A Systematic Review on Radon Interventions around the Globe | Chapter 1 | Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Vol. 5

In order to assess the relative effectiveness of mitigation measures (O) that could help determine the best radon reduction strategy for residential buildings, this paper systematically reviewed both experimental and observational studies (S) with radon interventions (I) used in residential homes around the world in comparison to other residential or model homes. Radon poses a serious risk to human health as the main environmental radiation exposure source in cold countries. By 2017, the majority of Canadian provinces have changed their building regulations to mandate radon-free building practises for all new structures. The best method for efficiently eliminating radon in a variety of situations has not yet been identified, despite the development and examination of several construction solutions and remediation techniques. radon professionals, as well as contractors, landlords, homeowners, and locals, Similar inquiries are made by radon control programme administrators and companies that provide testing and mitigation services.

There were no human subjects included in this analysis of the available data regarding the efficacy of radon therapies. We chose radon therapies from both experimental and observational research. Geographically, we mostly included research from Europe and North America but also took into consideration appropriate studies carried out in other chilly nations. Interventions in residential and model homes were considered, however studies piloted solely in the lab were eliminated. Data were synthesised using the PRISMA checklist, and research quality was assessed using Cochrane and Hamilton techniques.

Studies from all across the world have looked at various construction solutions, radon mitigation techniques, and remediation technologies with variable degrees of effectiveness. In order to achieve a significant and persistent radon reduction, it has been discovered that active ventilation using a sub-slab or sump depressurization system (SSDS) is often more efficient than passive techniques like sealing, membrane, block and beam, simple ventilation, or filtering. The beginning radon level, access points, building age and design, as well as different geology, atmospheric, and climatic factors, all affect which approach is optimal. According to this research, several nations with high radon levels throughout the world have begun to recognise the value of a healthy indoor environment more quickly than ever in recent years as indicated by their adoption of new construction rules in the legislation. To stop radon from entering residential structures from the earth, this mandates that contractors install a passive radon impermeable barrier in between the basement slabs during all new builds.

Although an active SSDS is the ideal mitigation system, in some cases, it must be supplemented with another system and installed by a qualified radon specialist taking into account the relevant elements to guarantee radon levels continue to be below the action threshold. There was no economic analysis of the mitigating methods in this study.

In order to effectively execute radon mitigation, the construction industry must be trained, citizens must be informed, public funds must be established, radon-prone regions must be included in land use maps, and it is necessary to adopt building codes.

Author(s) Details:

Selim M. Khan,

Interdisciplinary Population Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 7K4, Canada.

James Gomes,

Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, THN 210, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 7K4, Canada.

Daniel R. Krewski,

School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 216A, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CAGEES-V5/article/view/7526