Journal List > Ann Occup Environ Med > v.28(1) > 1124902

Lee and Lee: Review of domestic and international methods of measuring radon in residential buildings

Abstract

Radon, a source of natural background radiation, has been a subject of extensive studies as a major causative agent of lung cancer at the domestic and international levels. This study investigated and compared domestic and international methods of radon measurement. In the United States, radon is measured through primary and secondary testing, and a similar method is used in Canada. In the United Kingdom, only long-term radon measurements are taken with seasonal adjustments. In the Republic of Korea, both long-term and short-term measurements are taken with only primary testing. Through this study, standards for domestic radon measurement methods and improvement plans could be suggested.

References

1. U.S. EPA. Protocols for radon and radon decay product measurements in homes. 1993.
2. U.S. EPA. A citizen's guide to radon: The guide to protecting yourself and your family from radon. 1992.
3. U.S. EPA. Home buyer's and seller's guide to radon. 1993.
4. U.S. EPA. Indoor radon and radon decay product measurement device protocols. 1992.
5. Health Canada. Guide for radon measurements in residential dwellings (homes). 2008.
6. Health Canada website. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php.
7. Howarth CB, Miles JCH. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision. 2008.

Table 1
1 Comparison between Korea an nd other countries
Country Measurement Method Measurement Season Recommended Level(Bq/m3) Measurement location (cm) Adjustment values
Floor Ceiling Height Other objects Door or window Outer wall
The US Short-term/Long-term 148 50 200–2 250 10 90 30
Canada Short-term/Long-term October to April 200 50 80–20 00 20 50
The UK Long-term 200
Korea Short-term/Long-term 148
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