Abstract:
Introduction. Climate change is emerging as a critical determinant of indoor radon
dynamics and related health risks. Radon (²²²Rn), a radioactive gas and the second leading
cause of lung cancer worldwide, infiltrates buildings from uranium-bearing soils. Indoor
concentrations are shaped by meteorological conditions and building features—both
increasingly influenced by climate change and energy-efficiency policies. This article
synthesizes international evidence with regional data to outline three principal pathways
through which climate change intensifies radon exposure: (1) permafrost thaw in highlatitude
regions, (2) increased airtightness of buildings due to energy-saving measures, and
(3) shifting weather patterns that favor radon indoor accumulation. A 100 Bq/m³ rise in
radon is associated with a 16% increase in lung cancer risk, and an estimated 35–40% of
radon-related lung cancers could be prevented if exposure were reduced below the WHOrecommended
threshold of 100 Bq/m³.
Purpose of the research is to study and synthesize international experiences in
developing and utilizing methods to assess the impact of meteorological parameters on
indoor radon concentrations under regional climate change conditions.
Material and methods. A literature review was conducted using 60 peer-reviewed
sources from Web of Science, PubMed, and ResearchGate. In addition, the study introduces
a regional methodology adapted to Moldova’s climate and building conditions, aimed at
assessing how changing environmental factors affect indoor radon exposure and public
health.
Results. Permafrost degradation is releasing radon previously trapped in frozen soils, with
concentrations exceeding 200 Bq/m³, persisting for years in homes with basements. In
temperate regions such as the Republic of Moldova, poorly ventilated, energy-efficient
buildings retain radon indoors, with post-renovation increases of 22–120% observed.
Meteorological parameters, including air temperature, humidity, and wind speed, exert
strong influence on indoor radon concentrations. Winter levels are typically 2–5 times
higher than in summer, driven by reduced ventilation and pressure gradients. The proposed
methodology integrates radon monitoring using high-sensitivity electret ion chambers,
meteorological observations (temperature, wind, humidity), building characteristics, and
regional climate projections. Statistical approaches, including multi-factor analysis and
cross-correlation, will be applied to assess how meteorological variability affects radon
exposure and associated lung cancer risks.
Conclusions. Radon exposure must be recognized as an emerging public health concern
in the context of climate change. The increased use of airtight buildings and shifts in climate
parameters are likely to elevate radon levels indoors. Systematic radon testing, optimized
ventilation design, and predictive exposure modeling are vital for developing prevention and
adaptation strategies. The Republic of Moldova and similar regions must integrate these
considerations into climate and public health policy frameworks.
