Aim
The aim is that the student should obtain a good understanding of the radon problem and learn to understand and use the tools and techniques that are available to detect radon and to reduce or eliminate the risk.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

· be well versed in the behaviour of radon gas

· have a good knowledge of methods of measuring radon gas

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to suggest an appropriate method of decontamination

Contents
Radon gas is a pollutant in indoor air. In many respects this gas can therefore be considered equivalent to other pollutants in indoor air arising from building materials, or the air and water entering the building. An understanding of the behaviour of radon in indoor air is thus important regarding so-called “sick houses”. The course is based on lectures and laboratory experiments on radioactivity, ranging from the basics to remedial measures, in new and existing buildings. Some of these measures are generally applied to sick houses. The students carry out long-term radon measurements and evaluate the results. Spot measurements of radon and gamma radiation are also performed. Measurements are made outdoors, in the ground, and indoors. The problem of radon is not only dealt with from the physical and construction perspectives, but geological and health aspects are also included. The course thus includes a number of study visits. A project is carried out on a topic related to the problems associated with radon in indoor air.

Literature
Jönsson, G.: Om radon - var, när, hur?, Studentlitteratur 1992.
Jönsson, G.: Radonoch inomhusluft. Laborationsinstruktioner, Kurslab Fysik, LTH 2003.
Jönsson, G.: Radon och inomhusluft. Övningsuppgifter, Kurslab Fysik, LTH 2003. Durrani, SA and Ilic,R (ED.): Radon measurements by etched track detectors. World Scientific 1997.
Boverket, LTH, Funkis: Radonkompendium 2003:1.
Diverse tidskrifts- och broschyrmaterial.