Health risk involved in exposing people living in radon gas, Mm"dim, shelters, cellars and awareness, has in recent years with increasing exposure, being most sectors in the field and among tenants residing on the ground floors, residential apartments with Mm"dim, basements, shelters, etc. . The majority of shelters / basements country were turned into living rooms, children's games rooms, workrooms, etc.. Awareness is increased even more in these cases, all Create conditions to prevent radon gas exposure in constant use-risk buildings.
There is now broad agreement that there is a direct link between high concentrations of radon in homes, and the addition of lung cancer morbidity among humans exposed to high radon concentrations for long periods, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations of this gas, because it is radioactive can cause morbidity.
Citizens who are aware of scientific and professional terms, it is difficult to keep track of publications on radon gas. However, interest is mainly on how risk exposure is indeed significant, whether there is a risk in the apartment in which we live, whether there is a high concentration in our apartment, what extent allowed, not possible to check the levels of measurement and reduce them below the levels necessary to avoid exposure to, is there a need for tests determine the gas concentrations, To what extent should we worry about the gas concentrations to determine, how we get there, etc..
Radon gas is natural gas, noble, radioactive, odorless and color of the ground, radon can enter buildings through cracks in the structure, through plumbing systems. The gas flow in the ground due to discharges of radioactive elements in varying concentrations in soil and bedrock, soils also contain a low concentration of these sources, there is abundance of gas, the conclusions about the accumulation is, there is any cumulative structures and a residential building land, particularly land adjacent residential structure, Mm"dim , basements, shelters, etc., there is a direct link between high concentrations of radon gas and ventilation in apartments.
Radon gas infiltration indoor residential building through cracks in the majority of cases a shell structure, concrete floors, cracks, through piping systems and communications. Usually concentrates on gas spaces with direct contact with the terrain, there is also a phenomenon of abnormal concentrations due to the upper floors penetration through electrical and communication systems.
Radon gas is a source of soil and building materials are different, we build the apartments, security room, basement, shelter, etc., Built of concrete, radon source is mostly used as concrete construction. Thickness of State Religious School System wall double wall in a living room, meaning is the radioactive decay of radon double. It's actually one of the reasons for the presence of high concentrations of bomb shelters in the upper floors of residential apartments.
As noted above, on ventilation, ventilation rates were in the shelter close to nil, so it is especially important to ventilate the underground bomb shelters, too - ground and upper floors as possible and use mechanical intermediate cases where there is no ventilation windows. This is important especially in winter where the windows are closed permanently to heat the residential dwelling.
Radon emissions from concrete block higher than normal construction because of the mass of material and structure of the concrete. So were in the shelter built of concrete, radon emissions higher than normal room built with cinderblocks. The room is ventilated, radon emitted from the walls goes out through the ventilation openings (windows, doors) and therefore a lower concentration. On the other hand were in the shelter closed, with zero ventilation, radon concentrations rebel against the will be higher.
There is a short-term standard measuring radon concentrations. This measurement takes several days and takes place only in closed rooms, according to Israeli Standard 4175 requirements of the Standards Institute. Such measurements, if carried out were in the shelter completely closed, radon concentrations can reach values of 1000-2000 Bq per cubic meter after two weeks. It is obviously impossible to stay were in the shelter closed for a long period of ventilation because of lack of oxygen. From here one can not actually be exposed to such high radon concentrations were in the shelter closed.
Israel has not yet been a comprehensive survey and arranged for measuring concentrations of radon in - residence. Radiation Safety Department Center of the Soreq Nuclear Research Center began developing technology to measure radon few years ago . In this context, small scale survey was conducted, showing that indeed the concentration of gas increases with reducing conditions Ventilation of the house .
To reduce the presence of high gas concentrations at, preferably Very allow good ventilation and continuous, and plug gaps around pipes, cracks, electrical and communication systems, etc..
Many tests were carried out bomb shelters in very high gas levels, and therefore recommended unequivocally-to Check Radon in bomb shelters.
EPA's recommendations - Under the provisions of the EPA, the only appropriate test for determining concentrations of radon in bomb shelters is a long-term testing normal living conditions. That is a fan room, this measurement takes 3 to 6 months according to Israeli Standard 5714. Be using advanced technologies and the proper equipment to perform preliminary tests to detect concentrations of radon gas in residential dwellings, in exceptional cases of high concentrations is recommended to implement the recommendations of EPA subject matter standards.
Radon in bomb shelters
Emerging during the closing of State Religious School System Measurement conditions and spare air atoms approaches zero. As a result, over time H"aisof "of the detector to check the concentrations of radon gas, sucked big level of radon into the detector compared to normal room conditions for measurement are closed. Closed under normal room air exchanges are on average - approximately one air exchange per hour, were in the shelter as a spare air for 10 hours.
The only test to determine appropriate concentrations of radon in bomb shelters is a long-term testing standard living conditions, ie in the fan. Measurement lasts three to six months, according to Israeli Standard 4175.
