Follows an article by M.Cadierigues in Promoclim E, December 1984, describing radon in the inhabited environment. The phenomena is still not well understood in France, and the possible solution which ventilation may provide is yet to be establi
Points out that increased thermal insulation and draughtproofing of homes can increase the risk to health of indoor air pollution. Includes condensation as a pollutant along with associated mould growth. Notes collaboration by Pilkington the glass company and the Timber Research and Development Association plus Laing the housebuilding group, to combat condensation by passive ventilation. Treats sources of indoor air pollution - formaldehyde, asbestos, gas appliances, tobacco smoke, thoron, radon.
A booklet for consumers explaining the effects of house-tightening measures on pollutant levels. It also provides a guide to detecting and controlling pollutants commonly found in homes.
Reviews the scientific literature on indoor air pollution. Low-pollution design and construction techniques employed in the Sunnyhill Low-Pollution Research Centre are outlined in detail and suggestions are made on their applicability to new and existing housing in Canada. The study recommends a four-fold approach to the indoor air pollution problem by government and the building industry: A) short-circuit major potential hazards, B) deal with low-pollution housing needs, C) spread and apply present knowledge, and D)foster more research and discussions on regulation.
Measurements of the radioactive subsoil inside a closed and air conditioned room were made to establish how far the concentration of radon and the radon daughters may be changed by means of ventilation. Whereas the radioactive subsoil in a building cannot be influenced due to the given cosmic radiation and the radio-active isotopes, it is generally assumed that the radio-activity originated by Radon 222 may be removed from the room air by ventilators. The radon diffusing from the brickwork disintegrates into several intermediate radio-active products and finally into stable lead.
Discusses the sources of radiation exposure for the population of the UK. Radon is the most important natural element. Presents results of national and regional surveys. Remedies and preventive measures are outlined and protection standards are suggested.
Covers indoor pollutant levels and their health effects in humans and animals for five principal classes of pollutant: radon, microorganisms, passive cigarette smoke, combustion products, and organic compounds. They are examined from viewpoints such as measurement and source characterisation habitat studies, health effects, risk analysis, and future needs.
A representative panel of 37 conventional houses in Eastern Pennsylvania was chosen. Each house was located with respect to its geological formation (the underlying substrate). Blower-door ventilation measurements were made. The concentration of radon in the domestic water supplies was analysed and passive radon monitors were used to measure the radon in the air. It was concluded that the radon in these houses arises largely from the soil and passes through the foundations.
Radon-222 and 222Rn progeny concentrations, barometric pressure and pressure differentials between inside and outside were measured continuously in the basement of a recently constructed energy-efficient house in metropolitan Denver, Colorado