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Noise from fan-assisted radon sump systems can be a problem in the home. This leaflet describes how to design a sump system with a view to minimising noise disturbance. It also includes advice on reducing noise from unsatisfactory existing systems. The leaflet will be of interest to householders, builders and designers dealing with noise from fan-assisted radon sump systems

An effective way of reducing the level of radon in dwellings is to extract air from beneath the ground floor. This is usually achieved by mechanical ventilation or by the use of a radon sump. However, in some circumstances, these remedial measures may lower the air pressure inside the dwelling. In a small number of cases, this causes combustion gases from open-flued combustion appliances, such as open fires, to spill into the living spaces. Spillage of this type is potentially hazardous, and should always be avoided.

The UK Building Research Establishment has carried out measurements of levels of nitrogen dioxide (N02) in 12 homes in the South of England. Two types of detection device were used: the Scintrex LMA-3 continuous N02 analyser and the Palmes passive diffusion tube. NO 2 concentrations were recorded using both devices in the kitchen, living room and a bedroom of each home for a period of a week. Gas cooking was observed to be the most important source of peak concentrations of N02 in the home.

Mechanical ventilation of workrooms was formerly based mainly on the dilution principle. In recent years, however, 50% of new investments in industrial ventilation in Scandinavia have been spent on displacement ventilation. Very little data exist from industrial settings on the relative performance of displacement ventilation versus dilution ventilation as regards air quality and thermal comfort. The present study collected data on the indoor climate in a sewing plant before and after the ventilation was changed from dilution to displacement.