Department of Public Health outlines radon-mitigation certification; plumbing board adds material to continuing education

The Connecticut Department of Public Health told the Plumbing Board it maintains a list of nationally certified radon mitigators and that the state statute requires evidence of national certification before a contractor may represent themselves as a radon mitigator. Following the presentation, the board voted to add radon-mitigation certification information to the upcoming continuing-education curriculum for plumbers.

Amanda Perkins, indoor-environments unit coordinator at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, summarized the statute and the certification pathway. Perkins said, “This statute, Connecticut General Statute, Section twenty-four 20, is a Department of Consumer Protection statute that states that no certificate shall be given to any person who holds himself or herself out to be a contractor that performs radon mitigation unless such contractor provides evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the contractor is certified as a radon mitigator by the National Radon Safety Board or the National Environmental Health Association.” Perkins noted the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) has largely replaced the older NEHA role and that both NRPP and NRSB (where used) issue nationally recognized cards and certification numbers.

Perkins walked the board through the common pathway: complete radon-measurement and mitigation courses (often five classroom days total), pass a national exam, apply to NRPP or NRSB, and, where required, register with the Department of Consumer Protection as a home-improvement contractor or salesperson. She clarified that individuals who perform radon mitigation for water must hold a Connecticut plumbing and piping license (P‑1, P‑3, or J‑1) and that companies conducting air or water mitigation must employ a nationally certified individual. Perkins also summarized the Department of Public Health guidance for radon in private well water: DPH recommends mitigation when the average of two samples reaches 5,000 picocuries per liter and advises aeration systems for levels at or above 10,000 pCi/L.

Board member Vinny Valente moved to include the information Perkins provided in the next cycle of continuing education for plumbers; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Valente said the step would help educate licensees who might install radon-related water treatment as part of broader well or filtration work.

Perkins noted the radon program itself is not an enforcement office: DPH compiles information and issues guidance; enforcement questions remain with DCP and other agencies. Board members asked for the presentation slides, which Perkins and staff agreed to circulate.

Action: Motion by Vinny Valente to include radon mitigation certification information in the next continuing-education cycle for plumbing licensees; motion seconded and approved by all present.