Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
membranes which have a significant failure rate. Since radon concentration is very
dependent on the (ACH), it is important to maintain adequate air ventilation. It is
also important to maintain a range of temperature and relative humidity that
minimized radon levels. Several investigations have attempt to estimate the con-
tribution of building materials to the indoor radon concentration; however, while
some used very small specimens, the others used specimens with different water
content, which prevents comparisons between the different studies. Some authors
criticize previous estimations on radon exhalation rate made on construction
material specimens, because they under evaluate, by as much as seven times, the
exhalation rate of the material when used in a wall. Further investigations are still
needed in order to have a clear picture of the real contribution of masonry and
decorative materials to indoor radon concentration. Nevertheless, it would be
advisable that building refurbishment toward nearly zero energy would encompass
the removal of high exhalation rate granite when used as decorative materials.
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