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.
Highlights
Radon (222 Rn) is a chemically inert, naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is part of the decay series.In 1998, the International Agency for Cancer Research classified radon as a proven human carcinogen [1]
Radon measurements were obtained in 28 schoolrooms of 19 different buildings (Table 1)
We found that the majority of the classrooms had radon levels within the recommended highest average value,
Summary
Radon (222 Rn) is a chemically inert, naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is part of the decay series.In 1998, the International Agency for Cancer Research classified radon as a proven human carcinogen [1]. Because the majority of people routinely stay in indoor settings, high levels of radon can significantly increase their lung cancer risk [3]. It has been found that lung cancer occurrence mostly depends on three factors: level of radon, duration of exposure, and individual smoking habits [4]. The aim of the study was to assess radon concentration in schoolrooms in a city located in the midwest of Italy. 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. A geopedological survey was performed close to the building with highest radon level, showing the presence of granite and tonalithic granodiorite in the soil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
