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Khan SM, Pearson DD, Eldridge EL, Morais TA, Ahanonu MIC, Ryan MC, Taron JM, Goodarzi AA. Rural communities experience higher radon exposure versus urban areas, potentially due to drilled groundwater well annuli acting as unintended radon gas migration conduits. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3640. [PMID: 38409201 PMCID: PMC10897331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive, long-term inhalation of radioactive radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, with exposure differences being a function of geographic location, built environment, personal demographics, activity patterns, and decision-making. Here, we examine radon exposure disparities across the urban-to-rural landscape, based on 42,051 Canadian residential properties in 2034 distinct communities. People living in rural, lower population density communities experience as much as 31.2% greater average residential radon levels relative to urban equivalents, equating to an additional 26.7 Bq/m3 excess in geometric mean indoor air radon, and an additional 1 mSv/year in excess alpha radiation exposure dose rate to the lungs for occupants. Pairwise and multivariate analyses indicate that community-based radon exposure disparities are, in part, explained by increased prevalence of larger floorplan bungalows in rural areas, but that a majority of the effect is attributed to proximity to, but not water use from, drilled groundwater wells. We propose that unintended radon gas migration in the annulus of drilled groundwater wells provides radon migration pathways from the deeper subsurface into near-surface materials. Our findings highlight a previously under-appreciated determinant of radon-induced lung cancer risk, and support a need for targeted radon testing and reduction in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim M Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dustin D Pearson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Evangeline L Eldridge
- Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tiago A Morais
- Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marvit I C Ahanonu
- School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - M Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joshua M Taron
- School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Aaron A Goodarzi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Branco PTBS, Martin-Gisbert L, Sá JP, Ruano-Raviña A, Barros-Dios J, Varela-Lema L, Sousa SIV. Quantifying indoor radon levels and determinants in schools: A case study in the radon-prone area Galicia-Norte de Portugal Euroregion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163566. [PMID: 37084905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Radon is a carcinogenic compound, and is particularly concerning in the education sector, where children and teachers may be exposed even longer than at home. Thus, this study intended to characterise radon in the indoor air of scholar environments in different provinces/districts of the Euroregion Galicia-Norte de Portugal. With a pioneering approach, this study evaluated the influence of specific factors/characteristics (location, type of management, construction material, season and floor within the building) and quantified their relative contribution to indoor radon levels. Radon was continuously monitored in 416 classrooms from school buildings located in urban and rural sites from different provinces/districts both in the regions of Galicia (A Coruña and Lugo provinces) and Portugal (Porto and Bragança districts), considering rooms for different age groups (from nursery schools to universities). Single and multivariate linear regression models were built considering the radon concentrations as the outcome variable and different room/building characteristics as predictor variables. Mean and median radon concentrations were 332 Bq·m-3 and 181 Bq·m-3, respectively. The radon concentrations observed are a public health concern, as almost 1/3 of the places monitored exceeded the reference limit value of the European legislation (300 Bq·m-3). Moreover, around 50 % of the indoor levels measured could be attributed to room/building characteristics: the building's location and the main construction material, as well as the occupants' age group, the floor within the building and the school's type of management (public/private). This study concluded that radon testing is needed in all school buildings and classrooms without exceptions. Thus, public administrations are urged to dedicate funds for testing, mitigation and public dissemination initiatives in schools. A special protocol for radon sampling in school buildings should also be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucia Martin-Gisbert
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Cross-Disciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Juliana P Sá
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Ruano-Raviña
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Cross-Disciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Barros-Dios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Gulan L, Stajic JM, Spasic D, Forkapic S. Radon levels and indoor air quality after application of thermal retrofit measures-a case study. