SHELTER

Ensuring good health and promoting sustainable cities requires a clear understanding of indoor air quality in energy-efficient buildings. While improved insulation and air-tightening reduce energy consumption, they may unintentionally increase indoor pollutant concentrations, posing health risks. The combined health effects of radon and ultrafine aerosols are of growing concern, particularly in energy-efficient building environments. Radon decay products are commonly attached to airborne particulate matter, especially fine and ultrafine aerosols, influencing their deposition in the respiratory tract and potentially increasing the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Although radon is a well-established carcinogen, ultrafine aerosols independently contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular complications. Understanding the synergistic effects of these pollutants is essential for accurate health risk assessment and effective mitigation strategies.

This study proposes an advanced measurement technique capable of simultaneously assessing unattached and attached radon progeny size distributions, providing new insights into aerosol behavior and radiation dose estimation. By integrating real-time radon and aerosol monitoring, the research aims to refine health risk models and improve predictions of lung dose exposure. Additionally, pre- and post-renovation measurements will evaluate how energy efficiency measures affect indoor radon and aerosol concentrations, supporting safer building design and evidence-based policy recommendations while ensuring transparency for the public and stakeholders.