Impact of Climate Change on Indoor Radon Concentrations as a Current Public Health Challenge

Abstract

Climate change is considered to intensify radon migration into houses, increasing health risks. Energy efficiency strategies can contribute to indoor radon accumulation, particularly in the winter and summer seasons, when buildings are sealed to maintain thermal comfort. Studies in various regions of the world have shown that meteorological factors influence indoor radon concentration either directly or indirectly. Seasonal variations in radon levels have been observed, with winter concentrations exceeding summer levels by 2–5 times, while extreme weather events further impact radon exhalation. Epidemiological data indicate that the increase of indoor radon concentration by 100 Bq/m³ raises lung cancer risk by 16%, with 35–40% of radon-related lung cancers potentially preventable through exposure reduction. Additionally, recent studies suggest a correlation between radon exposure and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to its significance for public health. Collecting meteorological data alongside indoor radon measurements and analyzing their relationship are essential for understanding such interactions as well as developing public health strategies for prevention and adaptation to future climate conditions. Based on international experience, methodological approaches to the study of the assessment of the influence of meteorological factors on the risk of radon exposure in a regional context have been formulated.