radon

Briefly reviews sources and types of air contaminants common in tight houses. Covers four indoor pollutants - carbon-monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves, particleboard plywood and urea-formaldehyde from insulation, and radon from various building materials.Suggests ways of lowering pollutant levels without compromising energy conservation considerations.

The radon contents in the two wings of a university building in Tampere were measured. Outside air was supplied to the corridors where it flowed to the rooms via ceiling ducts. Lower radon values were obtained in the rooms located close to the air supply end of the corridor. Radon content was also higher on the first floor then on higher floors, probably because of radon emission from the gravel layer in the foundation. Notes that the main source of radon in a wooden building is the ground, and the tightness of the floor construction is therefore very important.

Reviews factors affecting indoor air quality, including the effect of mildew, high concentrations of microorganisms, radon, light air ions and chemical pollutants(especially formaldehyde). These are mentioned especially inconjunction with airtight residential buildings in Sweden. Current building standards in Sweden concerning materials, airtightness, air quality and energy conservation are also reviewed, along with areas of current and proposed research in air quality.

Notes that number of houses with radon content exceeding 400 Bq/m*3 is probably far in excess of original estimates. States requirements for new built houses and permitted levels in existing housing. Improved ventilation can reduce risks arising from use of certain building materials now prohibited. Gives details of loans available to combat problem and refers to publication issued by Institute for Radiation Protection on how to assess risk from natural sources and building materials.

Discusses relatively simple and inexpensive method for ventilating house foundations to reduce radon based on results of a trial on detached housing in Sweden. Principle is to extract radon gas from the ground before it enters living accomodation. Table shows radon daughter intensity before and after corrective measures.

Air pollution from combustion of fossil fuels can be injurious to health causing damages to air passages. Discusses health risks caused by radon emission in houses. Tables illustrate expected effects of exposure todifferent pollutants, causes of death, 15 years cumulative mortality data, mortality distribution comparison between UK and Sweden, risk of lung cancer caused by radon exposure, and effects on health caused by energy saving methods.

Reports results of measurements of radon gas made in each of the Saskatoon low energy houses in December 1980. Finds that gas levels were higher in basements than on the ground floor but that concentrations of radon were not high enough to constitute a health risk. Suggests that permeability of basement walls may have a great effect on radon concentration and that sealing a basement may reduce levels.