Negative Pressures in Building Normally Cause Radon Entry

The Level of Radon in a Building Depends Upon:

• Strength of the radon source;
• Forces that cause radon to enter a building;
• Diffusion to the building;
• Ventilation rate of building.

Trying to locate and measure the strength of the radon source (Uranium) is not a practical way of determining what the actual radon levels will be once the building is complete and the ventilation system is installed. Diffusion through cracks and holes in the foundation cannot be determined in advance. Ventilation rates are difficult to measure and can vary depending on the mechanical device use in the building.

Copyright 2000, Great Lakes Center for Occupational & Environmental Safety & Health, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago