Sustainability assessment of waterproof membranes for radon mitigation in buildings

Abstract

Gas radon is the main source of ionising radiation for humans and the second cause of lung cancer, just after smoking. Radon is present in the ground, and its concentration differs soil by soil according to the permeability and the mineral composition. Since radon mainly penetrates a building through cracks and fractures at the foundation level, it is necessary to focus on that area. The problem of high radon indoors concentration is present largely in Europe and in those countries where the heating indoors is privileged since there is a high-temperature difference between outdoors and indoors in winter. The waterproof membranes placed continuously in the structures that are in contact with the soil are one of the cheapest and easy-to-install radon mitigation solutions. Membrane-based measures, like all remedial measures, represent operational and embodied environmental impacts; the lasts were more or less ignored so far. Still, as buildings are becoming energy-efficient and should ensure a high level of indoor comfort, the environmental impacts of these membranes are recognised as being noteworthy and shall be methodically examined. The paper aims to assess the contribution of embodied impacts of five macro-categories of membranes that could be installed to protect buildings against radon. The embodied impacts are calculated for the A1-A3 LCA stages and compared against each other in relation to one square meter and the radon resistance.

An Environmental Evaluation of Ventilation Systems Aimed at Reducing Indoor Radon Concentration

“…Furthermore, the results of this research were compared with Felicioni et al's findings [13], where radon-proof membranes (one of the easiest-to-install and cheapest passive solutions for this gas [40]) were analyzed to highlight the type of membrane (chemical composition and thickness) that was the most effective for radon control and environmental effects. Figure 13 shows that passive solutions, such as these radonproof membranes, particularly a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane 2 mm in thickness and a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) membrane 2 mm in thickness, present lower embodied impacts than the ones related to the CV and have comparable values to those for the EV.…”

“…Furthermore, the results of this research were compared with Felicioni et al's findings [13], where radon-proof membranes (one of the easiest-to-install and cheapest passive solutions for this gas [40]) were analyzed to highlight the type of membrane (chemical However, the selection of ventilation systems and operational times could not be solely based on the environmental parameters and radon concentration reductions. Other pollutants may have also adversely affected the indoor air quality, resulting in higher ventilation rates and, therefore, higher energy consumption levels.…”