²²²Rn Exhalation Rates from Some Granite and Marble Used in Korea: Preliminary Study

• Main Authors: Hyewon Lee, Jungsub Lee, Sungwon Yoon, Cheolmin Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Atmosphere
• Subjects: ²²²Rn; exhalation rates; building material; granite; marble
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/12/8/1057
• ISSN: 2073-4433

The objective of this study was to establish a test method for assessing radon exhalation rates from building materials considering radon related environmental policy and research in Korea. This method was established in consideration of cost-effectiveness based on the International Standards Organization (ISO) method and the closed chamber method, which is an evaluation method for the emission of hazardous chemical substances from building materials in Korea. The assessment of radon exhalation rates from five types each of granite and marble used in the construction industry in Korea gave mean radon exhalation rates of 0.497 ± 0.467 Bq/m²∙h from granite and 0.193 ± 0.113 Bq/m²∙h from marble, indicating higher radon exhalation rates from granite. These results are consistent with those of a previous study, indicating that granites are more likely to show higher radon exhalation rates than marbles.