An investigation of the potential causes for the seasonal and annual variations in indoor radon concentrations.
Indoor radon concentrations exhibit strong variations on short and long timescales. Besides human influences, meteorological factors significantly affect the radon concentrations indoors as well as outdoors. In this article, long-term measurements showing strong annual variations are presented, which take a very similar course in different buildings located in largely separated regions in Switzerland. Also, seasonal variations can be very significant. In general, variations in indoor radon levels can primarily be attributed to human influences. On the other hand, specific weather conditions can have a significant impact on indoor radon levels. In order to further investigate the connection between indoor radon levels and meteorological factors, a measuring campaign has been started in two buildings located in two different regions in Switzerland exhibiting different climatic characteristics. Preliminary results of these investigations are presented, which provide evidence for correlations between indoor radon levels and in particular outdoor temperatures, contributing to seasonal and annual as well as short-term variations in indoor radon concentrations.
Federal Office of Public Health, Berne, Switzerland fabio.barazza@bag.admin.ch.
F
F
Barazza
Federal Office of Public Health, Berne, Switzerland.
W
W
Gfeller
Federal Office of Public Health, Berne, Switzerland.
M
M
Palacios
Federal Office of Public Health, Berne, Switzerland.
C
C
Murith
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012621:Seasons; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013557:Switzerland; D013696:Temperature; D014887:Weather
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon