Abstract
Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide behind smoking. Changing the energy characteristics of a dwelling can influence both its thermal and ventilative properties, which can affect indoor air quality. This study uses radon measurements made in 470 689 UK homes between 1980 and 2015, linked to dwelling information contained within the Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED). The linked dataset, the largest of its kind, was used to analyze the association of housing and energy performance characteristics with indoor radon concentrations in the UK. The findings show that energy efficiency measures that increase the airtightness of properties are observed to have an adverse association with indoor radon levels. Homes with double glazing installed had radon measurements with a significantly higher geometric mean, 67% (95% CI: 44, 89) greater than those without a recorded fabric retrofit. Those with loft insulation (47%, 95% CI: 26, 69) and wall insulation (32%, 95% CI: 11, 53) were also found to have higher radon readings. Improving the energy performance of the UK's housing stock is vital in meeting carbon emission reduction targets. However, compromising indoor air quality must be avoided through careful assessment and implementation practices.
Highlights
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer world-wide after tobacco smoking
This study shows that HEE measures that modify the building envelope and increase the air tightness of dwellings can have an adverse association with indoor radon levels
The findings suggest that homes that have undergone certain fabric energy efficient retrofits are likely to have higher indoor radon concentrations than those without, which is likely to have consequences for other indoor pollutants
Summary
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer world-wide after tobacco smoking. In accordance with the Paris Climate Change Agreement, governments are committed to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels[6]. To achieve this target, a variety of measures are required to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A variety of measures are required to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions These measures can be made both at source through, for example, increased generation of renewable energy and at point of use (e.g. through home energy efficiency (HEE) measures). HEE measures installed without adequate purpose provided ventilation may result in adverse health impacts due to increased exposure to internally produced pollutants[9]
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