A Computational Evaluation of the Impacts of Radon Concentrations in Energy Retrofit Buildings in Ireland

Radon is the second-highest leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, in many countries, and associated with increased risk of leukemia and multiple myelomas have been documented. In an OECD survey of 30 countries, Ireland was found to have the eighth-highest average indoor radon concentration. In Ireland, radon results in over 56% of the population’s radiation exposure, accounting for up to 250 cases of lung cancer each year. There is no recognized threshold below which radon exposure presents no risk. Recent research shows that energy retrofitting of dwellings may lead to greater airtightness and increased indoor air pollutant concentrations, and there is a possibility that radon concentrations may also increase. A knowledge gap has been identified that the relationship, if any, between improved energy efficiency in buildings and indoor radon concentrations is not well understood. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by collecting and analyzing existing literature-based data, and using this data as the basis for a complementary computational study of the implications for ventilation and for radon concentration of a number of energy efficient retrofit scenarios, relevant to the Irish building stock. A computational model will be validated against data from an experimental case study where radon measurements pre and post retrofit are being carried out. Once validated, simulations will contribute to the filling of a number of knowledge gaps identified, specifically (i) a lack of data on radon in buildings that have undergone an external insulation energy retrofit (ii) estimate radon concentrations in retrofitted buildings, incorporating a range of initial radon concentration scenarios and retrofit strategies (iii) provide recommendations for future policy surrounding the appropriate management of energy efficient retrofitting so that acceptable indoor air quality levels (to include radon) are maintained.