A043 Partition material radon

Radon emanation rates of common partition materials in Hong Kong

S.L. Au Yeung (BEng)

Brief:

This study determines radon emanation rates of common partition materials in Hong Kong. An initial slope of radon gas growth against time and a mass balance analysis can be used to quantify the magnitude of these rates from different types of partition materials. In particular, the radon-222 emanations from boards of calcium silicate, gypsum and lightweight concrete were measured experimentally in a small impervious radon chamber. The radon-222 emanations from boards of calcium silicate, gypsum and lightweight concrete were measured experimentally in a small impervious radon chamber, and expressed as becquerels per square meter per hour of air (Bq m^-2hr^-1). The rates found were 2.43, 0.22 and 0.46 Bq m^-2hr^-1 respectively. Comparing with the emanation rate and the quantities of radon emitting construction materials in Hong Kong, these three partition materials have a low radon emitting level.

Further information:

Mui KW, Wong LT, Au-Yeung SL, 2005. Radon emanation rates of common partition materials in Hong Kong. Facilities 23(11/12) 511-521.