Evaluation of the Concentration of Radon in a Single-family House in a Province Northwest of Madrid

Authors

  • Melany Isabel Pinilla-Hernandez

    Architecture and Design Department, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad CEU San Pablo, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
  • Sofia Melero-Tur

    Architecture and Design Department, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad CEU San Pablo, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
  • Tamar Awad Parada

    Departamento de Ideación Gráfica Arquitectónica, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
  • Roberto Alonso Gonzalez-Lezcano

    Architecture and Design Department, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad CEU San Pablo, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i4.10549
Received: 17 June 2025 | Revised: 30 June 2025 | Accepted: 14 August 2025 | Published Online: 23 October 2025

Abstract

Indoor radon concentrations have become a significant health concern due to their long-term deleterious effects on the lungs. Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers, making it critical to understand the risk factors associated with radon presence. This article evaluates radon levels in a single-family house located to the northwest of Madrid. The study was conducted during both summer and winter seasons, which are the predominant periods for this region. The research aims to analyze the varying radon concentrations observed during these seasons, considering factors such as ventilation, seasonal temperature differences, and the specific construction materials used in the house. The accumulation of radon can be influenced by the permeability of the building’s foundation, materials, and the effectiveness of natural ventilation systems. In winter, reduced ventilation can lead to higher radon levels due to the sealing of windows and doors to retain heat, while summer conditions may provide more opportunities for ventilation, potentially reducing concentrations. This study examines how these factors interact, exploring the relationship between indoor air quality and radon levels. Measurements before and after ventilation renewal are included to assess any changes in radon concentrations. The findings aim to provide a better understanding of the behavior of radon in residential settings and offer practical recommendations for mitigating its health risks, especially in homes with poor ventilation and specific construction characteristics. Ultimately, the results could guide strategies for improving indoor air quality and reducing radon exposure in similar homes.

Keywords:

Construction Materials; Indoor Air Quality; Health Concern; Radon Exposure and Ventilation

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How to Cite

Pinilla-Hernandez, M. I., Melero-Tur, S., Parada, T. A., & Gonzalez-Lezcano, R. A. (2025). Evaluation of the Concentration of Radon in a Single-family House in a Province Northwest of Madrid. Research in Ecology, 7(4), 233–250. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i4.10549

Issue

Vol. 7, Iss. 4 (October 2025)(in progress)

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Melany Isabel Pinilla-Hernandez, Sofia Melero-Tur, Tamar Awad Parada, Roberto Alonso Gonzalez-Lezcano

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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