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U.S. Department of Energy
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Interview: radon research

Journal Article · · Energy Auditor Retrofitter; (United States)
OSTI ID:7156962
In this interview, Dr. Richard Sextro, Lawrence Berkeley Lab., discusses the following aspects of the indoor radon problem: is it a critical health issue; its history; effectiveness of weatherization programs on control; sources; highest levels found; most successful mitigation techniques; leak-sealing effectiveness; seasonal variations; and EPA's measurement protocols. He notes that radon is indeed a significant indoor pollutant, and their basis for concern is more certain than for most chemicals. Further, unlike most other indoor pollutants, the radon source is primarily external and infiltrates. Dr. Sextro discusses briefly their study of 7 houses in north-central New Jersey: most of the houses in the study had concentrations in the 50 to 100 pico curies/liter range; the 7th house, a control house showed 20-30 pCi/l in the basement, and in July they installed a mitigation system that reduced levels below 2 pCi/l. He also discusses misconceptions about EPA's 4 pCi/l guideline and their requirement for accuracy to within 25% for the radon monitors. One thing they are examining at present is measurement techniques for summer time use that would involve a blower door to depressurize the house.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
7156962
Journal Information:
Energy Auditor Retrofitter; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Auditor Retrofitter; (United States) Vol. 4:5; ISSN EAURE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English