In special cases, when the State Religious School System is detached, and there is concern also the penetration of radon from the ground, you should still make a short-term measure to get a quick answer about the feasibility of high concentrations were in the shelter underground.
Another factor that contributes to increasing the concentration of radon were in the shelter is based on the fact that the amount of material (concrete) were in the shelter, several times larger standard room built by most of the hollow blocks, security room rate of radon flow in a much larger concrete walls.
EPA recommendation, should be examined for radon gas in bomb shelters, the test should be performed by using a long-term detector and method long - term and normal living conditions except for cases of urgency for results evaluation or bomb shelters built on the ground. If it turns out that after six months of radiation higher than 200 did Bq / m committed to the contractors to take all measures to reduce radiation. In any case, to air out the bomb shelters from time to time to reduce the risk of high concentrations of radon gas.
Radon in buildings and apartments
After formation soil radon moves upward and can penetrate buildings. Land use primary products as raw material for construction is also a source for the presence of radon in buildings. However, the emission of radon from the walls of slow and small quantity emitted. Under conditions of normal ventilation quantity is not a health hazard.
EPA's recommendations - Office recommends to perform radon gas present:
- Detached rooms, basements and rooms are not ventilated or located in areas with high concentrations of radon gas in soil (eg Arad, Ma'ale Adumim, Jerusalem, Karmiel.)
- Before you visit a new home.
- Unlinked ground floors usually no reason to measure radon. If for some reason there is interest in testing, has to carry them a long-term measurement method.
Radon gas testing
- The tests should be performed only by a valid permit with concentrations of radon testing by the EPA.
- Measuring short term, in ordinary rooms attached to the ground at first recommended a short term trial, between 3-7 days, closed conditions, including closing windows and doors. According to the results can determine if further action is needed.
- Measuring the high value which is obtained from 700 Bq per cubic meter of air, indicates the penetration of radon gas from the ground and we recommend actions to reduce the concentration of radon.
- Rooms are hermetically sealed as Mm"dim or shelters are attached to the ground, we recommend short-term measurement at first. When you get the highest value of radon concentration of 2000 Bq per cubic meter of air can be assumed that there is radon gas penetration from the ground.
- Such rooms are on floors higher is recommended to measure long-term, normal living conditions.
- Measuring long-term, regular rooms or high floors in every room detached (as a continuation of a short term measure 1) recommended to make long-term measurement, carried out for 3-6 months, normal living conditions, including opening a window or door. When you receive long-term measurement results that the measured radon concentration is higher than - 002 Bq per cubic meter of air is recommended for improvement works to reduce the concentration of radon. On - to ensure the reliability of test results, must ensure that testing is carried out in accordance with EPA regulations in this regard.
General Recommendations
- During the short-term measurement, ensure that windows, doors, and ventilation systems closed.
2. During the measurement, whether short term or long term, do not change the position of the detector, touch or hurt him. In case these conditions are violated, you should repeat the measurement. - When the measurement is done using detectors that are sent by mail, follow the instructions to perform the measurement. Sender of the detectors must be checks authorized by the Ministry. Since this type of measurement can be less reliable, we recommend testing by a certified check.
- Radon concentration measurements before entry into a new apartment will not be performed by using detectors that were sent by mail but only under the supervision of the Environment of the local authority. Recommended for long term measurement.
Actions to reduce radon concentration - these actions should be executed - by experts and experienced in the field.
Radon gas emitted from the ground or in certain building materials contain Rtzium concentrations is lethal. When he breaks down the air can cause lung cancer Radon gas can penetrate through cracks in the floor of the building and walls, sewage canals and drainage pits, joints and other openings. There are many ways for protection and to reduce the risk of radon gas accumulation when home ventilation is the best way.
Maximum ventilation is also the best way to prevent the pollution sources, You should invite an expert to examine infection before entering the house.
The planning phase is important for correct design and placement of the openings to create natural ventilation and natural lighting. It is important to place the openings in such a way that home heating by the sun. Be sure to select the shell materials (roof ceilings, floors, walls, windows and glazing frames), strict isolation is not to allow condensation of water inside the cocoon, design shades exploit direct radiation in winter and prevent entry into the summer, choosing building materials meet the standards relating to radiation, radon, and use of construction materials with a proven standard.
Danger of radioactive radiation is not only to building materials. In many places in the country coming out of the ground radon gas, which is cancer. Gas is colorless and odor, and therefore can not be detectable without special instruments. Since he was heavier than air, it settles and accumulates in low places - especially at ground level and in shelters. Anyone who lives on the ground floor, especially in mountainous regions, have to perform radon testing. If this gas is discovered in his house, he must get a special sealing and ventilation.
Layout sheets on infrastructure construction to prevent passage of radon gas
Recommended to measure residential apartments on the ground floor, if floor of the building is not supported by pillars, but came into contact with the ground. Especially important issue if there is a ground-oriented structures, basements, shelters, Mm"dim, appointment of babies or children, even dormitories, kindergartens, schools and others recommended periodic testing to detect concentrations of radon gas goes beyond.