Allison, C. C., Denman, A. R., Groves-Kirkby, C. J., Phillips, P. S. and Tornberg, R. (2008) Radon remediation of a two-storey UK dwelling by active sub-slab depressurisation: effects and health implications of radon concentration distributions. Environment International. 34(4), pp. 1006-1015. 0160-4120.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Radon concentration levels in a two-storey detached single-family dwelling in Northamptonshire, UK, were monitored continuously throughout a 5-week period during which active sub-slab depressurisation remediation measures were installed. Remediation of the property was accomplished successfully, with both the mean radon levels and the diurnal variability greatly reduced both upstairs and downstairs. Following remediation, upstairs and downstairs radon concentrations were 33% and 18% of their pre-remediation values respectively: the mean downstairs radon concentration was lower than that upstairs, with pre- and post-remediation values of the upstairs/downstairs concentration ratio, RU/D, of 0.81 and 1.51 respectively. Cross-correlation between upstairs and downstairs radon concentration time-series indicates a time-lag of the order of 1 h or less, suggesting that diffusion of soil-derived radon from downstairs to upstairs either occurs within that time frame or forms a relatively insignificant contribution to the upstairs radon level. Cross-correlation between radon concentration time-series and the corresponding time-series for local atmospheric parameters demonstrated correlation between radon concentrations and internal/external pressure difference prior to remediation; this correlation disappears following remediation. Overall, these observations provide further evidence that radon concentration levels within a dwelling are not necessarily wholly determined by the effects of soil–gas advection, and further support the suggestion that, depending on the precise content of the building materials, upstairs radon levels, in particular, may be dominated by radon exhalation from the walls of the dwelling, especially in areas of low soil–gas radon |
| Subjects: |
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution T Technology > TH Building construction > TH6014 Environmental engineering of buildings. Sanitary engineering of buildings |
| Creators: | Allison, C C, Denman, Anthony R, Groves-Kirkby, Chris J, Phillips, Paul S and Tornberg, R |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| Northamptonshire and East Midlands: |
Environment Health |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science Research Centres > Environment Research Group |
| Date: | October 2008 |
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Page Range: | pp. 1006-1015 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Environment International |
| Volume: | 34 |
| Number: | 4 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.03.007 |
| ISSN: | 0160-4120 |
| Status: | Published / Disseminated |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1767 |
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