Statutory control of indoor natural ventilation concerning radon level and health

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to review the regulatory framework for natural ventilation design affecting the health of residents, to identify the relationship between the main components of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and current building designs, and to propose improvements to the design standards or guidelines especially for those related to natural ventilation controls.Design/methodology/approachBuilding designs can influence the IEQ and therefore, legislation regulating such designs should be reviewed beforehand. Afterwards, site measurements to vacant residential building blocks on two different sites are carried out to collect radon levels contained in the air within the buildings. The major purpose of this measurement is to find out the relationship between radon concentration and residential building designs.FindingsIt is found that there is room for improvement in the building laws in Hong Kong regulating building designs which affect natural ventilation and IEQ.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the understanding of the practical needs of the construction industry and may remedy any lack of consideration of commercial reality in the research process.