A Comparative Study of Indoor Radon Levels between Two Similar Dwellings Using CONTAM Software

Considered the second biggest risk factor for lung cancer in humans after smoking, indoor radon gas (222Rn) is produced by the radioactive decay of 226Ra, which is mainly present in building materials and soil. The current study proposes a methodology for estimating radon levels inside a dwelling using the multizone airflow and contaminant transport modeling software CONTAM, with the main purpose to improve indoor air quality by optimizing mechanical ventilation. The generation rate of indoor radon sources was investigated in relation to the total surface of each room and was subsequently used for identifying the rooms that require special attention. The methodology described should assist in modeling indoor radon contamination, which can be used to optimize the ventilation in a dwelling