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Cost and effectiveness of radon-resistant features in new school buildings

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5064317
; ;
The paper describes initial results of a study of several schools with radon resistant features that were recently constructed in the northeastern U.S. These designs generally are based on experience with radon mitigation in existing houses and schools and radon-resistant new construction. The study was limited to slab-on-grade schools where the most common radon resistant school design is active subslab depressurization (ASD). The additional construction costs for eight schools built with ASD ranged from $3 to $11/sq m of slab area. The radon contractors who designed these systems have tended to overdesign the radon reduction systems in the absence of specific written guidance to follow to lessen potential liability in the event of system failure. Design features include detailed sealing of all slab cracks, multiple exhaust stacks, and extensive subslab piping. Recent EPA research on radon mitigation suggests that simpler ASD systems may provide sufficient radon resistance in new buildings at lower costs. Components of a specification for radon resistant school construction are discussed, based on comments from radon system designers. Another school being studied was built with a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) pressurization radon control system, and considerations for this type of system are examined.
Research Organization:
Infiltec, Falls Church, VA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5064317
Report Number(s):
PB-91-233254/XAB; CNN: EPA-68-D0-0097
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AC SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
BUILDINGS
CONSTRUCTION
CONTROL
COST
DEPRESSURIZATION
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLUIDS
GASES
HVAC SYSTEMS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MASS TRANSFER
MITIGATION
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
POWER SYSTEMS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
SCHOOL BUILDINGS