, BRK Brands, Inc. the maker of First Alert
®
brand products recommends
completing the test, but conducting another test as soon as possible during calm
weather conditions. If the test results indicate different radon levels, the level of the
test conducted during severe weather should be discarded.
The Risk Of Living With Radon...
Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude
of radon health risks. However, more is known about radon risks than risks from most
other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based
on studies of cancer in humans (underground coal miners). Additional studies are
being conducted on more typical populations.
Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stop smoking and
lower your radon levels to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Using This Test Kit
The charcoal test kit provided in this package is a short-term, do-it-yourself radon
test. The test kit contains charcoal (activated carbon) that will “adsorb” and trap
radon’s radioactive by-products if present.
Once the test has been properly conducted for 2 days (48 hours) as indicated
below, the test kit should be immediately (within 24 hours) returned to First
Alert
®
, c/o Alpha Energy Labs, 2501 Mayes Rd, Suite 100, Carrollton, TX 75006,
(800) 324-5928 for analysis. The exposed test kit must be received by our
laboratory no later than 10 days after the end of the test in order for the test
results to be valid.
Since BRK Brands, Inc. the maker of First Alert
®
brand products has no control over
the U.S. Postal Service, we cannot guarantee that your test results will be returned
within 21 days. If you do not receive your test results within 21 days, please contact
Alpha Energy Labs, (800) 324-5928.
Select a Test Location(s):
According to the EPA, initial short-term testing should be conducted in the lowest
lived-in area of your home. Follow-up testing should be conducted in the same
location as the initial short-term measurement.
TEST INSTRUCTIONS: Short-Term Charcoal Kit
DO NOT OPEN PLASTIC BAG UNTIL READY TO TEST.
There is no expiration date on test kit as long as plastic bag is not open.
Closed House Conditions: All windows and doors should be kept closed for at least
12 hours prior to and for the duration of the test, except for normal entry and exit.
Please sign test kit to verify “Closed House Conditions” were observed.
Real Estate transactions require 2 kits exposed simultaneously 4 inches apart
or 2 kits exposed sequentially.
1. Record your name, address, phone number, sample kit bar code number, test
start date and time, and test location on the information card included with the
test kit.
2. When you are ready to begin testing, open the plastic bag and remove the
test kit. Place the test kit (paper side up) on a flat surface two (2) or more feet
above the floor in the lowest lived in area of your home or test location. Be careful
not to tear or puncture the Radon Sampler. Do not disturb the sampler during the
measurement period.
DO NOT PLACE THIS TEST KIT:
• Near heat or air conditioning registers, fans, or other places where it will be
subjected to constantly moving air;
• Where it will get wet or in places of high humidity (i.e. kitchen, laundry room,
garage, crawl space or sump pump);
• In direct sunlight or near heat sources;
• In the reach of children.
3. Stop the test after 2 days (48 hours) as follows:
Kits are invalid if exposed
longer than 96 hours!
• Record stop time and date on the information card included with the test kit.
•
Record the bar code number that is printed on the reverse side of the test
kit, the date you returned the test kit for analysis, and the test location in
this area.
BAR CODE NUMBER:
_____________________________________
DATE RETURNED: _____________________________________
TEST LOCATION: _____________________________________
• Place the charcoal test kit and the completed card in the return envelope and
seal the envelope. For better security, tape the envelope after sealing it.
Any delay in returning the test kit to Alpha Energy Labs may invalidate the test
results.
• Place two first class stamps on the envelope and return the test kit immediately
to Alpha Energy Laboratories for evaluation. You will receive the results within
two weeks of receipt at the laboratory.
FOR FASTER SERVICE – OVERNIGHT YOUR TEST KIT TO THE ADDRESS
SHOWN ON THE FRONT OF THE INFORMATION CARD AND PROVIDE AN
EMAIL ADDRESS OR FAX NUMBER FOR THE RETURN REPORT.
Normally you will receive your results within 2-3 weeks from the time you mail the kit
in to the lab. This accounts for the mailing time to the lab, analysis time, and the time
it takes to mail a report back to you.
If you do not receive the test results within 21 days, contact Alpha Energy Labs at
(800) 324-5928.
Please have your date of mailing and serial number included
with the test kit before calling Alpha Energy Labs. BRK Brands, Inc. the maker
of First Alert
®
brand products has no control over the U.S. Postal Service and
cannot guarantee an actual delivery date of results.