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 16:363-373. [PMID: 36340188 PMCID: PMC9617227 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of thermal retrofit on radon levels in workrooms, and to determine whether the radon concentration in the building changes after the application of retrofit measures. In the first survey, digital Airthings Corentium Home radon detector was used for 1-month radon measurements during the heating season 2018/19. The daily averaged radon concentrations varied from 37 to 573 Bq/m3 for 10 selected workrooms, while hourly averaged radon measurements showed extreme variations from 6 to 1603 Bq/m3 due to radon fluctuations. In second survey, passive radon technique based on charcoal canister test kit was conducted in all basement workrooms in spring 2021. The averaged radon concentrations grouped according to flooring type in workrooms were 327 Bq/m3 for parquet, 227 Bq/m3 for ceramic tiles, 146 Bq/m3 for vinyl flooring and 71 Bq/m3 for laminate. Besides thermal insulation and airtight windows, noticeable differences in indoor radon concentration within the renovated building are primarily caused by different types of flooring. It includes various types of insulation from the ground/concrete slab: laminate, parquet (wood blocks), vinyl flooring, and ceramic tiles. Detailed analysis point out that laminate is more efficient way for radon protection than other types of flooring. An efficient ventilation system should be installed to avoid increasing occupational radon exposure and to provide healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Gulan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Lole Ribara 29, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Jelena M. Stajic
- Department of Science, Institute for Information Technologies, Kragujevac, University of Kragujevac, Jovana Cvijica bb, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dusica Spasic
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Lole Ribara 29, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Sofija Forkapic
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Abstract
Radon poses significant health risks. Thus, the continuous monitoring of radon concentrations in buildings’ indoor air is relevant, particularly in schools. Low-cost sensors devices are emerging as promising technologies, although their reliability is still unknown. Therefore, this is the first study aiming to evaluate the performance of low-cost sensors devices for short-term continuous radon monitoring in the indoor air of nursery and primary school buildings. Five classrooms of different age groups (infants, pre-schoolers and primary school children) were selected from one nursery and one primary school in Porto (Portugal). Radon indoor concentrations were continuously monitored using one reference instrument (Radim 5B) and three commercially available low-cost sensors devices (Airthings Wave and RandonEye: RD200 and RD200P2) for short-term sampling (2–4 consecutive days) in each studied classroom. Radon concentrations were in accordance with the typical profiles found in other studies (higher on weekends and non-occupancy periods than on occupancy). Both RadonEye low-cost sensors devices presented similar profiles with Radim 5B and good performance indices (R2 reaching 0.961), while the Airthings Wave behavior was quite different. These results seem to indicate that the RadonEye low-cost sensors devices studied can be used in short-term radon monitoring, being promising tools for actively reducing indoor radon concentrations.
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Su C, Pan M, Zhang Y, Kan H, Zhao Z, Deng F, Zhao B, Qian H, Zeng X, Sun Y, Liu W, Mo J, Guo J, Zheng X, Sun C, Zou Z, Li H, Huang C. Indoor exposure levels of radon in dwellings, schools, and offices in China from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12920. [PMID: 34432341 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
After decades of development, the indoor environment in China has changed. A systematic review was conducted from peer-reviewed scientific papers with field test data of indoor radon in China from 2000 to 2020 for three types of buildings. The mean concentrations of indoor radon for dwellings, school buildings, and office buildings are 54.6, 56.1, and 54.9 Bq/m3 . The indoor radon concentration was related to seasons, climate regions, ventilation, decoration, and other factors such as soil and outdoor air. Colder seasons, especially in severe colder areas of China, newer decorated buildings, closed windows, and doors were all associated with higher indoor radon concentrations. Variables like climate region and ventilation showed statistical significance in the correlation analysis. Regarding the increasing trend of indoor radon concentration in China during the last two decades, further study of indoor radon is necessary especially for school buildings and office buildings, and will help access its environmental burden of disease in China more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Su
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Minyi Pan
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furong Deng
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Engineering Research Center of BEEE, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangang Zeng
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute for Health and Environment, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinhan Mo
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Guo
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Engineering Research Center of BEEE, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Schools are a category of public buildings with a high radon exposure risk, due to their high occupancy factor. In Romania, the elaboration of a methodology for radon measurements in schools is a necessity imposed both by the European legislation and by the relatively high percentage (about 10%) of the mapped territory with a potential increased risk of exposure to the action of ionizing radiation emitted by radon. In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children in Romanian schools, we conducted a pilot study in two schools in Cluj-Napoca, following the screening measurements carried out in 109 schools and kindergartens from five counties. The specific steps that must be followed were described, taking into account the international protocols and particularities of Romanian territory. The proposed approach could act as a guide for other large buildings and is implicit for the implementation of National Radon Action Plan, approved by HG no. 526/12 July 2018 in accordance with Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM. The obtained results indicate that a high probability of annual radon concentration above the national reference level is to be expected in schools.
