Indoor Radon: Sources, Transport Mechanisms and Influencing Parameters

Abstract

Population exposure to indoor radon has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer, and it is considered a leading cause after tobacco smoking. Due to the relatively low outdoor activity concentration, most of the exposure to radon occurs indoors. Radon is generated mostly by the rocks that contain radium-226 either in the soil or in the building materials. Once generated, it enters the buildings directly, due to the activity concentration gradient, or indirectly via a radon carrier. The magnitude and the relative contribution of the entry patterns depend mainly on the building characteristics, the geology, and the living habits of occupants.