Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Radon remediation of a two-storey UK dwelling by active sub-slab depressurisation: effects and health implications of radon concentration distributions

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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