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Partitioning of {sup 222}Rn entry into a structure surrounded by soil

Journal Article · · Health Physics
;  [1]
  1. Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO (United States)
This paper describes the entry rate of {sup 222}Rn into a basement structure surrounded by a sandy clay loam soil. The highest indoor radon concentrations occurred when the rate of entry was lowest. Data from in-situ measurements were used to identify the entry pathways and also the origins of the radon during periods when the entry rate was low. Results indicated that 25% of the radon entered through the floor-wall joint and 75% through the floor and walls. About 30% of the radon originated in the concrete. Diffusion was the primary transport mechanism. However, radon entry through the floor-wall joint was a combination of diffusion and a convective flow between the subslab region and the interior of the structure. 18 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-87ER60581
OSTI ID:
54544
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 67; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English