Parameter Ranking System of Indoor Radon Concentration in South Korea, Case Studies: Dokdo Island, Yang Pyeong and Nae Gi

Abstract

Indoor Radon concentration (IRC) is among the emerging environmental and health issues in Republic of Korea. Due to lack of epidemiological studies and insufficient public awareness about Radon, effective parameter ranking system is required to establish protocols for future field sampling and settlement construction. This research propose the IRC parameter ranking system based on field measurements and laboratory experiments. Dokdo Island, Yang Pyeong and Nae Gi were selected as the case studies in South Korea. The Radon transport equations and statistical analyses are modelled with Simulink and Matlab. IRC model accounts for exhalation of Radon from soil, building material and outdoor air and also considers the major mitigation methods like ventilation, air cleaners and filtration. The PAWN sensitivity analysis method has been applied to determine the sensitivity of each parameter. The results indicates that soil gas radon concentration, radium concentration, emanation coefficient and ventilation rate have the most dominant role on IRC. Based on these results, field sampling patterns and indoor mitigation strategies can be established for restricted access areas and probabilistic studies.