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Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Azara & Marco Dettori & Paolo Castiglia & Andrea Piana & Paolo Durando & Valentina Parodi & Giovanni Salis & Laura Saderi & Giovanni Sotgiu, 2018. "Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:4:p:749-:d:140998
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Rafael A. O. Nunes & Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz & Fernando G. Martins & Sofia I. V. Sousa, 2016. "Children’s Exposure to Radon in Nursery and Primary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Juliana P. Sá & Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz & Fernando G. Martins & Sofia I. V. Sousa, 2017. "Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Stephanie Foster & Sherry Everett Jones, 2016. "Association of School District Policies for Radon Testing and Radon-Resistant New Construction Practices with Indoor Radon Zones," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-5, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefano Capolongo & Andrea Rebecchi & Marco Dettori & Letizia Appolloni & Antonio Azara & Maddalena Buffoli & Lorenzo Capasso & Alessandra Casuccio & Gea Oliveri Conti & Alessandro D’Amico & Margherit, 2018. "Healthy Design and Urban Planning Strategies, Actions, and Policy to Achieve Salutogenic Cities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Marco Gola & Gaetano Settimo & Stefano Capolongo, 2020. "How Can Design Features and Other Factors Affect the Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms? Check-Lists for the Design Phase, Daily Procedures and Maintenance Activities for Reducing the Air Concentra," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Katja Kojo & Päivi Kurttio, 2020. "Indoor Radon Measurements in Finnish Daycare Centers and Schools—Enforcement of the Radiation Act," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-9, April.
    4. Antonella Arghittu & Marco Dettori & Antonio Azara & Davide Gentili & Antonello Serra & Bruno Contu & Paolo Castiglia, 2020. "Flu Vaccination Attitudes, Behaviours, and Knowledge among Health Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Kelsey Gordon & Paul D. Terry & Xingxing Liu & Tiffany Harris & Don Vowell & Bud Yard & Jiangang Chen, 2018. "Radon in Schools: A Brief Review of State Laws and Regulations in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-9, September.

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