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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2013.39.2.138

Radon Concentration Assessment of Studio Apartments surrounding a University  

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)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.39, no.2, 2013 , pp. 138-143 More about this Journal
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
Radon; Studio apartment; Gypsum board; Construction year;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 3  (Citation Analysis)
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