Radon protection in apartments using a ventilation system wireless-controlled by radon activity concentration

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Building Physics
• Radiation Protection

Background:

• The German Radiation Protection Act (StrlSchG) of 2018 mandates a reference value of 300 Bq m^-3 for average radon activity concentration in residential and work buildings.
• Exceedance of this value is anticipated in numerous German buildings, necessitating effective radon mitigation strategies.
• Ventilation is identified as a simple and cost-effective radon protection measure for existing structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive, miniaturized radon monitor for wireless integration into ventilation systems with zone control and heat recovery.
• To extend ventilation systems with the control parameter of radon activity concentration.
• To assess the efficacy of a novel, wirelessly controlled ventilation system in reducing indoor radon levels.

Main Methods:

• Radon measurements were conducted over three weeks in winter across 13 unoccupied apartments in a German building.
• Decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery were installed in opposite external walls of an apartment with high radon levels.
• A wirelessly controlled system, activated by radon concentration, was tested for its reduction capabilities.

Main Results:

• Significant radon activity concentrations were detected on all floors, with maximum values reaching 14000 Bq m^-3 on the first floor.
• In a test apartment, radon concentration was reduced from 8000 Bq m^-3 to 800 Bq m^-3 through the implemented ventilation system.
• The wireless control system effectively responded to measured radon activity concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The developed wireless radon monitoring and ventilation control system shows promise as an effective and simple radon protection measure.
• Integrated ventilation systems can significantly reduce indoor radon levels, aiding compliance with new regulatory standards.
• Further implementation of such systems is recommended for widespread radon mitigation in buildings.