Reports study of the emanating power of radon from building materials. Samples of material were placed in an air-tight glass container and the radon diffusing from the sample was measured in an electrostatically operated cylindrical steel chamber in which alpha particle scintillations were counted.< Gives main results for different building materials in the form of anemanation coefficient, defined as the ratio of migrating 222Rn to the 226Ra content in the sample. Materials tested were fly-ash, slag, by-product gypsum, red brick, silicon brick, portland cement, and soil.

Reports methods used to measure the concentrations of Rn, Tn, and their decay products indoors and outdoors. Radon and Thoron concentrations are detected continuously by collecting the positively charged RaA and ThA atoms on a surface-barrier detector using electric field precipitation.< The concentrations of Radon and Thoron decay products were determined by collecting them on a membrane filter and simultaneously counting the activities by means of a collimated surface-barrier detector.Indoor and outdoor concentrations are measured simultaneously under different ventilation rates.

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.

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.

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%.

Reports tests of a scintillation counter to detect Ra 222 in air and water. The counter consists of a spherical cavity coated with ZnS(Ag) powder, built in a lucite cylinder whose external surfaces, excepting the window which is put in contact with a photomultiplier, are made reflective with a special paint. The performance of the detector has been analysed with respect to size,efficiency, background, constant activity and constant concentration in the sample. Finds that for liquid samples, two different values for the diameter, 5 cm. and 7.5 cm.

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.

Reports measurements of Radon-222 concentrations, carried out in the living rooms of 81 dwellings in Great Britain in 1976. Measurements of the activity concentration of RaA both within the room, and of the ventilation rate for the room were made. From this an estimate of the "radon output" of the room was calculated. Gives histogram of the radon outputs in picocuries of radon 222 per litre of room air per hour. Disregarding a very high measurement in a granite dwelling, the mean was 0.54 pCi/l/h.

The ventilation rate and energy consumption of one of the ECRC test houses was monitored continuously during one heating season, with one bedroom window open by various amounts. Results show that a very small window opening is sufficient to satisfy ventilation requirements most of the time. 

Presents the results from a major airtightness survey carried out in Norwegian dwellings. 61 detached houses and 34 flats were pressure tested. In 14 of the detached houses and 6 of the flats, leakage paths were traced using thermography. Gives tables of results. Lists most common leakage paths located by thermography. Occupants of the dwellings were interviewed about draught problems, but there was no clear correlation between occupant dissatisfaction and leakage rate. Notes a considerable variation in leakage between the houses.