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Status of Guidance and Scientific Knowledge on Using Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems for Protection During Radiological / Nuclear Emergencies

Excerpt:  “A building’s ventilation system can have a significant impact on the safety and health of occupants while sheltering-in-place; however, there are many unknowns regarding the best way to control exposure to airborne contaminants during and after radiological emergencies. A better understanding of the use of HVAC systems to control airborne contaminants could enhance implementation of strategies for sheltering-in-place during radiological incidents to ensure public health and safety. The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory’s (NUSTL) Radiological and Nuclear Response and Recovery (RNRR) Research and Development (R&D) program at DHS S&T funded Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to conduct a literature review that documents the current state of scientific knowledge about building protection from radiological hazards and the role of HVAC systems; summarize the public action guidance promoted on Federal, state, and local agency websites; and identify areas where further research is recommended. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted a similar literature review on HVAC effectiveness for reducing indoor air concentrations of outdoor contaminants to assess the extent to which HVAC systems could be applied to enhance sheltering-in-place strategies in response to nuclear power plant accidents.”

Report (144 pages)