AN ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS MEMBRANE BARRIERS FOR RADON DIFFUSION

Abstract

For many decades, the presence of radon in dwellings has been an important public health issue due to the consequent radiation dose delivered by short-lived radon progeny. Several methods have been adopted to either prevent the entry of radon into homes or to mitigate radon present in the indoor environment, including soil depressurization, membrane barriers, water treatment, and enhanced ventilation. For this research, various membrane barriers with certain specifications (i.e., nontoxic, durable, flexible, affordable, and resistance to puncture) were evaluated for radon diffusion. The effective diffusion coefficient for these materials was determined using a radon emanation source and a suitable radiation detection system. Values for the effective diffusion coefficient are compared to each other and to that for other relevant materials. The results of this research will contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce radon entry into homes.