| Author: | Kwan, Wai-ming |
| Title: | An investigation of cleaner's exposure to radon |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Subject: | Cleaning personnel -- Health and hygiene Radon Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Building Services Engineering |
| Pages: | x, 50, [47] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to evaluate the Cleaners' Exposure to Radon. Based on the time budgets survey results among random samples of the cleaners, radon concentrations were measured in various representative locations where the cleaners frequently stayed. The results showed that the cleaners spent most of their time (around 90 percent) indoors. Cleaners spent about 9.94 hours and 11.02 hours inside their home for both weekdays and weekend respectively. They would also be on duty at weekend in collecting / packing the domestic wastes form residential buildings. It was found that the radon concentration at various respective workplaces, home, public place and outdoor of cleaners ranging from a value from 24.5 to 187.2 Bq/m3, 32 to 127.6 Bq/m3, 78.7 to 99.4 Bq/m3 and 9.3 to 26.7 Bq/m3 respectively. All these measured radon level satisfied the 200Bq/m3 set by Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. The indoor radon level was close to outdoor radon level when high air exchange rate is expected. Effect of atmospheric temperature inversion effect was significant in some sites where the indoor radon level follows the outdoor trend with peak at dawn and the lowest level in the afternoon. Ventilation plays an important role in controlling indoor radon concentration. Increasing the fresh air supply or air exchange rate can dramatically reduce the radon level to an acceptable level. It is highly recommended to provide adequate ventilation for the indoor areas, especially staircase in order to maintain the radon concentration at a safe level. The total (24 hours) and occupational exposure of cleaners to radon for weekdays was found to be 112.5 Bq/m3 and 102.5 Bq/m3 respectively. For the weekend condition, the total (24 hours) and occupational exposure of cleaners to radon was found to be 116.0 Bq/m3 and 109.4 Bq/m3 respectively. They were all below the guidelines set by World Health Organization, Hong Kong Environment Protection Department of HKSAR, United State Environmental Protection Agency, etc. and therefore is considered to be safe. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b15977778.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.76 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5287