This paper describes the procedures used in residences for rapid grab-sample and time-dependent measurements of the air-exchange rate and radon concentration: the radon source magnitude is calculated from the results of simultaneous measurements of these parameters. Grab-sample measurements in three survey groups comprising 101 US houses showed the radon source magnitude to vary approximately log-normally with a geometric mean of 0.37 and a range of 0.01 to 6.0 pCi/l/h.
An energy-efficient residence in Mt. Airy, Maryland, USA, was monitored for aldehydes and radon in order to develop relationships between air infiltration rates and contaminant levels. One fifth of the measured formaldehyde concentrations were in the range that may cause health concerns. These concentrations were measured under very low air infiltration rates. Increased ventilation was effective in reducing high concentrations. Use of the heat exchanger led to an increase in the air infiltration rate which resulted in a substantial reduction of formaldehyde levels.
Provides general information on indoor air pollution sources, the pollutants commonly found indoors and their potential health effects. Contains chapters on formaldehyde and other household contaminants, radon, particulates, combustion products, smoking, energy-efficient buildings, control of indoor air pollutants, air quality in office buildings, and legal and regulatory issues in the USA. Further sources of information are given.
Reports on project designed to illustrate building and ventilation solutions which are or which can be expected to reduce the radon daughter content in indoor air in existing buildings or to prevent excessive radon daughter contents in newly-
The Aardvark automated system has been developed for continuously measuring the air-exchange rate and 222Rn (radon) concentration in an occupied residence. The air-exchange rate is measured over 90 min intervals by tracer gas decay using sulphur hexafluoride as the tracer gas.
To quantify the inferred elevated radon concentrations in energy efficient homes caused by lower air infiltration due to airtightness, an attempt was made to eliminate some of the more important conflicting parameters by measuring pairs of adjacent homes i.e. comparing retro-fitted or new houses with a conventional neighbouring dwelling.
The interpretation of the data presented in the named article (by Nazaroff W W et al, NO 1767) is extended to develop an improved model that can be used to predict radon concentrations in the single family house tested and possibly inothers as well. In particular, a more complete set of low sump activity data has been replotted.
Discusses the nature of the problem of indoor air pollution, limitations in the authority of established health agencies in the US to control the problem, research needs and some control options. Indoor pollutants of current concern include radon, tobacco smoke, emissions from unvented indoor combustion appliances, aeropathogens, formaldehyde and pesticides.
Efforts to reduce the energy needs to heat or cool dwellings have the potential to create new health hazards. Increases in indoor levels of radon and its progeny from the reduction in air exchange rates add a substantial radioactive burden to the general population. Other indoor pollutants reaching critical concentrations in homes with low air exchange rates are CO and NO2 from unvented combustion in gas stoves and heaters, tobacco smoke, and asbestos fibres.
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