Ventilation solutions for the mitigation of radon gas build up
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Ventilation solutions for the mitigation of radon gas build up Hazards, reference regulations and strategies 86

VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FOR THE MITIGATION OF RADON GAS BUILD UP What is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas of natural origin that is produced from the decay of Uranium (238U) and Radium (226Ra). This decay to more stable elements called "radon isotopes" results in the emission of high energy alpha particles capable of damaging our DNA and causing mutations and tumours. Z = 86 Radon tends to concentrate in underground spaces with a low ceiling and significantly contributes to the amount of ionizing radiation the general population is exposed to.

How does it reach us? Radon gas can reach us through seepage from granite soils (generally) and, to a lesser extent, by its presence in water and some construction materials. From the soil. Through cracks and fissures, construction joints or cavities, conduits or utility lines. From the construction materials. Through water. This radon decay results in the emission of high energy alpha particles capable of damaging our DNA and causing mutations and tumours. Radon Alpha Particle

According to WHO, up to 14% of lung cancer cases are caused by exposure to radon gas Hazards to health The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that as much as 14% of lung cancer cases around the world are attributed to exposure to radon gas, making it the second root cause behind tobacco. Also, this organisation estimates that the probability of suffering this type of cancer increases tenfold in people that are also smokers. Lung cancer is the second type of tumour most diagnosed in the world. According to data from the Global Cancer Observatory, in the year 2020 more than two million...

A global problemGranite soils are one of the most common substrates in the world, and therefore the risk of high concentrations of radon gas from occurring is a global problem. P90 greater than 400 Bq/m3 P90 between 301 and 400 Bq/m P90 between 201 and 300 Bq/m P90 between 101 and 200 Bq/m P90 less than 100 Bq/m3 Map of the radon potential in Spain. January 2017 Source: Nuclear Safety Council (Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear- CSN) European Indoor Radon Map. November 2021 Source: European Commission. DG. JRC, REM 2021

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM, laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. This European Directive establishes the reference levels for radon concentrations indoors and for gamma radiation indoors emitted by construction materials and introduces requirements for recycling waste originating from industries that process radioactive materials of natural origin and transform them into construction materials. In existing exposure situations involving exposure to radon, the reference levels shall be set in terms of...

Radon at the workplace Member States shall set the national reference levels for radon concentrations indoors at the workplace. The reference level for the annual average concentration of activity in the air must not exceed 300 Bq/m³, unless it is justified by the prevailing national circumstances. Member States shall require radon measurements be carried out: — (a) at workplaces within the areas identified in Article 103, which are located on the bottom floor or basement, taking into account the parameters contained in the national action plan in accordance with paragraph 2 of Annex XVIII,...

Ventilation solutions are often the only alternative The technical guide drafted by the Instituto de ciencias de la construcción Eduardo Torroja (IETcc) in the year 2019, titled Rehabilitación frente al radón (Rehabilitation in the presence of radon), includes the main global radon mitigation strategies. Currently there are different protection strategies against radon, which are generally focused on radon originating from the soil. Their main objective is to lessen the exposure to radon of people inside buildings. Thus, these strategies can be grouped into: Isolation strategies Protection...

Ventilation strategies inside a containment space The containment space, air chamber or sanitary chamber is a space located between the ground and the spaces to be protected. In this case, it is a place where most of the radon originating from the soil tends to accumulate. The purpose of ventilating the air chamber that is used as a containment space is to reduce the concentration of radon to which habitable spaces are exposed. This is based on the removal of air with high concentrations of radon from the chamber and thus prevent it from penetrating habitable spaces. Extract duct Intake...

Ventilation strategies by soil depressurisation The purpose of the depressurisation of the ground is to reduce the concentration of radon that could penetrate through the enclosures of the building. This is based on the depressurisation of the soil that is underlying or adjacent to the building using a mechanical extract fan to remove the radon to the exterior and thus prevent it from penetrating inside the building. Extract duct Extract equipment Extract duct with extract fan routed inside the building to the roof. SOLUTIONS Ventilation solutions by SODECA guarantee maximum efficiency and...

Ventilation strategies of habitable spaces The purpose of ventilation in habitable spaces is to reduce the concentration of radon, by increasing the renewal of air inside these indoor spaces. This is achieved by diluting the concentration of gaseous compounds such radon in the presence of a sufficient amount of clean air. SOLUTIONS Ventilation solutions by SODECA guarantee maximum efficiency and flexibility is achieved in adapting to the different possible scenarios. Residential sector Tertiary sector Industrial sector

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