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RADON MITIGATION IN SCHOOLS: HVAC SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS TEND TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT ON RADON LEVELS THAN HVAC SYSTEMS IN HOMES
Citation:
Leovic, K., A. Craig, AND D. Saumm. RADON MITIGATION IN SCHOOLS: HVAC SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS TEND TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT ON RADON LEVELS THAN HVAC SYSTEMS IN HOMES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-90/009 (NTIS PB90219718), 1990.
Description:
The first part of this two-part paper discusses radon entry into schools, radon mitigation approaches for schools, and school characteristics (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioing -- HVAC-- system design and operationg) that influence radon entry and mitigation system design. he second part discusses specific mitigation systems that were installed by the U.S. EPA in four Maryland schools. VAC systems in schools vary considerably and tend to have a greater impact on pressure differentials -- and consequently on radon levels -- than do heating and air-conditioning systems in houses. f the HVAC system induces a negative pressure relative to the subslab area, radon can be "pulled" into the building. f the HVAC system pressurizes the building, it can prevent radon entry as long as the fan is running. owever, school HVAC systems are normally set back or turned off on evenings and weekends and, even if the HVAC system pressurizes the school during operation, indoor radon levels may build up during the setback periods. he primary mode of radon entry into a school with significantly elevated radon levels is normally from soil gas that is drawn in by pressure differentials between the soil surrounding the substructure and the building interior.
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RADON MITIGATION IN SCHOOLS: HVAC SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS TEND TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT ON RADON LEVELS THAN HVAC SYSTEMS IN HOMES