Abstract
During last decades, energy saving in new buildings became relevant within the energy efficiency strategies in various countries. Such energy efficient building characteristics as air tightening and low ventilation can compromise indoor air quality, in particular, increase radon concentration. In Russia, a significant part of the new buildings is the energy efficient multi-storey apartment houses. The aim of this study is to assess the significance of possible radon concentration increase in new energy efficient buildings in comparison with typical conventional multi-storey houses of previous periods. Radon surveys were conducted in Russian cities Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Saint-Petersburg and Krasnodar. The radon measurements were carried out in 478 flats using CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Energy efficiency index (EEI) was assigned to each house. All buildings were divided into six main categories. The smallest average radon concentration was observed in panel and brick houses built according to standard projects of 1970–1990 (four-city average 21 Bq/m3). The highest average radon concentration and EEI were observed in new energy efficient buildings (49 Bq/m3). The trend of radon increase in buildings ranked with high EEI index is observed in all cities. The potential increase of radiation exposure in energy-efficient buildings should be analyzed taking into account the principles of radiological protection.
Highlights
Indoor exposure to decay products of radon gas is recognized as a human carcinogen risk factor
In the frames of this study, the indoor radon concentration was measured in various types of Russian multi-storey apartment houses with different energy efficiency characteristics using the same method
The seasonal adjustment use known seasonal correction coefficients estimated during special studies performed in the region
Summary
Indoor exposure to decay products of radon gas is recognized as a human carcinogen risk factor. Population protection against indoor radon is provided by control of natural radioactivity during construction and operation of buildings[5]. In this relation, geogenic radon potential and anthropogenic factors influencing indoor radon entry should be taking into account. Since the 1980s, in Russia and other countries of the world, energy saving and energy efficiency became important requirements for the transition to the principles of environmentally sustainable development. In Russia, the requirements on the energy efficiency of buildings have been established since 1996, including the regulation of heat saving, heat consumption and other parameters[10]. The building air tightening may inhibit radon and other pollutants from leaving the indoor environment and cause it to accumulate[12,13]
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