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Monitoring Radon Levels in Hospital Environments. Findings of a Preliminary Study in the University Hospital of Sassari, Italy. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this preliminary study was to measure radon concentrations in a hospital in order to verify to what extent these concentrations depend on various environmental variables taken into consideration, and consequently to determine the urgency to implement mitigation actions. Methods: The rooms where the concentration of the gas was potentially highest were monitored. Investigators adopted a Continuous Radon Monitor testing device. Qualitative and normally distributed quantitative variables were summarised with absolute (relative) frequencies and means (standard deviations, SD), respectively. As regards environmental variables, the difference in radon concentrations was determined using the rank-based nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis H test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: All measurements, excluding the radiotherapy bunkers that showed high values due to irradiation of radiotherapy instruments, showed low radon levels, although there is currently no known safe level of radon exposure. In addition, high variability in radon concentration was found linked to various environmental and behavioural characteristics. Conclusions: The results on the variability of radon levels in hospital buildings highlighted the key role of monitoring activities on indoor air quality and, consequently, on the occupants’ health.
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Curguz Z, Venoso G, Zunic ZS, Mirjanic D, Ampollini M, Carpentieri C, Di Carlo C, Caprio M, Alavantic D, Kolarz P, Stojanovska Z, Antignani S, Bochicchio F. SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOLS: IMPLICATIONS ON RADON MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 191:133-137. [PMID: 33130895 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the national and international legislations are generally restricted to all the rooms located at the ground floor and basement, assuming the soil beneath the building as the main source of indoor radon. In order to verify such an assumption for small buildings having at maximum two floors, a preliminary study was performed in 50 schools located in 15 municipalities of the Republic of Srpska. Results of this study suggest that a protocol requiring measurements at the ground floor only may be considered adequate. Due to the high radon spatial variability for rooms at the ground floor, it is preferable to require measurements in a high number of rooms (preferably in all of them) in order to assess the compliance with the reference level established by the legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Curguz
- Faculty of Transport, University of East Sarajevo, Doboj, Republic of Srpska
| | - G Venoso
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Z S Zunic
- Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Mirjanic
- Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska
| | - M Ampollini
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Carpentieri
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Di Carlo
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M Caprio
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - D Alavantic
- Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - P Kolarz
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Z Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, 2000 Stip, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - S Antignani
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F Bochicchio
- Italian National Institute of Health, National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy
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Associations Between School Characteristics and Classroom Radon Concentrations in Utah's Public Schools: A Project Completed by University Environmental Health Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165839. [PMID: 32806724 PMCID: PMC7460026 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Radon (²²²Rn), a radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Classroom radon concentrations in public schools in our target area had never been measured or had not been measured in many years. We had university students, primarily enrolled in environmental health courses, measure radon concentrations in 2289 classrooms in 66 of Utah’s public schools and identify school characteristics associated with classroom radon concentrations. The geometric mean (GM) classroom radon concentration was 31.39 (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.16, 36.28) Bq/m3 (GM: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.98 pCi/L). Thirty-seven (2%) classrooms in 13 (20%) schools had radon concentrations at or above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended action level of 148 Bq/m3 (4.0 pCi/L). Number of classrooms had a u-shaped association with classroom radon concentrations. The year the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system was installed was inversely associated with having classroom radon concentrations at or above the EPA’s recommended action level. Number of classrooms and number of students had u-shaped associations with having classroom radon concentrations at or above the EPA’s recommended action level. Classroom radon concentrations decreased when schools’ HVAC systems were on. Replacing HVAC systems and turning/keeping them on may be effective radon mitigation strategies to prevent radon-associated lung cancer, especially for small and large schools.
