Effects of natural and forced basement ventilation on radon levels in single-family dwellings. Final report, May 90-Aug 91

Technical Report · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:7206522

Cavallo, A; Gadsby, K; Reddy, T A

The report gives, for the first time, results of an extensive study of the effect of ventilation on radon concentrations and radon entry rate in a single-family dwelling. Measurements of radon concentrations, building dynamics, and environmental parameters made in Princeton University research houses over several seasons and under different building operating conditions show the functional dependence of radon entry rate on basement depressurization. The work clarifies the role of natural ventilation in reducing indoor radon concentrations. The work shows conclusively that natural ventilation can decrease radon levels two ways: (1) by simple dilution, and (2) by providing a pressure break (defined as any opening in the building shell that reduces the outdoor/indoor differential pressure). This reduces building depressurization and thus the amount of radon-contaminated soil gas that is drawn into the building.

• Research Organization: Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Center for Energy and Environmental Studies
• OSTI ID: 7206522
• Report Number(s): PB-92-192194/XAB; CNN: EPA-R-817013
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
BASEMENTS
BUILDINGS
CONTROL
COOLING
DEPRESSURIZATION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
HEATING
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MONITORING
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SOILS
VENTILATION