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Indoor radon concentrations caused by construction materials in 23 workplaces
P Korhonen1, R Halonen, P Kalliokoski
1Uusimaa Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Indoor radon concentrations in workplaces were higher than predicted from building materials, indicating soil as the primary source. Hillside locations showed the highest radon levels, with construction materials contributing minimally.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Building Science
- Radiological Protection
Background:
- Indoor radon (Rn) exposure is a significant health concern.
- Building materials can be a source of indoor radon.
- Understanding radon sources is crucial for mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare measured indoor radon concentrations with those calculated from building materials.
- To identify the primary sources of indoor radon in workplaces.
- To investigate the influence of building location on radon levels.
Main Methods:
- Conducted measurements of indoor radon concentrations at 23 workplaces.
- Calculated potential radon concentrations originating from building materials.
- Analyzed radon data in relation to building locations (hillside, ground level).
Main Results:
- Measured radon concentrations consistently exceeded calculated values from building materials.
- Soil beneath and around buildings was identified as the dominant radon source.
- Hillside locations exhibited the highest mean continuous and integrated radon concentrations.
- Ground level locations showed higher median and maximum calculated radon from construction materials.
- Construction materials accounted for only 7-19% of average indoor radon.
Conclusions:
- Indoor radon levels in workplaces are significantly influenced by soil gas intrusion.
- Building material contributions to indoor radon are often overestimated.
- Radon mitigation strategies should prioritize addressing soil-related sources, especially in hillside environments.