High Concentrations of Radon and Carbon Dioxide in Energy-Efficient Family Houses Without Heat Recovery Ventilation

Abstract

The most significant factors of indoor air quality – besides temperature and humidity – are the concentrations of carbon-dioxide (CO2) and radon (222Rn). Radon seepage is caused by and affected by the materials used in walls and floors, the quality of insulation, cracks and even the amount of pipes running through the walls. The amount of CO2 is predominantly affected by the biological processes of the inhabitants, and possibly by potentially faulty HVAC systems. The energy efficiency related upgrades to family homes, which often only extend to window replacements and better insulation have a significant effect and could potentially increase concentrations of both radon and CO2 which has a significant effect on the well-being of the inhabitants. Our tests conducted in Hungary have proven that by using automated heat recovery ventilation (HRV) both energy efficient operation and low concentrations of radon and CO2 are achievable. Our results prove the significance and prevalence of the issue of higher concentrations of these pollutants, and offer a viable solution.

Családi házak beltéri radon aktivitás koncentráció felmérése Pest megyében

“…(ZEEB- SHANNOUN, 2009) 2015 decemberében kezdődő kétéves méréssorozat alapján bizonyítástnyert, hogy családi házak energiahatékonysággal kapcsolatos korszerűsítései, amelyek gyakran csak az ablakcserékre és a jobb szigetelésre terjednek ki, jelentős hatást fejtenek ki, és potenciálisan növelhetik a radon koncentrációját, ami jelentős hatással van a lakók jólétére. Magyarországon, Budaesten, Budaörsön és Gödöllőn végzett vizsgálatok bebizonyították, hogy az automatizált hővisszanyerős szellőztetés (HRV) alkalmazásával mind az energiahatékony működés, mind az alacsony radon és CO2 koncentráció elérhető (GÉCZI et al, 2018).…”

Confined Spaces in Buildings with High Indoor Radon Concentration: A Case Study Analysis with the Application of Constructive Remediation Measures

“…Additionally, there are frequent small cracks in buildings' floors and walls, formed due to causes related to differential foundations settlements, movements of thermal origin, or adjustments between construction elements, as well as some specific openings intentionally created for the passage of pipes and cables, and buildings expansion joints. The size and frequency of these cracks or gaps also depend on the finishing coat and the quality of construction [28][29][30][31][32]. These cracks are the path for radon to enter the building driven by the difference between atmospheric pressure within, which is generally lower than the pressure in the underlying ground [33,34].…”