“Izvestia”: an increased concentration of radioactive gas was revealed in new buildings
Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Ecology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences measured the concentration of radioactive radon in energy-efficient houses and houses built during the Soviet period. The results showed that in new buildings this figure is 1.2–2.4 times higher, Izvestia reports .
The detected level of radon is 2–4 times lower than the limit values established by sanitary standards. The reason for the increase in the concentration of radon in energy-efficient houses is their internal tightness and thermal insulation of the premises, which prevents air circulation. At the same time, airing, sealing the floor and walls can successfully prevent gas stagnation in the apartment.
The gas is contained in sand and soil, and it is from there that it often enters residential premises. Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, whose daughter products – radioactive isotopes of polonium, bismuth and lead – settle in the lungs and can lead to lung cancer.
Earlier it was reported that due to radon, lung cancer is an occupational disease of miners, asbestos workers.
