Speaker
Description
Introduction
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas generated by the decay of uranium present in soils and rocks. It can infiltrate buildings through cracks and pores in construction materials or exhale from the materials themselves, posing a significant health risk and being one of the main causes of lung cancer. This study investigates wall coverings as a strategy to reduce indoor radon concentration, evaluating laminated plasterboards panels and the effects of panel configuration ans syrface finish (paint) on shielding efficiency.
Methodology
Experiments were carried out in a cubic stainless-steel chamber designed to simulate an indoor environment exposed to radon gas, with a source chamber that contains a radon source with a constant production rate and a receiving chamber. Three types of tests were performed: (1) plasterboard panel in two different orientations, (2) plasterboard panel covered with anti-radon paint, and (3) plasterboard panel covered with commercial vinyl paint. Radon concentrations were continuously measured on both chambers using RAD7 continuous monitors (Durridge), in 30-minute periods over a minimum of 48 hours. During the measurements, ambiental conditions were monitored.
Results
Panel orientation and surface treatment strongly influence radon mitigation. Anti-radon paint reduces radon concentration up to 95 , while commercial vinyl paint achieves 70 % reduction. Maximum protection is obtained when painted side of the plasterboard panel faces the radon source.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates that laminated plasterboard panels can act as an effective solution against radon when appropriate coatings are applied and its orientation is optimised, representing a simple, cost-effective measure of great interest for improving indoor air quality.
Keywords: Plasterboard Panels, mitigation, radon, radon barrier, paint
Acknowledgements
This work has been funded by grant PID2021-125345OA-I00, financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “FEDER, A way to make Europe”.