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Indoor Radon Measurements in Finnish Daycare Centers and Schools-Enforcement of the Radiation Act. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082877. [PMID: 32326365 PMCID: PMC7215769 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Finnish radiation legislation obligates employers to measure indoor radon concentrations in workplaces, including schools and daycare centers, if they are in radon prone areas. Surveillance campaigns were conducted to ensure that the required radon measurements were performed and to gain knowledge on current indoor radon levels in daycare centers and schools. METHODS Daycare centers located in the high-radon risk municipalities were identified. Schools where indoor radon level measurements were obligatory but not performed, were identified. RESULTS Indoor radon measurements were performed in 633 daycare centers where the mean radon concentration was 86 Bq/m3 and the median 40 Bq/m3. The radon level was greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 8% (n = 49) of daycare centers. The radon measurements were performed in 1176 schools, which is 95% of the schools to be measured. The mean radon concentration was 82 Bq/m3 and the median 41 Bq/m3. The radon levels were greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 14% (n = 169) of the schools. CONCLUSIONS The systematic surveillance campaigns by the radiation protection authority were very efficient in order to ensure that the measurements are performed in schools and daycare centers. The campaigns also reduced the radon exposure of employees, children, and adolescents, where necessary.
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Radolić V, Miklavčić I, Sovilj MP, Stanić D, Petrinec B, Vuković B. The natural radioactivity of Istria, Croatia. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Analysis and radiation dose assessment of 222Rn in indoor air at schools: Case study at Ulju County, Korea. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Rizo Maestre C, Echarri Iribarren V. The Radon Gas in Underground Buildings in Clay Soils. The Plaza Balmis Shelter as a Paradigm. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15051004. [PMID: 29772780 PMCID: PMC5982043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In healthy buildings, it is considered essential to quantify air quality. One of the most fashionable indicators is radon gas. To determine the presence of this element, which is harmful to health, in the environment, the composition of the soil is studied. The presence of radon gas within a building depends both on the terrain in which it is located and on the composition of the materials of which it is composed, and not as was previously believed, only by the composition of the soil (whether granitic or not). Many countries are currently studying this phenomenon, including Spain where the building regulations regarding the accumulation of radon gas, do not list in their technical codes, the maximum dose that can a building can hold so that it is not harmful to people and the measures to correct excessive accumulation. Therefore, once the possible existence of radon in any underground building has been verified, regardless of the characteristics of the soil, the importance of defining and unifying the regulations on different levels of radon in all architectural constructions is evident. Medical and health science agencies, including the World Health Organization, consider that radon gas is a very harmful element for people. This element, in its gaseous state, is radioactive and it is present in almost soils in which buildings are implanted. Granitic type soils present higher levels of radon gas. Non-granitic soils have traditionally been considered to have very low radon levels. However, this paper demonstrates the relevant presence of radon in non-granitic soils, specifically in clayey soils, by providing the results of research carried out in the underground air raid shelter at Balmis Square in Alicante (Spain). The results of the measurements of radon accumulation in the Plaza Balmis shelter are five times higher than those obtained in a similar ungrounded building. This research addresses the constructive typology of an under-ground building and the radon presence in its interior obtained using rigorous measurement techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rizo Maestre
- Department of Building Construction, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain.
| | - Víctor Echarri Iribarren
- Department of Building Construction, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain.
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Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040749. [PMID: 29652857 PMCID: PMC5923791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to assess radon concentration in schoolrooms in a city located in the midwest of Italy. Methods: A two-phase environmental study was carried out in 19 school buildings of 16 primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. Results: Median (interquartile range—IQR) indoor radon concentration in schoolrooms was 91.6 (45.0–140.3) Bq/m3. The highest (median 952.8 Bq/m3) radon concentration was found in one (3.6%) classroom, located in a building of a primary school whose median concentration was 185 Bq/m3. Radon concentration was significantly correlated with the number of students and teachers, foundation wall construction material, and with the absence of underground floors. A geopedological survey was performed close to the building with highest radon level, showing the presence of granite and tonalithic granodiorite in the soil. Conclusions: Radon levels should be routinely assessed where individuals live or work. Schools are susceptible targets, because of childhood stay and the long daily stay of occupants. Low-cost interventions, such as implementation of natural air ventilation and school maintenance, can reduce radon levels, limiting individual exposure.
