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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Modeling of radon and its daughter concentrations in ventilated spaces

Journal Article · · J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States)

Reduction of ventilation and infiltration to save energy in heating and cooling buildings can also result in higher concentrations of different pollutants, including radon (Rn-222) and daughter products. A computer program based on differential equations governing the decay and venting of radon 222 and its daughters was developed. It predicts radon and daughter concentrations, total potential alpha energy concentration, and equilibrium factor. The program, which can be used easily by building designers, takes into account time dependence of ventilation and emanation rates. Sample calculations showed that potential alpha energy levels in tightened buildings can reach about 0.01 working level, a level more than twice as high as that currently found in most houses.

Research Organization:
NBS
OSTI ID:
6568639
Journal Information:
J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 30:11; ISSN JPCAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English