Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which tends to build up within structures. It is therefore necessary to include techniques to mitigate radon concentration when undertaking refurbishment. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mitigation technique based on pressuriz...

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Main Authors: Ricardo Pol, Raúl Rodríguez, Luis Santiago Quindós, Ismael Fuente
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-12-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/13/1/14
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author Ricardo Pol
Raúl Rodríguez
Luis Santiago Quindós
Ismael Fuente
author_facet Ricardo Pol
Raúl Rodríguez
Luis Santiago Quindós
Ismael Fuente
author_sort Ricardo Pol
collection DOAJ
description Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which tends to build up within structures. It is therefore necessary to include techniques to mitigate radon concentration when undertaking refurbishment. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mitigation technique based on pressurizing the interior of a building, by testing a prototype of the mitigating device, developed by Siglo 21 Consultores and the LaRUC of the University of Cantabria, under real conditions, to determine its effectiveness during refurbishment. The methodology involved installing the proposed solution in a traditional country dwelling in an area characterized by high radon concentration, on the coast of Galicia, Spain. In order to measure the effectiveness of the solution, continuous measurement sensors, set in an ionization chamber, and properly calibrated by the LaRUC laboratory, were installed. The results obtained show that pressurizing the living quarters brings about an effective reduction in the radon concentration, with a relatively simple building solution. This solution, which is compatible with the principle of minimum intervention, is seen to be especially appropriate when work is undertaken in structures recognized as heritage.
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spelling doaj.art-341df9008e1146f197643f4cfb48d6262023-11-23T12:55:43ZengMDPI AGAtmosphere2073-44332021-12-011311410.3390/atmos13010014Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, SpainRicardo Pol0Raúl Rodríguez1Luis Santiago Quindós2Ismael Fuente3Natural Radioactivity Laboratory (LaRUC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, SpainNatural Radioactivity Laboratory (LaRUC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, SpainNatural Radioactivity Laboratory (LaRUC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, SpainNatural Radioactivity Laboratory (LaRUC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, SpainRadon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which tends to build up within structures. It is therefore necessary to include techniques to mitigate radon concentration when undertaking refurbishment. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mitigation technique based on pressurizing the interior of a building, by testing a prototype of the mitigating device, developed by Siglo 21 Consultores and the LaRUC of the University of Cantabria, under real conditions, to determine its effectiveness during refurbishment. The methodology involved installing the proposed solution in a traditional country dwelling in an area characterized by high radon concentration, on the coast of Galicia, Spain. In order to measure the effectiveness of the solution, continuous measurement sensors, set in an ionization chamber, and properly calibrated by the LaRUC laboratory, were installed. The results obtained show that pressurizing the living quarters brings about an effective reduction in the radon concentration, with a relatively simple building solution. This solution, which is compatible with the principle of minimum intervention, is seen to be especially appropriate when work is undertaken in structures recognized as heritage.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/13/1/14radonheritagemitigationrefurbishmentair quality
spellingShingle Ricardo Pol
Raúl Rodríguez
Luis Santiago Quindós
Ismael Fuente
Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
Atmosphere
radon
heritage
mitigation
refurbishment
air quality
title Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
title_full Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
title_fullStr Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
title_full_unstemmed Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
title_short Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain
title_sort measurement and mitigation of radon concentration in a traditional dwelling in galicia spain
topic radon
heritage
mitigation
refurbishment
air quality
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/13/1/14
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