Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Radon Concentration Assessment of Studio Apartments surrounding a University

대학가 주변 원룸의 라돈(radon) 농도 평가

  • Lee, Seokyong (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Lee, Youngmoo (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Park, Jihyun (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Kim, Sunshin (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Hong, Gayeon (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Ahn, Hogi (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Yang, Wonho (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu)
  • 이석용 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 이영무 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 박지현 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 김순신 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 홍가연 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 안호기 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과) ;
  • 양원호 (대구가톨릭대학교 산업보건학과)
  • Received : 2013.02.13
  • Accepted : 2013.04.15
  • Published : 2013.04.30
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Abstract

Objective: Building materials can generate radon in indoor environments. This study aims to assess the radon concentrations of studio apartments around a university. Methods: 25 studio apartments around a University in Gyoungsan, Korea were measured for concentrations of radon. We evaluated the radon concentrations by using short-term continuous radon monitors at the studio apartments around the university, and analyzed the correlation between indoor radon concentration and factors affecting it, such as year of construction. Results: The average concentration of radon was 2.03 pCi/L(75.11 $Bq/m^3$)${\pm}1.34$ in the studio apartments. This radon level was lower than the radon standard for public use facilities in Korea and US EPA's standard of 4 pCi/L. However the measured radon levels were much higher than those previously reported in conventional dwellings. There was a statistically correlation between year of construction and radon concentrations in studio apartment buildings. Conclusion: It is suggested that recently built studio apartments might be constructed with phosphogypsum board that features higher radon emissions, and occupants are highly exposed to radon.

Keywords

References

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