This report is one of a series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. It is intended for the guidance of householders and builders who seek to reduce radon levels in dwellings by sealing cracks and other discontinuities in solid ground floors. The remedial measures described are mainly for concrete floors laid directly on the ground but some of the principles could be used with suspended concrete floors and, to a lesser extent, with floors consisting of large stone slabs.
This report gives guidance for reducing the presence of radon in new dwellings, and hence reducing the risk to occupants of exposure to radon. Interim guidance was first issued by the Department of the Environment in June 19881. Since that time much experience has been gained of its application in practice. This report has been prepared to build on the experience gained and to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the principles involved. It provides practical details on methods of protecting new dwellings
This report is one of a series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. It deals specifically with dwellings, and supplements the general guidance given in The householders' guide to radon 1, obtainable from local environmental health officers or from the Department of the Environment. This report offers advice on radon-protective measures that can be taken during the planning and implementation of major alteration or conversion works to a building in radon-affected areas.
This report is one of a series giving practical advice on how to reduce indoor radon levels in existing dwellings. Its specific subject is radon remedial measures for houses with suspended timber floors. These measures can also be used with other types of suspended floor, although they are not relevant to timber finishes laid directly onto concrete bases. The report is aimed at builders who carry out radon remedial work and householders who are competent at D IY.
Radon is an inert radioactive gas released into the atmosphere from certain minerals and man-made products in which it is produced. It can accumulate in confined spaces. Radon emanation into a building can come from: the underlying soil, the building materials, tap water and natural gas. The principal isotope, 222Rn, decays to products which if inhaled can result in exposure of the respiratory tract to alpha radiation. The decay products, radon daughters, are significant because of their potential to cause health effects.
Active sub-slab depressurization (SSD) systems are an effective means of reducing indoor radon concentrations in residential buildings. However, energy is required to operate the system fan and to heat or cool the resulting increased building ventilation. We present regional and national estimates of the energy requirements, operating expenses and C02 emissions associated with using SSD systems at saturation (i.e. in all US homes with radon concentrations above the EPA remediation guideline and either basement or slab-on-grade construction) .
Noise from fan-assisted radon sump systems can be a problem in the home. This leaflet describes how to design a sump system with a view to minimising noise disturbance. It also includes advice on reducing noise from unsatisfactory existing systems. The leaflet will be of interest to householders, builders and designers dealing with noise from fan-assisted radon sump systems
Login