Approaches to the study of the influence of internal and external physical factors on indoor radon concentration as a health risk factor under climate change

Abstract

Summary. Introduction. Residential radon, being the second cause of lung cancer after smoking, represents a serious threat to the health of the population. Studies have found a correlation between indoor radon concentration and external and internal factors. External factors are related to the location of the building and climatic conditions. Internal factors consist of the type of foundation, existence of a basement, construction materials and energy efficiency, floor, ventilation system, heating and energy systems, relative humidity. Climate change may intensify radon migration into homes through changes of meteorological factors, increasing health risks. Energy efficiency strategies may contribute to indoor radon accumulation, especially during winter and summer when homes are sealed to maintain thermal comfort balance. Material and methods. The results of about 60 publications from the last 10 years from the specialized platforms - Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Pubmed, BioMedCentral, etc. were uses in the study. The selection was carried out using the keywords "radon", "meteorological factors", "climate change", "human health". All publications were kept in the specific bibliographic database of Mendeley. Descriptive, analytical and synthesis methods were used to develop a regional research methodology within existing capacities. Results. Without proper practices of control and reduction of radon exposure, the potential for increased radon-related lung cancer can become a major problem. In the context of climate change, changes in air temperature and humidity are anticipated, which may affect radon concentrations and, implicitly, its impact on human health. It is necessary to evaluate the influence of external and internal factors on radon concentrations, the influence of radon concentrations on public health indices, as well as the influence of climate change on the fluctuation of residential radon and, consequently, on the risk to human health. The quantification of the influence of physical factors on the concentration of residential radon, expressed in statistical parameters of the equations, will serve as a basis for a predictive analysis of the concentration of radon according to changes in the values of meteorological factors based on regional climate projections. Conclusions. Based on international experience, the methodology for evaluating the influence of meteorological factors on the risk of exposure to radon in a regional aspect is a well-structured and reasoned algorithm of actions, with research tools adapted to the capacities and availability of data for this specific study. Collecting meteorological data simultaneously with indoor radon measurements and studying their relations is essential for understanding these interactions and developing strategies for prevention and adaptation of public health system to future climate.