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Radon mitigation in schools: HVAC systems in schools tend to have a greater impact on radon levels than HVAC systems in homes

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6701599
; ;

The first part of the two-part paper discusses radon entry into schools, radon mitigation approaches for schools, and school characteristics (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning--HVAC--system design and operating) that influence radon entry and mitigation system design. The second part discusses specific mitigation systems that were installed by the U.S. EPA in four Maryland schools. HVAC systems in schools vary considerably and tend to have a greater impact on pressure differentials--and consequently on radon levels--than do heating and air-conditioning systems in houses. If the HVAC system induces a negative pressure relative to the subslab area, radon can be 'pulled' into the building. If the HVAC system pressurizes the building, it can prevent radon entry as long as the fan is running. However, school HVAC systems are normally set back or turned off on evenings and weekends and, even if the HVAC system pressurizes the school during operation, indoor radon levels may build up during the setback periods. The primary mode of radon entry into a school with significantly elevated radon levels is normally from soil gas that is drawn in by pressure differentials between the soil surrounding the substructure and the building interior.

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Air and Energy Engineering Research Lab.
OSTI ID:
6701599
Report Number(s):
PB-90-219718/XAB; EPA--600/J-90/009
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AC SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
BUILDINGS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONTROL
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLUIDS
GASES
HEATING
HOUSES
HVAC SYSTEMS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MASS TRANSFER
MITIGATION
MONITORING
NONMETALS
OPERATION
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
POWER SYSTEMS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
SOILS
VENTILATION