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15
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Zunic ZS, Stojanovska Z, Veselinovic N, Mishra R, Yarmoshenko IV, Sapra BK, Ishikawa T, Omori Y, Curguz Z, Bossew P, Udovicic V, Ramola RC. INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY CONCENTRATIONS IN HIGH THORON RURAL SERBIA ENVIRONMENTS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2017; 177:36-39. [PMID: 29036675 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncx167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article deals with the variation of radon (Rn), thoron (Tn) and their progeny concentrations expressed in terms of equilibrium equivalent concentrations (EERC and EETC), in 40 houses, in four villages of Sokobanja municipality, Southern Serbia. Two types of passive detectors were used: (1) discriminative radon-thoron detector for simultaneous Rn and Tn gases measurements and (2) direct Tn and Rn progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS) for measuring Rn and Tn progeny concentrations. Detectors were exposed simultaneously for a single period of 12 months. Variations of Tn and EETC appear higher than those of Rn and EERC. Analysis of the spatial variation of the measured concentrations is also reported. This work is part of a wider survey of Rn, Tn and their progeny concentrations in indoor environments throughout the Balkan region started in 2011 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zora S Zunic
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences 'Vinca', University of Belgrade, PO Box 522, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Z Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Stip, Republic of Macedonia
| | - N Veselinovic
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences 'Vinca', University of Belgrade, PO Box 522, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - R Mishra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
| | - I V Yarmoshenko
- Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - B K Sapra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
| | - T Ishikawa
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Y Omori
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Z Curguz
- Faculty of Transport, University of East Sarajevo, Doboj, Republic of Srpska
| | - P Bossew
- German Federal Radioprotection Authority, div. SW 1.1, Köpenicker Allee 120-130, D-10318 Berlin, Germany
| | - V Udovicic
- Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, BelgradeSerbia
| | - R C Ramola
- Department of Physics, H.N.B Garhwal University, Tehri Garhwal, India
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16
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Experimental tests on the reduction of radon decay products’ unattached fraction in indoor environment and its influence on effective dose. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Gulan L, Stajic JM, Bochicchio F, Carpentieri C, Milic G, Nikezic D, Zunic ZS. Is high indoor radon concentration correlated with specific activity of radium in nearby soil? A study in Kosovo and Metohija. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:19561-19568. [PMID: 28681295 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents indoor radon concentrations and specific activities of natural radionuclides measured in soils of Kosovo and Metohija. The measurements of radon concentration were performed during two consecutive 6-month periods in two rooms of 63 houses using CR-39 detectors. The annual radon concentration ranged from 30 to 810 Bq m-3 with the average value of 128 Bq m-3. Almost 15% of the houses had radon concentration higher than 200 Bq m-3. The difference between radon concentrations measured in the two 6-month periods was analyzed, showing, as expected, a slightly higher radon concentration in the "winter period" than in the "summer period". The variation between different rooms of the same houses was also analyzed, showing that 20% of the dwellings had a significantly higher radon concentration (>100 Bq m-3) in one room compared to the other (the coefficient of variation ranged up to 96%). The specific activities of natural radionuclides in the nearby soil were determined by gamma spectrometry. The estimated average value (and standard deviation) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K specific activities were 32 (13), 35 (16), and 582 (159) Bq kg-1, respectively. The correlation between indoor 222Rn and 226Ra content in soil was investigated. Only a weak correlation was found (Spearman's rho = 0.220) indicating that other factors might affect diffusion and accumulation of radon indoors, as confirmed also by the high variability between the rooms of the same houses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Gulan
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Jelena M Stajic
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovic 12, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia.
