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Discusses the radioactive gas radon, outlining its structure and how it enters the home. Explores methods of measuring the gas, highlighting research carried out at Bristol University on a plastic material called Tastrak. Exposes the health threat associated with radon and links quantities of the substance with incidences of leukaemia.

Mitigation of radon gas and radon progeny in buildings is based largely on reducing the pressure difference between the point of the radiation source and the point of entry to indoor air. The method is adopted in the mitigation of excess radon concentrations with the installation of a sump arrangement, relieving the pressure emanating from the sub‐soil. However, this proved ineffective in reducing radon levels in a large retail store, whereas the utilisation of the existing air‐conditioning/ventilation system was wholly effective in meeting legal norms for the workplace. The initial study found that the reduction in radon levels brought about by the operation of the system was in absolute terms, and the rate of reduction was a constant which allowed an accurate estimate of the levels at a point in time from the start‐up of the system. Importantly, the operation of the air‐movement system reduced the progeny level substantially, relative to the radon gas.

Discusses the radioactive gas radon and its effects on the legal obligations of surveyors and other professionals concerned with the designing, refurbishment and appraisal of dwellings. Presents an overview of the problem of radon, concentrating on health issues and summarizing both its measurement and the way in which it enters dwellings. Outlines the protective measures needed to prevent radon entering new homes and existing dwellings, mentioning NRPB guidances. Details the legal implications for surveyors in these two separate situations, discussing suing in respect of physical injuries or death, the event of the property becoming unsaleable and for pure economic loss. Explores the surveyor′s duty in respect to radon and the implications of the Defective Premises Act 1972.

The Government has recognised the significance of exposures in houses to the natural radioactive gas radon and has over the past decade initiated various campaigns in conjunction with NRPB, BRE and local authorities to mitigate its effects. This article explains the principal features of the programme to reduce radon exposures in existing housing, which is based on encouraging occupiers to measure radon levels in their homes and publicising the availability of cheap and effective remedies. The important role is noted of professional groups such as surveyors in the housing market and detailed descriptions provided of the main methods of reducing radon levels and their suitability for particular buildings. The importance of raising radon awareness amongst professionals is noted and sources of further information are provided including technical reports on remedial measures.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate indoor radon distribution and ventilation effects. This technique was used to predict and visualize radon content and indoor air quality in a one‐family detached house in Stockholm. The effects of intake fans, exhaust fans and doors on radon concentration were investigated.

In this study a mechanically balanced ventilation system and a continuous radon monitor (CRM) were used to measure the indoor ventilation rate and radon levels. In a numerical approach, the FLUENT CFD package was used to simulate radon entry into the building and ventilation effects.

Results of the numerical study indicated that indoor pressure created by ventilation systems and infiltration through doors or windows have significant effects on indoor radon content. The location of vents was found to affect the indoor radon level and distribution.

It may be possible to improve any discrepancies found in this article by using a more refined representation of grids and certain boundary conditions, such as pressure and temperature differences between inside and outside and by considering some real situations in residential buildings and external situations.

From the viewpoints of indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy savings, ventilation has two opposing functions; on the positive side it enhances IAQ and the establishment of thermal comfort, and on the negative side it increases energy consumption. This paper describes the search for a solution to cope with this contradiction.

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate best approaches for facility radon management in a resource-limited environment such as a public university. Radon exposures are believed to be a risk factor for lung cancer. However, the degree to which typical indoor radon levels within settings such as the university campus contribute to lung cancer risk is controversial. The authors sought to develop a risk-balancing approach to safe and cost-efficient facility radon management.

The authors collected pilot monitoring data to determine radon activity levels at a large public university within a projected high-radon region of the southeastern USA, then reviewed scientific literature, trade literature and regulatory guidance to determine radon risk knowledge and best practices for mitigation. From this body of data and information, the authors determined the safest and most resource-effective means for campus radon management.

The developed program for comprehensive radon management included guidance on building selection for most effective use of monitoring, tiered response and mitigation strategies based on radon activity levels and faculty, staff and student education.

The radon management strategies might not be generalizable to facilities with usage patterns that differ from a public university, and should be extrapolated with caution.

This paper shows how building managers can address indoor radon in a manner that maximizes both safety and cost-efficiency.

This paper fulfills a need for evidence-based and prudent approaches to radon management for campuses with mixed residential, educational and occupational contexts and limited resources.

Large amounts of uranium, radium and radium products are redistributed throughout the environment owing to the use of phosphate fertilizers. Potential radiological impacts resulting from direct exposure, inhalation and ingestion of foods grown with fertilizers are discussed. This paper describes a simple method to measure exhalation rate of ²²²RN from phosphate fertilizers, clay and potatoes in a laboratory and in a more economical way. Three Egyptian factories of phosphate fertilizers were selected in this study (Assuit, Abu Zaable and Kafr El Ziat).

Lists proposed regulations for governing indoor air quality (IAQ) in the USA. Outlines various health problems caused by IAQ, making a distinction between building‐related illness and sick building syndrome. Discusses factors which affect IAQ.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.