Energy saving and indoor air pollution in Italy: the radon problem

Issues related to efficient energy use have eliminated the natural exchange of air through the building envelope, causing a greater concentration of indoor pollutants. One of them is radon, which seeps out due to the porosity of the soil and can accumulate indoors, penetrating basement cracks due to pressure differences. International studies claim that ten percent of all lung cancer cases can be attributed to radon exposure. The matter is well known from the medical and physical point of view; however, it is also a construction problem. Some building regulations in Italy include provisions to protect against radon’s health risks, but the problem is still underestimated by designers. This paper shows some experimental prevention and remediation techniques for new and existing buildings in Italy.