An insight into the quality of internal built environment in Vladivostok. Part 1: Studying background radiation in residential premises

Abstract

Introduction. The article addresses background gamma radiation in residential premises of apartment buildings in Vladivostok. This study is based on earlier research undertakings focused on the sick building syndrome (SBS), which proves its high relevance. The research is focused on the intensity of background gamma radiation in the residential premises of apartment buildings in Vladivostok. New data obtained in the course of the field experiments, the scale of their analysis, the coverage of substantive issues concerning radiation intensity and its monitoring in residential buildings guarantee the novelty of this research project. These findings also have a practical value that deals with environmental safety. Materials and methods. Onsite examinations were conducted in the form of background gamma radiation measurements taken in versatile apartment buildings, built at different times and made of different materials. Results. This section contains analytical information about the lack of influence of the location of apartment buildings on background radiation inside the apartments examined within the framework of this research project. Measurement results represent a range of values depending on construction materials used. Principal regularities, derived from the measurement results, are based on the time of operation of residential buildings, which is of practical importance. Conclusions. Patterns of influence of building parameters on background radiation inside apartments allow to assess the condition of residential buildings. Background radiation information can be entered into BIM databases and used to formulate the approach to the design of buildings and urban infrastructure so that they were focused on their residents and users. Background radiation research findings, entered into the database and contributed to design algorithms which are customized to the needs of urban residents, will enable designers to project the overall quality of the living environment encompassing the built environment analyzed in this article and other nearby buildings and structures located in Vladivostok.