Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools

Antonio Azara, Marco Dettori, Paolo Castiglia, Andrea Piana, Paolo Durando, Valentina Parodi, Giovanni Salis, Laura Saderi and Giovanni Sotgiu
Additional contact information
Antonio Azara: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Marco Dettori: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Paolo Castiglia: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Andrea Piana: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Paolo Durando: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Piazza Manin, 16122 Genova, Italy
Valentina Parodi: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Piazza Manin, 16122 Genova, Italy
Giovanni Salis: ASSL Nuoro, ATS Sardegna, Via Monsignor Cogoni, 08100 Nuoro, Italy
Laura Saderi: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Giovanni Sotgiu: Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 07100 Sassari, Italy

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-9

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/m 3 . The highest (median 952.8 Bq/m 3 ) radon concentration was found in one (3.6%) classroom, located in a building of a primary school whose median concentration was 185 Bq/m 3 . 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.

Keywords: radon; school; schoolrooms; indoor air quality; Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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