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Increased radon concentrations in classrooms used for pottery workshops
O Ennemoser1, P Schneider, W Ambach
1Institute for Medical Physics, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 15, 1992
Summary
Radon (Rn) levels in schools were measured. Handicraft rooms showed high radon, but removing pottery significantly reduced concentrations, indicating a potential source.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Indoor Air Quality
- Radioactivity Measurement
Background:
- Radon (Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
- Elevated indoor radon levels pose a health risk.
- Systematic measurement of radon in educational environments is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess radon concentrations in nine schools.
- To identify potential sources of elevated radon levels.
- To evaluate the impact of removing specific items on radon levels.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study conducted in nine schools.
- Systematic measurement of radon (Rn) concentrations.
- Comparison of radon levels across different school areas (classrooms, basements, handicraft rooms).
Main Results:
- Mean radon concentration in classrooms was 52 Bq/m3, similar to Central Europe.
- Basement handicraft rooms exhibited significantly high mean radon levels (617 Bq/m3) due to pottery displays.
- Removing pottery reduced mean radon in handicraft rooms to 83 Bq/m3.
Conclusions:
- Pottery displays in school handicraft rooms can be a significant source of indoor radon.
- Radon mitigation strategies, such as removing specific items, can be effective.
- Further investigation into radon sources in schools is warranted.