Prediction of indoor radon concentration based on residence location and construction
- Finnish Center for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, Helsinki (Finland)
We have constructed a model for assessing indoor radon concentrations in houses where measurements cannot be performed. It has been used in an epidemiological study and to determine the radon potential of new building sites. The model is based on data from about 10,000 buildings. Integrated radon measurements were made during the cold season in all the houses; their geographic coordinates were also known. The 2-mo measurement results were corrected to annual average concentrations. Construction data were collected from questionnaires completed by residents; geological data were determined from geological maps. Data were classified according to geographical, geological, and construction factors. In order to describe different radon production levels, the country was divided into four zones. We assumed that the factors were multiplicative, and a linear concentration-prediction model was used. The most significant factor in determining radon concentration was the geographical region, followed by soil type, year of construction, and type of foundation. The predicted indoor radon concentrations given by the model varied from 50 to 440 Bq m{sup -3}. The lower figure represents a house with a basement, built in the 1950s on clay soil, in the region with the lowest radon concentration levels. The higher value represents a house with a concrete slab in contact with the ground, built in the 1980s, on gravel, in the region with the highest average radon concentration.
- OSTI ID:
- 45153
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-901010-Pt.1; TRN: 95:003574-0004
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 29. Hanford symposium on health and the environment: indoor radon and lung cancer--reality or myth, Richland, WA (United States), 15-19 Oct 1990; Other Information: PBD: 1992; Related Information: Is Part Of Indoor radon and lung cancer: Reality or Myth? Part 1; Cross, F.T. [ed.]; PB: 527 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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