Resolving the radon problem in Clinton, New Jersey, houses

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Environment International; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(89)90039-1· OSTI ID:6877215

Osborne, M C ^[1]

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1. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA)

Significantly elevated radon concentrations were found in several adjacent houses in Clinton, New Jersey. The United States Environmental Protection Agency Screened 56 of the houses and selected 10 for demonstration of radon-reduction techniques. Each of the 10 houses received an intensive radon diagnostic evaluation before a house-specific radon reduction plan was developed. Depressurization effects caused by temperature differentials and the operation of mechanical equipment were quantified. Before and after radon reduction plans were implemented, radon concentrations were determined by charcoal canisters and continuous radon monitors. A variety of sealing and subslab depressurization techniques were applied to the 10 houses. Radon concentrations were reduced by over 95% in all 10 houses. The cost of applying radon reduction techniques ranged from $1500 to $8500 per house. House construction characteristics were described which contributed to the high cost of radon reduction. In summary, the 10-house radon reduction demonstration in Clinton, New Jersey was successful in showing homeowners with similar house types some effective ways of reducing radon concentrations.

• OSTI ID: 6877215
• Journal Information: Environment International; (USA), Journal Name: Environment International; (USA) Vol. 15:1-6; ISSN 0160-4120; ISSN ENVID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
COST
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION II
FLUIDS
GASES
HOUSES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MASS TRANSFER
MITIGATION
MONITORING
NEW JERSEY
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SURVEYS
USA