The purpose of this study was to verify the radon reduction effectiveness of some radon barrier paints using the laboratory test on radon exhalation rate. The radon exhalation characteristics and radon exhalation rate of three radon barrier paints for concrete and three radon barrier paints for stone finishes were evaluated before and after application. Then the radon reduction rate was calculated to confirm the reduction effects. The results showed that the radon reduction rate of radon barrier paint was less than 10%, which is not effective in reducing radon. These findings suggest that a reliable radon reduction evaluation method is needed to utilize radon barrier paints as an indoor radon control measures.

The purpose of this study is to implement through the utilization of geographical information that was currently constructed in the development of the radon map creation methodology. In addition, we suggested a model for forecasting radon gas in soil based on the mechanism of radon exhalation from soil. To provide basic data for radon mapping in Korea, we compared the results obtained using the proposed model with the results of a field survey. Based on the comparison, we discussed the feasibility of the proposed model. The soil radon exhalation rate prediction model was built on the first order prediction model in the steady-state based on the law of conversion of mass. To verify the model by comparing the predicted value with a field survey, a grid of 7.5 × 6.3 cm was created at a 1:500,000 map of Korea, and the intersection point of the grid was selected as measurement site. The results showed a low error rate when compared with the previous studies, and it is expected that the model proposed in this study and the currently constructed geogenic information database can be used in combination to map the soil radon gas in Korea.

This study aimed to compare 2 protocols recommended to patients with chronic cervical cord injury: each protocol included breathing exercises (inhalation-oriented or exhalation-oriented) and facilitation maneuver for the accessory respiratory muscles. Seventeen patients with chronic cervical cord injury volunteered to participate in this study, and we randomized these patients into 2 groups: the inhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (IOBEG) and exhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (EOBEG), consisting of 8 and 9 patients, respectively. Patients in the IOBEG performed inspiratory exercises using intermittent positive pressure breathing devices, while those in the EOBEG performed expiratory exercises using incentive spirometry. All exercises were performed by the subjects twice a day for 4 weeks, with each session lasting an average of 20 min. The outcomes were assessed on the basis of the pre- and post-treatment values of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC. In the IOBEG, no significant differences were observed between the pre- and post-treatment values of any of the measured variables (p>.05); however, in the EOBEG, significant improvement was noted in the VC, FVC, FEV1 measured (p<.05) after the treatment. In addition, the rates of change in the values of VC, FVC, and FEV1 differed significantly between the 2 groups (p<.05). These findings suggest that the EOBEs can enhance respiratory function and are clinically feasible in patients with chronic cervical cord injury. Further studies will be undertaken to evaluate the clinical application of these findings.