| | | | | | - Gordana Milic
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Nikezic
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovic 12, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia
| | - Zora S Zunic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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18
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Kolarž P, Vaupotič J, Kobal I, Ujić P, Stojanovska Z, Žunić ZS. Thoron, radon and air ions spatial distribution in indoor air. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 173:70-74. [PMID: 27884533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Spatial distribution of radioactive gasses thoron (Tn) and radon (Rn) in indoor air of 9 houses mostly during winter period of 2013 has been studied. According to properties of alpha decay of both elements, air ionization was also measured. Simultaneous continual measurements using three Rn/Tn and three air-ion active instruments deployed on to three different distances from the wall surface have shown various outcomes. It has turned out that Tn and air ions concentrations decrease with the distance increase, while Rn remained uniformly distributed. Exponential fittings function for Tn variation with distance was used for the diffusion length and constant as well as the exhalation rate determination. The obtained values were similar with experimental data reported in the literature. Concentrations of air ions were found to be in relation with Rn and obvious, but to a lesser extent, with Tn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ivan Kobal
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Predrag Ujić
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinčа, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zdenka Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, 2000, Štip, Macedonia
| | - Zora S Žunić
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinčа, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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19
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Žunić ZS, Bossew P, Bochicchio F, Veselinovic N, Carpentieri C, Venoso G, Antignani S, Simovic R, Ćurguz Z, Udovicic V, Stojanovska Z, Tollefsen T. The relation between radon in schools and in dwellings: A case study in a rural region of Southern Serbia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 167:188-200. [PMID: 27919569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recognized as a significant health hazard, radon (Rn) has been given increasing attention for years. Surveys of different kinds have been performed in many countries to assess the intensity and the geographical extent of possible Rn problems. Common surveys cover mainly dwellings, the indoor place with highest occupancy, and schools, where people spend a large fraction of their lifetime and which can also be considered exemplary for Rn exposure at workplaces; it has however been observed that relating them is difficult. It was unclear whether residential Rn at a location, or in a region, can be predicted by Rn at a school of that location, or vice versa. To current knowledge, no general rule seems applicable, as few models to describe the relationship between Rn in dwellings and in schools have been developed. In Southern Serbia, a Rn survey in a predominantly rural region was based on measurements in primary schools. The question arose whether or to which degree the results can be considered as indicative or even representative for residential Rn concentrations. To answer the question an additional survey of indoor Rn concentrations in dwellings was initiated, designed and performed in Sokobanja district in 2010-2012 in a manner to be able to detect a relationship if it exists. In the study region, 108 dwellings in 12 villages and towns were selected, with one primary school each. In this paper, we investigate how a relation between Rn in schools and dwellings could be identified and quantified, by developing a model and using experimental data from both the above main and additional surveys. The key criterion is the hypothesis that the relation dwellings - schools, if it exists, is stronger for dwellings closer to a school than for those dwellings further away. We propose methods to test the hypothesis. As result, the hypothesis is corroborated at 95% significance level. More specifically, on town level (typical size about 1 km), the Rn concentration ratio dwelling/school is about 0.8 (geometrical mean), with geometrical standard deviation (GSD) about 1.9. For dwelling and school hypothetically in the same location, the ratio is estimated about 0.7 with GSD about 1.5. We think that the methodology can be applied to structurally similar problems. The results could be used to create "conditional maps" of Rn concentration in dwellings, i.e., for example a map of probabilities that indoor Rn concentrations in dwellings exceed 100 Bq/m3, as function of Rn concentration in the local school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z S Žunić
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - P Bossew
- German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Berlin, Germany.
| | - F Bochicchio
- National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - N Veselinovic
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - C Carpentieri
- National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - G Venoso
- National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - S Antignani
- National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - R Simovic
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Z Ćurguz
- University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Transport Doboj, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - V Udovicic
- Low-Background Laboratory for Nuclear Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Z Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Stip, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
| | - T Tollefsen
- European Commission, DG JRC, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Ispra, Italy
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20
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Collignan B, Le Ponner E, Mandin C. Relationships between indoor radon concentrations, thermal retrofit and dwelling characteristics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 165:124-130. [PMID: 27693653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A monitoring campaign was conducted on a sample of more than 3400 dwellings in Brittany, France from 2011 to 2014. The measurements were collected using one passive dosimeter per dwelling over two months during the heating season, according to the NF ISO 11665-8 (2013) standard. Moreover, building characteristics such as the period of construction, construction material, type of foundation, and thermal retrofit were determined using a questionnaire. The final data set consisted of 3233 houses with the measurement results and the questionnaire answers. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to explore the relationships between the indoor radon concentrations and building characteristics, particularly the thermal retrofit. The geometric mean of the indoor radon concentration was 155 Bq m-3 (with a geometric standard deviation of 3). The houses that had undergone a thermal retrofit had a higher average radon concentration than those that had not, which may have been due to a decrease in air permeability of the building envelope following rehabilitation work that did not systematically include proper management of the ventilation. Other building characteristics, primarily the building material and the foundation type, were associated with the indoor radon concentration. The indoor radon concentrations were higher in older houses built with granite or other stone, with a slab-on-grade foundation and without any ventilation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Collignan
- Health and Comfort Department, Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB), 24, rue Joseph Fourier, F-38400 Saint-Martin d'Hères, France.
