Indoor radon problem in energy efficient multi-storey buildings

Abstract

Modern energy-efficient architectural solutions and building construction technologies such as monolithic concrete structures in combination with effective insulation reduce air permeability of building envelope. As a result, air exchange rate is significantly reduced and conditions for increased radon accumulation in indoor air are created. Based on radon survey in Ekaterinburg, Russia, remarkable increase in indoor radon concentration level in energy-efficient multi-storey buildings was found in comparison with similar buildings constructed before the-energy-saving era. To investigate the problem of indoor radon in energy-efficient multi-storey buildings, the measurements of radon concentration have been performed in seven modern buildings using radon monitoring method. Values of air exchange rate and other parameters of indoor climate in energy-efficient buildings have been estimated.

Impact of constructional energy‐saving measures on radon levels indoors

“…Current investigations to the influence of different factors on the radon concentration indoors were published by Pernot 11 and Yarmoshenko. 12 These studies also show an increased radon level in energetically renovated buildings. Pernot 11 shows additionally the influence of the geological subsoil and building type on indoor radon concentrations.…”

“…This differing behavior was also found within groups of buildings with similar types of refurbishments. Current investigations to the influence of different factors on the radon concentration indoors were published by Pernot and Yarmoshenko . These studies also show an increased radon level in energetically renovated buildings.…”

“…• The result for passive houses shows that an increase in radon concentration can be avoided by installing ventilation systems. The ventilation concept required for energetic refurbishments should ensure sufficient user-independent ventilation by means of technical measures.into the categories multi-family houses(12), detached houses (66), semi-detached houses (27), and row houses(17).• Construction method: Describes construction type of the building and the used materials (bricks, concrete, beam, and wood), classified into the categories half-timbered houses (6), timber houses(11), and massive houses (107).• Basement: Describes the type of basement, classified into the categories full basements (85), partial basement(16), and without basement (23).…”

Merits and Demerits of Different Methods for Radon Exhalation Measurements for Building Materials

“…In addition, with an increase in the awareness of the need for saving energy, residents tend to live in buildings with more and more tight windows and doors, thus reducing the average air exchange rate. All this leads to an increase of the indoor radon concentration in multistorey buildings that is almost solely coming from the building materials [7], [8].…”

Measurement strategy to study radon source, entry and dilution rates in energy-efficient buildings in Russia

“…There are two important sources that contribute to indoor radon: exhalation from the building materials and from the soil (Figure 1). Buildings materials are supposed to be dominant radon source, as proved by continuous measurements of radon concentration in multi-storey dwellings with typical natural ventilation system [3]. Air exchange rate (AER) between outdoor and indoor atmosphere has significant effect on the radon concentration, but implementation of energy-efficient measures result in an increase of air permeability of building envelope.…”