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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2015.41.2.61

A Study on Indoor Radon Concentration among Vulnerable Households in Korea  

Zoo, Duck Hyun (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Park, Ki Ho (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Jeong, Hui Won (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Lim, Hyeong Jun (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Bok, Dong Seok (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Yun, Dong Won (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Min, Kyung Hwan (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Mun, Kyung Deok (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Kim, Jeong Un (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Lee, Ji Min (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Choi, Won Yong (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Kim, Sung Yoon (Environmental Safety Team, Environmental Safety Center, Korea Environment Corporation)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.41, no.2, 2015 , pp. 61-70 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this research was to examine radon exposure in terms of the relationship between the living environment and indoor radon concentrations among vulnerable households. Methods: Nationwide, 1,129 subjects were selected using personal questionnaires for adequately understanding the living environment, installation of E-PERM radon gas detectors, and investigation of the structure of the housing. Results: The mean concentration of indoor radon for all subjects was $130.2Bq/m^3$ (GM=101.7), and a total of 438 subjects (38.8%) exceeded the recommended standards ($148Bq/m^3$) for public facilities by the Ministry of the Environment. By location, the highest concentrations ($164.3Bq/m^3$, GM=124.1) were seen in North Chungcheong Province. In the case of the Seoul/Gyeonggi Province metropolitan area, they showed $125.6Bq/m^3$ (GM=105.1) and $118.9Bq/m^3$ (GM=96.5), respectively. By type of housing, indoor radon concentrations in single-family housing were higher than in row/multi-family housing (p<0.01). Although indoor radon concentrations raised in accordance with year of construction (p<0.05), the difference between indoor radon concentrations in underground residences was not observed to be statistically significant (p=0.633). Conclusion: More studies are necessary in the future regarding the difference in indoor radon concentrations that may occur due to different of types of indoor construction, building materials, and the amount of building materials.
Keywords
E-PERM; Indoor radon; Radon; Radon exposure; Vulnerable households;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 9  (Citation Analysis)
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