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Kouroukla E, Gooding TD, Fonseca HS. Analysis of radon mitigation methods: 10-year review. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2024; 44:031503. [PMID: 38885627 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad58e8] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to the radon gas within a building can result in an increased risk of lung cancer. To minimise the health risk, indoor radon concentrations can be reduced using well-established mitigation methods. The performance of various radon reduction methods, their combination as well as other factors that can impact the efficiency of radon mitigation, were analysed using data collected from approximately 2800 dwellings that had installed radon mitigation techniques during the period 2007-2017. As demonstrated previously (Hodgson 2011), active methods are the most effective at reducing high concentrations of radon to below the Action and Target Levels (200 Bq m-3and 100 Bq m-3respectively). Reduction factors of up to 5.5 using single active methods and 8.3 using a combination of active methods were estimated in this study. For indoor radon levels greater than 1 000 Bq m-3, the Active Sump remained the most efficient technique, with the Active Underfloor Ventilation being the second most effective method. Passive methods alone or in combination with other passive methods offered moderate reductions at high radon concentration. Of the passive methods, Underfloor Ventilation was found to have the highest performance with a reduction factor of 1.8. The conclusions of this study should be used to update guidance for stakeholders including householders, contractors, radon awareness campaigns and the UKradon.org website.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kouroukla
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - T D Gooding
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - H S Fonseca
- Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (formerly of Public Health England), Oxford, United Kingdom
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Almoayad F, Bin Sauib K, Alnasserallah H, Hzazzi R, Obaideen K, Aboul-Enein BH. Predicting individuals' preventive practices against Radon indoor exposure in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2024; 44:021503. [PMID: 38537265 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad3836] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant public health risk. This study aimed to assess indoor radon exposure in Saudi Arabia using the health belief model (HBM) as a framework for understanding and influencing public behaviour regarding the prevention on indoor radon exposure.A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 803 participants from diverse backgrounds recruited through convenience sampling. The online questionnaire assessed sociodemographics, risk factors, and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, barriers, benefits, seriousness, and self-efficacy). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS.Most participants showed neutral perceptions towards susceptibility, severity (82.7% each), benefits (85.2%), and barriers (59.7%) to preventive practices. Only 31.6% had high self-efficacy, with 16.4% practicing good prevention and 44.3% fair. Preventive practices correlated positively with perceived severity, benefits, and self-efficacy, but negatively with risk score and perceived barriers.The study highlights the need for improved radon prevention practices in Saudi Arabia, focusing on educational campaigns, self-efficacy enhancement, policy support for renters, and better risk communication. These measures are crucial for mitigating radon exposure risks across the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Almoayad
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kholoud Bin Sauib
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisah Alnasserallah
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Hzazzi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Obaideen
- Sustainable Engineering Asset, Management Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basil H Aboul-Enein
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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Amable ASK, Otoo F, Kingsley Buah-Bassuah P, Kwabena Twum A. Assessment of indoor radon distribution and seasonal variation within the Kpando Municipality of Volta Region, Ghana. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299072. [PMID: 38412163 PMCID: PMC10898764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299072] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study uses CR-39 radon detectors to examine radon distributions, seasonal indoor radon variations, correction factors, and the influence of building materials and characteristics on indoor radon concentration in 120 dwellings. The study also determines the spatial distribution of radon levels using the ArcGIS geostatistical method. Radon detectors were exposed in bedrooms from April to July (RS), August to November (DS); December to March (HS), and January-December (YS) from 2021 to 2022. The result for the radon levels during the weather seasons were; 32.3 to 190.1 Bqm-3 (80.9 ± 3.2 Bq/m3) for (RS), 30.8 to 151.4 Bqm-3 (68.5 ± 2.7 Bqm-3) for HS and 24.8 to 112.9 Bqm-3(61.7 ± 2.1 Bqm-3) for DS, and 25.2 to 145.2 Bq/m3 (69.4 ± 2.7 Bqm-3). The arithmetic mean for April to July season was greater than August to November. The correction factors associated with this study ranged from 0.9 to 1.2. The annual effective dose (AE) associated with radon data was varied from 0.6 to 4.04 mSv/y (1.8 ± 0.1 mSv/y). The April to July period which was characterized by rains recorded the highest correlation coefficient and indoor radon concentration. Distribution and radon mapping revealed radon that the exposure to the occupant is non-uniformly spread across the studied dwellings. 15.4% of the studied data exceeded WHO reference values of 100 Bq/m3. The seasonal variation, dwelling age, and building materials were observed to have a substantial impact on the levels of radon concentration within the buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Selorm Kwesi Amable
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho-Volta, Ghana
- School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Francis Otoo
- Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon-Accra, Ghana
- School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Anthony Kwabena Twum
