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. 2018 Apr 13;15(4):749.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040749.

Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools

Antonio Azara  1 , Marco Dettori  2 , Paolo Castiglia  3 , Andrea Piana  4 , Paolo Durando  5 , Valentina Parodi  6 , Giovanni Salis  7 , Laura Saderi  8 , Giovanni Sotgiu  9
Affiliations

Indoor Radon Exposure in Italian Schools

Antonio Azara et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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.

Keywords: Italy; indoor air quality; radon; school; schoolrooms.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Radon concentration during the 72-h detection in Room number 3.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Median radon levels detected in 28 selected classrooms.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Correlation between radon concentrations and temporal periods (a) time-frame from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; and (b) from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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