ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the source and effects of radon and other indoor pollutants and discusses techniques to improve the quality of indoor air. It is concerned with radon including its source and effects and control techniques. Radon gas is produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium found in almost all soils and rocks. Radon is also found in soils contaminated with certain types of industrial waste, such as the by-products of uranium mining. Radon is commonly associated with granite bedrock and is also present in the natural gas and coal deposits in this rock. Radon is a colorless, odorless, almost chemically inert, radioactive gas. The two most common radon testing devices are the charcoal canister and the alpha-check detector. The chapter discusses the source and effects and control techniques for other indoor pollutants. Other indoor pollutants include asbestos, bioaerosols, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, ozone, inhalable particulates, and volatile organic compounds.
