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Evaluation of Radon Concentration according to Mechanical Ventilation Systems in Apartments

공동주택 내의 기계환기 설비에 따른 라돈농도 평가

  • Choi, Jiwon (Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Hong, Hyungjin (Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Lee, Jeongsub (Indoor Environment and Noise Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Yoo, Juhee (Indoor Environment and Noise Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Park, Boram (Indoor Environment and Noise Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Kim, Gahyun (Indoor Environment and Noise Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Yoon, Sungwon (Department of Nano, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Lee, Cheolmin (Department of Nano, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University)
  • 최지원 (서경대학교 환경화학공학과) ;
  • 홍형진 (서경대학교 환경화학공학과) ;
  • 이정섭 (국립환경과학원 환경기반연구부 생활환경연구과) ;
  • 유주희 (국립환경과학원 환경기반연구부 생활환경연구과) ;
  • 박보람 (국립환경과학원 환경기반연구부 생활환경연구과) ;
  • 김가현 (국립환경과학원 환경기반연구부 생활환경연구과) ;
  • 윤성원 (서경대학교 나노화학생명공학과) ;
  • 이철민 (서경대학교 나노화학생명공학과)
  • Received : 2021.08.03
  • Accepted : 2021.08.20
  • Published : 2021.08.31

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to provide background information for the proper management of radon contamination in apartments using mechanical ventilation facilities in residential environments. Objectives: To this end, this study compared and evaluated changes in radon concentrations based on different operating intensities of mechanical ventilation with or without natural ventilation. Methods: For the continuous measurement of radon concentrations, an RAD7 instrument was installed in four apartments equipped with a ventilation system. The measurements were done for comparison of ventilation types and different ventilation intensities ("high", "middle", "low"). Results: The results confirmed that both mechanical and natural ventilation sufficiently reduced the radon concentration in the apartments. In particular, mechanical ventilation at "high" intensity was the most effective. Natural ventilation combined with mechanical ventilation and then natural ventilation alone were the second and the third most effective, respectively. Conclusions: When using ventilation to reduce indoor radon concentrations, it is most effective to operate mechanical ventilation ("high") or natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation at the same time. In cases where mechanical ventilation is available alone, it is recommended to operate it at a minimum of "middle" intensity.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 논문은 환경부의 재원으로 국립환경과학원의 지원을 받아 수행하였습니다(NIER-2021-01-01-028).

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