The project employed standard statistical methods to evaluate possible correlations between building features and indoor radon concentrations. The study was unique in that no previous study has evaluated these relationships for such a large quantity of data. Additionally, the researchers began looking for correlations where a strong causal relationship had already been hypothesized, as opposed to simply looking for correlations for which no theoretical cause could be developed.

The results were as might be expected from log-normally distributed data such as radon measurements simple one-on-one correlations were impossible to establish. However, further investigation determined that the data set was also corrupted by the fact that the measurement contractors were using the data collection forms incorrectly, treating contiguous or interconnected facilities as single buildings, even though structural or mechanical system differences existed. As a result, recommendations were made for a data recovery strategy that would correct these shortcomings.

Sponsor:
Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Radiation Control

Principal Investigator:
William R. Wiencke

Project Director:
Thomas Pugh

Duration:
May '91 - June '91

External Funding Level:
$20,000