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Radon mitigation in cold climates at Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Mathieu Brossard1, Céline Brazeau Ottawa, Renato Falcomer
1*Environmental Health Program Health Canada-Quebec Region, 1001, rue Saint-Laurent Ouest, Longueuil, (Qc), J4K 1C7; †Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Health &8; Social Services 8, Kikinamage Mikan Box 160, Maniwaki, Quebec J9E 3B4; ‡Radiation Health Assessment Division, Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa ON, K1A 0K9.
Health Physics
|January 1, 2015
Summary
Sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS) effectively reduce indoor radon levels. Above ground level discharge with basement fan (AGL) systems showed similar radon reduction to attic fan (ARL) systems and were less prone to exhaust icing in cold climates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Building Science
- Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Radon is a radioactive gas that enters homes from the soil, posing a significant health risk.
- Sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS) are a common method for mitigating indoor radon.
- Variations in SSDS design, specifically fan and discharge locations, may impact performance and icing in cold climates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the radon mitigation efficiency of two SSDS configurations.
- To evaluate the susceptibility to exhaust icing in different SSDS designs under cold climate conditions.
Main Methods:
- Collected mitigation data from 85 houses employing SSDS.
- Analyzed two SSDS configurations: Above Ground Level discharge with basement fan (AGL) and Above Roof line discharge with attic fan (ARL).
- Assessed radon level reduction and observed exhaust icing incidents.
Main Results:
- Both AGL and ARL SSDS configurations demonstrated similar effectiveness in reducing indoor radon concentrations.
- AGL systems, when properly sealed with appropriate fittings and piping, successfully lowered radon to acceptable levels.
- AGL installations exhibited a lower incidence of obstructive exhaust icing in cold climates compared to ARL systems.
Conclusions:
- Both AGL and ARL SSDS are effective radon mitigation strategies.
- AGL systems offer a potential advantage in cold climates due to reduced risk of exhaust icing.
- Proper installation and sealing are critical for the efficacy of SSDS, regardless of fan location.