The Effectiveness of Radon Remediation in Irish Schools

Abstract

An advisory reference level of 200 Bq m(-3) and a statutory reference level of 400 Bq m(-3) apply to radon exposure in Irish schools. Following the results of a national survey of radon in Irish schools, several hundred classrooms were identified in which the reference levels were exceeded and a remediation program was put in place. This paper provides an initial analysis of the effectiveness of that remediation program. All remediation techniques proved successful in reducing radon concentrations. Active systems such as radon sumps and fan assisted under-floor ventilation were generally applied in rooms with radon concentrations above 400 Bq m(-3). These proved most effective with average radon reduction factors of 9 to 34 being achieved for radon sumps and 13 to 57 for fan assisted under-floor ventilation. Both of these techniques achieved maximum radon reduction factors in excess of 100. The highest average reduction factors were associated with the highest initial radon concentrations. Passive remediation systems such as wall and window vents were used to increase background ventilation in rooms with radon concentrations below 400 Bq m(-3) and achieved average radon reductions of approximately 55%. Following the installation of active remediation systems, the radon concentration in adjacent rooms, i.e., rooms in which the radon concentration was already below 200 Bq m(-3) and therefore did not require remediation, was further reduced by an average of 25%. The long-term effectiveness of a number of radon sump systems with at least three years operation showed no evidence of fan failures. This study showed an apparent increase in sump effectiveness with time as indicated by an increase in radon reduction factors during this period.

Associations Between School Characteristics and Classroom Radon Concentrations in Utah’s Public Schools: A Project Completed by University Environmental Health Students

“…Radon mitigation in large buildings, such as schools, often requires varied and tailored strategies due to complexities encountered with building construction, gaps between subslab and occupied areas, pressure differentials created between supply and exhaust fans, design of HVAC systems, and the presence of complex utility systems [34,35]. Synnott et al [36] categorized mitigation strategies as being active or passive. Active mitigation strategies require the use of mechanical systems, such as fans, while passive systems, once installed, do not require the use of mechanical systems.…”

Radon in Schools: A Brief Review of State Laws and Regulations in the United States

“…The EU recently enacted a directive establishing 300 Bq/m 3 (~8.1 pCi/L) as a concentration threshold for both dwellings and workplaces including schools in all European Union countries [ 16 , 26 ]. In Ireland, for example, remedial work is required for any occupied classroom or office where the radon levels are greater than 200 Bq/m 3 (~5.4 pCi/L) [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In a pilot study conducted in Spain, 46% of the workplaces measured in Galicia had radon concentrations higher than 300 Bq/m 3 , followed by 10.6% in Madrid.…”

El Radón Un Problema De Salud Pública: Importancia Del Desarrollo De Mapas Geográficos Que Indiquen La Concentración De Gas Radón en Diferentes Poblaciones

“…También puede complicar el sellado de aberturas entre el suelo y el espacio habitado, en ocasiones otro problema es encontrar una situación correcta para los conductos de ventilación, aún así es el método mayoritario empleado en países como Alemania, Austria, Bélgica, Eslovenia, Estados Unidos, Finlandia o Reino Unido. Otro complemento adicional a la desgasificación es la ventilación de los espacios habitables, que puede ser activa empleando ventiladores o pasiva mediante la apertura de ventanas en algunos países como Irlanda la ventilación se emplea como un método eficaz para disminuir la concentración del gas (26). Un factor determinante es el costo eficacia de los métodos empleados para disminuir la concentración del gas radón.…”