Implementing remedial techniques against radon in dwellings from the uranium area of Baita-Stei (Romania)

Abstract

Radon is the second leading cause after smoking related to lung cancer occurrence. In the the framework of IRART Project 2010 (European funds) have been selected 21 homes for the remediation from 2 complete integrated measurements campaigns (in different seasons), from a batch of 303 homes (58% of all houses from Câmpani, Băiţa, Fânaţe and Nucet - Băiţa-Ştei area). Based on these integrated measurements, were identiffied in a first stage 40 locations with radon values between 600 and 6000 Bqm-3. From these homes those that have fulfilled the main selection criterion (values of indoor radon concentrations higher than 800 Bqm-3) as a result of discussions with residents have been selected 20 houses and also a pilot house for effective remediation. The remedial measures and obtained results are presented in this paper showing a mean efficiency of 80.9% (65.2 - 95.1%). In average the radon concentration was reduced from 992 Bqm-3 to an average of 160 Bqm-3 .