Abstract
Considered the second biggest risk factor for lung cancer in humans after smoking, indoor radon gas (222Rn) is produced by the radioactive decay of 226Ra, which is mainly present in building materials and soil. The current study proposes a methodology for estimating radon levels inside a dwelling using the multizone airflow and contaminant transport modeling software CONTAM, with the main purpose to improve indoor air quality by optimizing mechanical ventilation. The generation rate of indoor radon sources was investigated in relation to the total surface of each room and was subsequently used for identifying the rooms that require special attention. The methodology described should assist in modeling indoor radon contamination, which can be used to optimize the ventilation in a dwelling.
Highlights
The radioactive isotope of radon, 222 Rn, having a 3.8-day half-life, is a member of the uranium decay series and can be found in nature in its gaseous form
This paper reports a comparative study of indoor radon level in two similar dwellings based on simulation performed with the multizone modeling software CONTAM, version 3.2, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [7]
This paper shows the effect of a ventilation system on the indoor radon level within two similar dwellings, as assessed by a multizone modeling software for airflow and contaminant transport
Summary
The radioactive isotope of radon, 222 Rn, having a 3.8-day half-life, is a member of the uranium decay series and can be found in nature in its gaseous form. Radon is a noble gas that can move from the site of its formation through the process of diffusion, allowing it to reach the air that can be inhaled by humans. The average value of outdoor radon concentration is around 15 Bq/m3 [1]. Radon contributes to more than 50% of the natural radiation dose received, which occurs indoors, according to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) [1]. It is known that radon varies significantly throughout the day and depends on the season of the year [3]
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