Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this research was to examine radon exposure in terms of the relationship between the living environment and indoor radon concentrations among vulnerable households. Methods: Nationwide, 1,129 subjects were selected using personal questionnaires for adequately understanding the living environment, installation of E-PERM radon gas detectors, and investigation of the structure of the housing. Results: The mean concentration of indoor radon for all subjects was $130.2Bq/m^3$ (GM=101.7), and a total of 438 subjects (38.8%) exceeded the recommended standards ( $148Bq/m^3$ ) for public facilities by the Ministry of the Environment. By location, the highest concentrations ( $164.3Bq/m^3$ , GM=124.1) were seen in North Chungcheong Province. In the case of the Seoul/Gyeonggi Province metropolitan area, they showed $125.6Bq/m^3$ (GM=105.1) and $118.9Bq/m^3$ (GM=96.5), respectively. By type of housing, indoor radon concentrations in single-family housing were higher than in row/multi-family housing (p<0.01). Although indoor radon concentrations raised in accordance with year of construction (p<0.05), the difference between indoor radon concentrations in underground residences was not observed to be statistically significant (p=0.633). Conclusion: More studies are necessary in the future regarding the difference in indoor radon concentrations that may occur due to different of types of indoor construction, building materials, and the amount of building materials.
Authors: Duck Hyun Zoo, Ki Ho Park, Hui Won Jeong, Hyeong Jun Lim, Dong Seok Bok, Dong Won Yun, Kyung Hwan Min, Kyung Deok Mun, Jeong Un Kim, Ji Min Lee, Won Yong Choi, Sung Yoon Kim
Institution: Korea Environment Corporation
Language: English
Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2890642721