| | - Eline Le Ponner
- Health and Comfort Department, Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB), 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 77447 Marne-La-Vallée, France
| | - Corinne Mandin
- Health and Comfort Department, Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB), 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 77447 Marne-La-Vallée, France
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21
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Stojanovska Z, Boev B, Zunic ZS, Ivanova K, Ristova M, Tsenova M, Ajka S, Janevik E, Taleski V, Bossew P. Variation of indoor radon concentration and ambient dose equivalent rate in different outdoor and indoor environments. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2016; 55:171-183. [PMID: 26943159 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-016-0640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Subject of this study is an investigation of the variations of indoor radon concentration and ambient dose equivalent rate in outdoor and indoor environments of 40 dwellings, 31 elementary schools and five kindergartens. The buildings are located in three municipalities of two, geologically different, areas of the Republic of Macedonia. Indoor radon concentrations were measured by nuclear track detectors, deployed in the most occupied room of the building, between June 2013 and May 2014. During the deploying campaign, indoor and outdoor ambient dose equivalent rates were measured simultaneously at the same location. It appeared that the measured values varied from 22 to 990 Bq/m(3) for indoor radon concentrations, from 50 to 195 nSv/h for outdoor ambient dose equivalent rates, and from 38 to 184 nSv/h for indoor ambient dose equivalent rates. The geometric mean value of indoor to outdoor ambient dose equivalent rates was found to be 0.88, i.e. the outdoor ambient dose equivalent rates were on average higher than the indoor ambient dose equivalent rates. All measured can reasonably well be described by log-normal distributions. A detailed statistical analysis of factors which influence the measured quantities is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Krste Misirkov No.10-A, P. O. 201, 2000, Stip, Republic of Macedonia.
| | - Blazo Boev
- Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Krste Misirkov No.10-A, P. O. 201, 2000, Stip, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Zora S Zunic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", University of Belgrade, P. O. Box 522, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Kremena Ivanova
- National Center of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski st., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mimoza Ristova
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematic, Institute of Physics, University in Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Arhimedova 3, 1000, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Martina Tsenova
- National Center of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski st., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sorsa Ajka
- Croatian Geological Survey, Sachsova 2, P. O. Box 268, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emilija Janevik
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Krste Misirkov No.10-A, P. O. 201, 2000, Stip, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Vaso Taleski
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Krste Misirkov No.10-A, P. O. 201, 2000, Stip, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Peter Bossew
- German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, div. SW 1.1, 120-130 Köpenicker Allee, 10318, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Madureira J, Paciência I, Rufo J, Moreira A, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Pereira A. Radon in indoor air of primary schools: determinant factors, their variability and effective dose. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:523-533. [PMID: 26100326 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Radon is a radioactive gas, abundant in granitic areas, such as in the city of Porto at the north-east of Portugal. This gas is a recognized carcinogenic agent, being appointed by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The aim of this preliminary survey was to determine indoor radon concentrations in public primary schools, to analyse the main factors influencing their indoor concentration levels and to estimate the effective dose in students and teachers in primary schools. Radon concentrations were measured in 45 classrooms from 13 public primary schools located in Porto, using CR-39 passive radon detectors for about 2-month period. In all schools, radon concentrations ranged from 56 to 889 Bq/m(3) (mean = 197 Bq/m(3)). The results showed that the limit of 100 Bq/m(3) established by WHO IAQ guidelines was exceeded in 92 % of the measurements, as well as 8 % of the measurements exceeded the limit of 400 Bq/m(3) established by the national legislation. Moreover, the mean annual effective dose was calculated as 1.25 mSv/y (ranging between 0.58 and 3.07 mSv/y), which is below the action level (3-10 mSv). The considerable variability of radon concentration observed between and within floors indicates a need to monitor concentrations in several rooms for each floor. A single radon detector for each room can be used, provided that the measurement error is considerably lower than variability of radon concentration between rooms. The results of the present survey will provide useful baseline data for adopting safety measures and dealing effectively with radiation emergencies. In particular, radon remediation techniques should be used in buildings located in the highest radon risk areas of Portugal. The results obtained in the current study concerning radon levels and their variations will be useful to optimize the design of future research surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Madureira
- Institute of Science and Innovation on Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Inês Paciência