- School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Martin-Gisbert L, Candal-Pedreira C, García-Talavera San Miguel M, Pérez-Ríos M, Barros-Dios J, Varela-Lema L, Ruano-Ravina A. Radon exposure and its influencing factors across 3,140 workplaces in Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117305. [PMID: 37852462 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117305] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon concentration in workplaces is regulated in EU countries, including Spain, based on a reference level of 300 Bq/m3. The objective of this study is to describe workplace radon exposure in Spain and its influencing factors. To do this, we collected long-term radon measurements with alpha track detectors in 3140 workplaces mainly located in radon prone areas. Radon concentration exceeded 300 Bq/m3 in 1 out of 5 workplaces. Median radon concentration was 107 Bq/m3 in radon prone areas, 28 Bq/m3 off radon prone areas, and 101 Bq/m3 globally for the complete sample. Our results indicate that excessive radon concentrations can be expected in radon prone areas at all floor levels, especially below ground. Floor level, working sector, and location significantly influence radon concentration. The highest radon concentrations were found in the Education & Culture sector, comprising schools, universities, libraries, or cultural centers. These results indicate that radon should no longer be considered a risk for marginal occupations, but a risk everyone has if located in a radon prone area. Immediate action, including radon testing and mitigation, is needed to protect workers in Spain against radon exposure. This is already mandatory since EU regulation for radon has been recently transposed in Spain. Competent authorities should enforce this regulation without further delay, and employers must address their responsibility and communicate with workers about this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Martin-Gisbert
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Cross-disciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristina Candal-Pedreira
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Cross-disciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Pérez-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan Barros-Dios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Cross-disciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Chobanova N, Kunovska B, Djunakova D, Djounova J, Stojanovska Z, Angelova A, Ivanova K. Indoor radon concentrations in kindergartens in three Bulgarian districts. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2023; 62:441-448. [PMID: 37541987 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-023-01041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
This article examines the results of a study of radon concentrations in kindergartens in three districts of north-western Bulgaria. For the period from December 2019 to May 2020, passive radon measurements were accomplished in 1490 premises of 130 kindergartens. The highest arithmetic mean (AM) value of 219 Bq m-3 and geometric mean (GM) value of 156 Bq m-3 radon concentration were found in the state kindergartens of the Vratsa district. The radon values for the remaining two districts are as follows: Lovech-AM = 156 Bq m-3 and GM = 114 Bq m-3; Montana-AM = 125 Bq m-3 and GM = 88 Bq m-3. The effects of various factors on the radon concentration including district, year of building construction, presence of basement, place of premise, wall, and floor interior covering materials, and presence of a ventilation system were investigated. Factor Analysis was used to assess the combined effects of those factors on indoor radon concentration. The results revealed three combinations of the investigated factors: the first combined the district in which the kindergartens were located and the materials used for the floor of the premises, the second combined the year of construction of the building and the presence of a building foundation, and the third combined the rest of the investigated factors. It is concluded that a regional assessment of predictors of radon variability is needed. The walls in kindergartens should not be covered by gypsum, and floors should not be made from materials that can easily develop cracks such as terra cotta. The installation of a ventilation system reduces the radon concentrations in the premises, which is of particular importance in cases where the measured value is above the national reference levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Chobanova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Bistra Kunovska
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Djunakova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jana Djounova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zdenka Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University of Stip, 10-A Krste Misirkov St., 2000, Stip, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Antoaneta Angelova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kremena Ivanova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Georgi Sofyiiski, Str., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Cholowsky NL, Chen MJ, Selouani G, Pett SC, Pearson DD, Danforth JM, Fenton S, Rydz E, Diteljan MJ, Peters CE, Goodarzi AA. Consequences of changing Canadian activity patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic include increased residential radon gas exposure for younger people. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5735. [PMID: 37029226 PMCID: PMC10081328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced widespread behaviour changes that shifted how people split their time between different environments, altering health risks. Here, we report an update of North American activity patterns before and after pandemic onset, and implications to radioactive radon gas exposure, a leading cause of lung cancer. We surveyed 4009 Canadian households home to people of varied age, gender, employment, community, and income. Whilst overall time spent indoors remained unchanged, time in primary residence increased from 66.4 to 77% of life (+ 1062 h/y) after pandemic onset, increasing annual radiation doses from residential radon by 19.2% (0.97 mSv/y). Disproportionately greater changes were experienced by younger people in newer urban or suburban properties with more occupants, and/or those employed in managerial, administrative, or professional roles excluding medicine. Microinfluencer-based public health messaging stimulated health-seeking behaviour amongst highly impacted, younger groups by > 50%. This work supports re-evaluating environmental health risks modified by still-changing activity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Cholowsky
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Myra J Chen
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ghozllane Selouani
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sophie C Pett
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dustin D Pearson
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John M Danforth
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shelby Fenton
- Department of Oncology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ela Rydz
- Department of Oncology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl E Peters
- Department of Oncology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, British Columbia Cancer, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Aaron A Goodarzi
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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