Distribution Characteristics of Radon Concentration at Elementary Schools in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess radon distribution and to evaluate seasonal radon characteristics at elementary schools. We investigated 580 elementary schools from January in 2008 to May in 2009, every three months(seasonal) during one year using alpha-track detector. The concentration of indoor radon concentration for all elementary schools was 98.4±102.7B q/m3 (GM: 73.7Bq/㎥), and a total of 89 elementary schools (15.3%) exceeded the recommended standards (148 Bq/㎥) for schools by the Ministry of Education, Korea. In the case of GW and BS district, they showed 156.8±146.6 Bq/㎥ (GM: 119.2 Bq/㎥) and 35.4±19.1 Bq/m3 (GM: 32.0 Bq/㎥), respectively. Radon concentration at winter-season were 1.11-2.06 (adjusted geometric mean) times higher than that of the other seasons(spring, summer, autumn), respectively (p<0.01). In addition, as for distribution of radon concentration based on seasons, the radon concentration showed the highest concentration in winter in all district. This study indicates the result of radon concentration of district and seasonal characteristics. It will provide useful data for the determination of radon management and reduction at the elementary schools.