Measurements of gamma radiation in Swedish houses by means of mailed CaSO4 - Dy dosimeters.

Reports a nationwide investigation of gamma radiation in Swedish houses, made by the National Institute of Radiation Protection in Stockholm. The occupants of 2000 apartments and houses were picked at random and asked to participate in the investigation. The measurements were made with thermoluminescent dosimeters CaSO4 - Dy in teflon. Three detectors were sent to each of the selected dwellings by post. Finds that the accuracy of the detectors is about+ or - 25%.

Radon in Swedish dwellings

Reports investigation of the radon concentrations in Swedish homes. The concentrations of radon and daughter products, air change rate and gamma levels have been investigated in 63 dwellings in seven types of houses built at the beginning of the 1970's in the town of Gavle. Gives table of results. From these results the absorbed dose in the basal cells of bronchial epitheiuim in the lung has been calculated for various periods.

Distribution of ambient radon and radon daughters in New York - New Jersey residences.

Reports investigation into the radon dose from inhaled radon daughters during exposure indoors. The initial phase of the investigation comprised detailed measurements of radon daughter concentrations in each of four locations in the New York area. The investigation has now broadened considerably. Time-integrated measurements of radon concentrations and working levels have been obtained in twenty dwellings in New York and New Jersey in a two year period with which to estimate annual mean exposures of the inhabitants.

A technique for measuring airborne concentrations of daughters of radon isotopes.

Describes a method of measuring airborne concentrations of radon daughters which distinguishes between the different isotopes. At the place of sampling, air is flowed through a millipore filter for five to ten minutes at approximately 12 litres per minute. The filter is counted during the period 2 to 12 minutes post sampling; the counts are integrated over each of four regions of energy and a second count made for the same regions during the period 15 to 30 minutes post sampling. Results are analysed by a BASIC computer program.

Population dose equivalent from naturally occurring radionuclides in building materials.

The authors have developed a Fortran IV computer program for estimating whole body and lung dose equivalent rates due to naturally occurring radionuclides in building materials. Two of the inputs to this program are the effects of wall thickness and the effects of a surface sealant on the gamma exposure ratedue to the increased quantity of radon daughter nuclides trapped within a wall.

Exhalation of Radon 222 from building materials and walls at constant and falling pressures.

Reports study of the exhalation of radon from building materials by following the build-up of activity in closed vessels containing samples of the material. On the basis of a linear diffusion model, the porosity, diffusion length and radon production rate were found for a light-weight concrete by measuring theexhalation at various, constant pressures. The exhalation of radon from wallswas measured in a concrete-walled basement room by studying the growth of activity in exhalation cans sealed to various portions of the walls.

Instrumentation for Full-scale Wind Load measurement on glasshouses.

Describes apparatus used to measure full-scale wind loads on a glasshouse. Wind pressure was sensed by a Dines anemometer and the variation in wind velocity with height by a small pressure tube anemometer. Wind loads on the glasshouse were sensed by pressure tapping points connected in sequence to micromanometers. Describes apparatus for the recording and analysis of data. States apparatus has been used for two years and found to be reliable in operation.

The case for controlled ventilation of houses

Fresh air requirements in individual rooms of an occupied house vary between 0.5 and 2 air changes per hour depending on the number and activity of the occupants. The most common method of ventilation control is by opening windows but measurements show that even quite moderate window opening results in air change rates greater than 2 air changes per hour throughout a house.< Reports measurement of the energy cost of window opening in a test house with a heat loss coefficient of 5 kWh/K day. Finds in a low energy house,controlled ventilation is essential.

Indoor radon concentrations and building materials. Control of airborne radioactivity

The daughter products of radon are chemically active materials which, when inhaled are very likely to deposit in the respiratory tract. Defines a special unit, the working level, to indicate the radiation burden from radon daughters. Reports study of exhalation rates from various building materials made by enclosing samples in containers and analysing air samples from the containers. Gives table of results. Discusses control of airborne radiation by increasing the ventilation rate, sealing room surfaces, mechanical circulation and filtration of the air.

Carbon dioxide measurement in open-classroom school with outside air-supply damper closed to conserve energy.

In some buildings in Canada ventilation systems are being operated with the outside air supply dampers completely closed during winter to reduce ventilation and hence conserve energy. Reports measurements of the carbon dioxide concentrations in the classrooms of a small elementary school, when the outside air-supply damper was closed, to assess whether ventilation was adequate. Concentrations were found to be well below the maximum accepted occupational standard of 0.5% and air infiltration gave an adequate fresh air supply.

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