RADON TIME SERIES IN FOUR FLATS IN ENERGY EFFICIENT MULTI-STOREY BUILDING

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Building Physics
• Radiological Protection

Background:

• Indoor radon concentration is a significant factor affecting indoor air quality and human health.
• Energy-efficient buildings may alter indoor air dynamics, potentially influencing radon levels.
• Understanding factors affecting indoor radon is crucial for public health and building design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of living habits and meteorological parameters on indoor radon concentration.
• To analyze indoor radon variability in a new energy-efficient multi-storey flat building.
• To identify the primary factors affecting indoor radon levels in Russian urban residential buildings.

Main Methods:

• Continuous indoor radon measurements were performed in four flats of a multi-storey residential building in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
• Radon time series analysis was employed to assess temporal variations and influencing factors.
• Statistical analysis was used to rank the impact of different parameters on indoor radon levels.

Main Results:

• The study identified ventilation regime as the most significant factor influencing indoor radon concentration.
• Indoor/outdoor temperature difference and wind direction were also found to be important influencing factors.
• Ventilation frequency, temperature difference, and wind direction collectively explained up to 46% of the indoor radon variability.

Conclusions:

• Ventilation strategies and meteorological conditions play a critical role in determining indoor radon levels in multi-storey residential buildings.
• The findings highlight the importance of controlled ventilation in mitigating indoor radon exposure in energy-efficient housing.
• Further research can explore more detailed building characteristics and occupant behaviors to refine radon mitigation strategies.