A 2-year study of seasonal indoor radon variations in northern Virginia

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15287399109531512· OSTI ID:5512607

Mose, D G; Mushrush, G W; Chrosniak, C E ^[1]

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1. Center of Basic and Applied Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (USA)

The concentrations of indoor radon in the basements of homes located in northern Virginia average about 1.4 times the first-floor radon concentrations. Basement indoor radon concentrations exhibit seasonal variations that can be related to home use patterns of the occupants. Little indoor radon difference was seen between homes that have concrete block basement walls and poured concrete basement walls, but homes that use oil or gas furnaces for heating have {approximately} 25% lower indoor radon than homes that use electrical heating systems. Particular geological units seem to be associated with elevated indoor radon concentrations, and several units are associated with indoor radon concentrations that exceed 4 pCi/l (the U.S. Environmental Agency action level) at some time in more than 40% of the homes. Comparative studies between indoor radon and total gamma aeroradioactivity show that aeroradioactivity can be accurately used to estimate community radon hazards. When combined with information about the home heating system, geology and aeroradioactivity can be used to identify problem homes.

• OSTI ID: 5512607
• Journal Information: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health; (United States) Vol. 33:2; ISSN JTEHD; ISSN 0098-4108
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION III
FLUIDS
GASES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MONITORING
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
USA
VARIATIONS
VIRGINIA