Radon monitoring study in residential buildings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20868/ade.2026.5725Keywords:
Passivhaus, indoor air quality, prevention, health, radonAbstract
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas whose accumulation in enclosed spaces poses a significant health risk. This study compares radon concentrations in Passivhaus-certified residential buildings and conventional dwellings located in Spanish areas with different exposure levels. Seventy-three buildings were monitored for one year using passive track detectors over two six-month periods: April–September 2023 and October 2023–March 2024. Passivhaus cases were paired with nearby control buildings of comparable characteristics, prioritising affected regions such as Galicia, the Central System and the Pyrenees. The aim was to determine whether the combination of an airtight envelope and balanced mechanical ventilation limits indoor radon accumulation. The results show that the overall mean concentration in conventional buildings was more than twice that measured in Passivhaus buildings.
Passivhaus dwellings also showed greater seasonal stability and a mean concentration below the World Health Organization’s healthbased reference value. The study concludes that, in addition to improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort, the Passivhaus standard can provide an effective strategy for radon prevention and public-health protection.
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