The applicability of decentralized ventilation equipment in radon mitigation from existing homes

Abstract

This article exposes the results of radon mitigation in existing homes using decentralized ventilation equipment with heat recovery. The experimental measurement has been conducted in a large study about radon mitigation from existing homes in Romania. Various methods were treated separately to clearly expose the advantages and disadvantages for each method applied. This article focusses on the use of decentralized mechanical ventilation equipment with heat recovery. The analyzed dwelling is located in Cluj County, a radon prone area located in the west part of Romania. The preliminary measurements shown a high radon level inside the analyzed house. To prevent the high radon accumulation in the analyzed dwelling, a decentralized ventilation equipment was installed. The mean radon level inside the house decreases from 510 Bq/m3 (value recorded one year before mitigation), to approximately 361 Bq/m3 after the mitigation methods were applied, showing an reduction efficiency of approximately 30%.