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During last decades, energy saving in new buildings became relevant within the energy efficiency strategies in various countries. Such energy efficient building characteristics as air tightening and low ventilation can compromise indoor air quality, in particular, increase radon concentration. In Russia, a significant part of the new buildings is the energy efficient multi-storey apartment houses. The aim of this study is to assess the significance of possible radon concentration increase in new energy efficient buildings in comparison with typical conventional multi-storey houses of previous periods. Radon surveys were conducted in Russian cities Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Saint-Petersburg and Krasnodar. The radon measurements were carried out in 478 flats using CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Energy efficiency index (EEI) was assigned to each house. All buildings were divided into six main categories. The smallest average radon concentration was observed in panel and brick houses built according to standard projects of 1970–1990 (four-city average 21 Bq/m3). The highest average radon concentration and EEI were observed in new energy efficient buildings (49 Bq/m3). The trend of radon increase in buildings ranked with high EEI index is observed in all cities. The potential increase of radiation exposure in energy-efficient buildings should be analyzed taking into account the principles of radiological protection.

The formation of snow-dirt sludge (SDS) via the mixing of snow and surface-deposited sediment by vehicles and pedestrians is one of the least studied sedimentation processes in urban areas. The aim of this study was to analyse the material, mineral, particle size, and chemical compositions of the SDS solid phase. The study was conducted using Ekaterinburg, Russia, as an example city with an intense anthropogenic impact and a long cold snowy period. The average content of the SDS solid phase was approximately 35 g L−1 of meltwater on heavy traffic roads, of which the dust fraction (<0.1 mm) accounted for 23 g L−1. On driveways and lawns, the contents of the SDS solid phase were 12 and 6.6 g L−1, respectively. The mineral composition of the SDS solid phase was generally similar to the geology of the surrounding area, which is composed of a mosaicked combination of felsic and mafic complexes. The presence of building material fragments and other anthropogenic particles confirms the significant anthropogenic impact. The chemical composition contained major and minor elements specific to the minerals and materials that constitute the SDS solid phase. There was significant variability in the concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the granulometric fractions, indicating pollution. Intensive melting of SDS with a high particulate matter (PM) content is an important factor influencing the environmental quality of the urban environment.

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