Radon exhalation from building materials for decorative use

Autores: Chen, J.|Rahman, N.M.|Atiya, I.A.
Fuente: Journal of environmental radioactivity
101 (4), 317-322
2010

Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer. There is considerable public concern about radon exhalation from building materials and the contribution to indoor radon levels. To address this concern, radon exhalation rates were determined for 53 different samples of drywall, tile and granite available on the Canadian market for interior home decoration. The radon exhalation rates ranged from non-detectable to 312Bqm(-2)d(-1). Slate tiles and granite slabs had relatively higher radon exhalation rates than other decorative materials, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles. The average radon exhalation rates were 30Bqm(-2)d(-1) for slate tiles and 42Bqm(-2)d(-1) for granite slabs of various types and origins. Analysis showed that even if an entire floor was covered with a material having a radon exhalation rate of 300Bqm(-2)d(-1), it would contribute only 18Bqm(-3) to a tightly sealed house with an air exchange rate of 0.3 per hour. Generally speaking, building materials used in home decoration make no significant contribution to indoor radon for a house with adequate air exchange