Assessment of radon reduction interventions with energy retrofits

Stacy Gloss, Paul W. Francisco, Jonathan Wilson, William Rose, Yigang Sun, Sherry Dixon, Jill Breysse, Ellen Tohn, David E. Jacobs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of current weatherization (Wx) practices and improved ground covers and other additional precautionary measures in avoiding increases in indoor radon. Energy improvements may reduce air exchange and outdoor air supply, and radon exposures could increase. This case-control study evaluated homes receiving Wx and compared the radon levels in weatherized homes (before and after Wx) to radon levels in control homes that received no treatment. Results show the measures succeeded in avoiding a statistically significant increase in radon levels on the first floor (p=0.78) and a marginally significant increase of about 0.8 pCi/l (p=0.06) in the basement after retrofit. These changes are lower than had been found in a previous study (Pigg et al., 2017) suggesting that Wx with precautionary measures can avoid living area increases in radon exposure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Electronic)9781713826514
StatePublished - 2018
Event15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: Jul 22 2018Jul 27 2018

Publication series

Name15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018

Conference

Conference15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period7/22/187/27/18

Keywords

  • Air sealing
  • Housing
  • Radon reduction
  • Weatherization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pollution

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