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Examination of the influence of water-heated central heating systems on the levels of radon and radon progeny in the workplace

Marley, F., Denman, A. R. and Phillips, P. S. (2000) Examination of the influence of water-heated central heating systems on the levels of radon and radon progeny in the workplace. Radiation Measurments. 32(1), pp. 15-25. 1350-4487.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: A series of continuous real-time radon and progeny measurements, together with passive etched-track detector measurements returning average values, were undertaken in commercial premises in Northamptonshire. Detailed measurements over several months in two separate buildings show that the level of both radon and progeny are determined to a major extent by the influence of the operation and timing of the central heating systems in place. Both buildings studied are similar in construction to many single-storey domestic properties. The operative heating system reduced the radon and progeny levels relative to the non-operating mode by over 40% during the heating period of a normal working day. The variation in temperature during this time was generally less than 3ºC, indicative of a heat retentive building. Because the equilibrium (F) fraction is reduced during the heating period, the reductions in radon and progeny are not uniform. In the workplaces studied, the work-cycle was normally limited to 0900-1700 hours Monday to Friday, the period when the lowest values were recorded. Average daily values would therefore overstate by more than 50% the maximum potential dose during normal attendance hours. The corollary is that living under similar circumstances in domestic environments, the operation and timing of this type of heating regime may well result in higher exposure in the home than at work.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Central heating, radon, progeny, workplace
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1247.R33 Toxicology. Radon
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution
Creators: Marley, F, Denman, Anthony R and Phillips, Paul S
Publisher: Elsevier
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Environment
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date: February 2000
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 15-25
Journal or Publication Title: Radiation Measurments
Volume: 32
Number: 1
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1350-4487(99)00248-6
ISSN: 1350-4487
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6248

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