Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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A Study on Indoor Radon Concentration among Vulnerable Households in Korea

국내 라돈 취약가구에 대한 주거공간의 실내 라돈 농도에 관한 연구

  • 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)
  • 주덕현 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 박기호 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 정희원 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 임형준 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 복동석 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 윤동원 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 민경환 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 문경덕 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 김정운 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 이지민 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 최원용 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀) ;
  • 김성윤 (한국환경공단 안전정책지원팀)
  • Received : 2014.12.26
  • Accepted : 2015.03.06
  • Published : 2015.04.28
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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

References

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