49
APPLICABILITY OF VARIOUS INSULATING MATERIALS FOR RADON BARRIERS

Martin Jiránek 1 , Ji ø í H ù lka 2
1 Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Thákurova 7, 166 29 Praha 6,
Czech Republic 2 National Radiation Protection Institute, Šrobárova 48, 100 00 Praha 10, Czech Republic
Corresponding author: Martin Jiránek
tel: +420 2 24354806, fax: +420 2 3119987, e-mail: svobodaz@fsv.cvut.cz

The effectiveness of various insulating materials for limiting radon entry into houses has been
investigated experimentally in 90 existing houses and in laboratory conditions. Each material has
been evaluated according to several aspects - placeability, durability, tear resistance and diffusion
properties. The results of the radon diffusion coefficients measurement in more than 80 insulating
materials are summarized. We have found out that great differences exist in diffusion properties,
because the diffusion coefficient varries within four orders from 10 -13 m 2 /s to 10 -10 m 2 /s. A
methodological approach is proposed in order to identify the minimal thickness of radon-proof
membranes in dependence on building and soil characteristics. General guidelines for selection of
radon-proof insulation and the principles of application are presented.
Key words: Radon, 222 Rn, diffusion, radon mitigation, membranes