Radon in energy-efficient earth-sheltered structures
Exposure o the radioactive-decay products of radon 222 that are present in indoor air constitutes the most-significant radiation dose received by the general population in most countries. Indoor concentrations vary from one building to another, ranging from insignificant to very high levels that cause radiation doses higher than those experienced by uranium miners. This wide range of concentrations is attributable to variability in the rate at which radon enters buildings, and differences in the ventilation rate. Earth-sheltered dwellings, because they are more completely surrounded by earth material than other structures, have an as yet unquantified potential for having radon entry rates that are higher than typical for other houses in the region. Moreover, measures that save energy by reducing ventilation rates (for example by reducing infiltration) can also raise indoor radon concentrations. For these reasons a significant effort is needed to determine the potential for ventilation-reducing measures and earth sheltering to increase radon concentrations, especially in regions where they are already high. Where necessary, proper attention to specific design features that affect radon entry rates or residence time indoors should be adequate to avoid undue risk to the public.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 5838534
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-14959; CONF-830835-1; ON: DE83015992
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Energy efficient buildings with earth shelter protection, Sydney, Australia, 1 Aug 1983; Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
EARTH-COVERED BUILDINGS
VENTILATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
RADON 222
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
RADIATION DOSES
RADIUM 226
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
AIR POLLUTION
ALKALINE EARTH ISOTOPES
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BUILDINGS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DOSES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HAZARDS
HEAVY NUCLEI
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
ISOTOPES
NUCLEI
POLLUTION
POPULATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIUM ISOTOPES
RADON ISOTOPES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
530100 - Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies- Social & Economic Studies- (-1989)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety