Public health risk of radon exposure and climate change: is there a link?

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.