- Institute of Science and Innovation on Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Rufo
- Institute of Science and Innovation on Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Moreira
- Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes
- Institute of Science and Innovation on Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alcides Pereira
- Natural Radioactivity Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
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23
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Branco PTBS, Nunes RAO, Alvim-Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Sousa SIV. Children's Exposure to Radon in Nursery and Primary Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:386. [PMID: 27043596 PMCID: PMC4847048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The literature proves an evident association between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer, even at low doses. This study brings a new approach to the study of children's exposure to radon by aiming to evaluate exposure to indoor radon concentrations in nursery and primary schools from two districts in Portugal (Porto and Bragança), considering different influencing factors (occupation patterns, classroom floor level, year of the buildings' construction and soil composition of the building site), as well as the comparison with IAQ standard values for health protection. Fifteen nursery and primary schools in the Porto and Bragança districts were considered: five nursery schools for infants and twelve for pre-schoolers (seven different buildings), as well as eight primary schools. Radon measurements were performed continuously. The measured concentrations depended on the building occupation, classroom floor level and year of the buildings' construction. Although they were in general within the Portuguese legislation for IAQ, exceedances to international standards were found. These results point out the need of assessing indoor radon concentrations not only in primary schools, but also in nursery schools, never performed in Portugal before this study. It is important to extend the study to other microenvironments like homes, and in time to estimate the annual effective dose and to assess lifetime health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rafael A O Nunes
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria C M Alvim-Ferraz
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fernando G Martins
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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24
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Quarto M, Pugliese M, Loffredo F, La Verde G, Roca V. Indoor radon activity concentration measurements in the great historical museums of University of Naples, Italy. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2016; 168:116-123. [PMID: 25713461 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon activity concentrations were measured in seven Museums of University of Naples, very old buildings of great historical value. The measurements were performed using a time-integrated technique based on LR-115 solid-state nuclear track detectors. The annual average concentrations were found to range from 40 up to 1935 Bq m(-3) and in 26 % of measurement sites, the values were higher than 500 Bq m(-3) which is the limit value of Italian legislation for workplace. Moreover, we analysed the seasonal variations of radon concentrations observing the highest average in cold weather than in warm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Quarto
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariagabriella Pugliese
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Loffredo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Verde
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Roca
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Sezione di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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25
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Bossew P, Žunić ZS, Stojanovska Z, Tollefsen T, Carpentieri C, Veselinović N, Komatina S, Vaupotič J, Simović RD, Antignani S, Bochicchio F. Geographical distribution of the annual mean radon concentrations in primary schools of Southern Serbia - application of geostatistical methods. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 127:141-8. [PMID: 24231373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Between 2008 and 2011 a survey of radon ((222)Rn) was performed in schools of several districts of Southern Serbia. Some results have been published previously (Žunić et al., 2010; Carpentieri et al., 2011; Žunić et al., 2013). This article concentrates on the geographical distribution of the measured Rn concentrations. Applying geostatistical methods we generate "school radon maps" of expected concentrations and of estimated probabilities that a concentration threshold is exceeded. The resulting maps show a clearly structured spatial pattern which appears related to the geological background. In particular in areas with vulcanite and granitoid rocks, elevated radon (Rn) concentrations can be expected. The "school radon map" can therefore be considered as proxy to a map of the geogenic radon potential, and allows identification of radon-prone areas, i.e. areas in which higher Rn radon concentrations can be expected for natural reasons. It must be stressed that the "radon hazard", or potential risk, estimated this way, has to be distinguished from the actual radon risk, which is a function of exposure. This in turn may require (depending on the target variable which is supposed to measure risk) considering demographic and sociological reality, i.e. population density, distribution of building styles and living habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bossew
- German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Köpenicker Allee 120-130, 10318 Berlin, Germany.
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