scholarly journals Sorrentina Peninsula: Geographical Distribution of the Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings—Gini Index Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 7975
Author(s):  
Filomena Loffredo ◽  
Irene Opoku-Ntim ◽  
Maria Quarto
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Gini Index ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Geometric Standard Deviation ◽  
Data Normalization ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Radon Concentrations

The radon isotope (222Rn, half-life 3.8 days) is a radioactive byproduct of the 238U decay chain. Because radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking, dense maps of indoor radon concentration are required to implement effective locally based risk reduction strategies. In this regard, we present an innovative method for the construction of interpolated maps (kriging) based on the Gini index computation to characterize the distribution of Rn concentration. The Gini coefficient variogram has been shown to be an effective predictor of radon concentration inhomogeneity. It allows for a better constraint of the critical distance below which the radon geological source can be considered uniform, at least for the investigated length scales of variability; it also better distinguishes fluctuations due to environmental predisposing factors from those due to random spatially uncorrelated noise. This method has been shown to be effective in finding larger-scale geographical connections that can subsequently be connected to geological characteristics. It was tested using real dataset derived from indoor radon measurements conducted in the Sorrentina Peninsula in Campania, Italy. The measurement was carried out in different residences using passive detectors (CR-39) for two consecutive semesters, beginning in September–November 2019 and ending in September–November 2020, to estimate the yearly mean radon concentration. The measurements and analysis were conducted in accordance with the quality control plan. Radon concentrations ranged from 25 to 722 Bq/m3 before being normalized to ground level, and from 23 to 933 Bq/m3 after being normalized, with a geometric mean of 120 Bq/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.35 before data normalization, and 139 Bq/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.36 after data normalization. Approximately 13% of the tests conducted exceeded the 300 Bq/m3 reference level set by Italian Legislative Decree 101/2020. The data show that the municipalities under investigation had no influence on indoor radon levels. The geology of the monitored location is interesting, and because soil is the primary source of Rn, risk assessment and mitigation for radon exposure cannot be undertaken without first analyzing the local geology. This research examines the spatial link among radon readings using the mapping based on the Gini method (kriging).

scholarly journals Control of the Health Risk of Radon Exposure in the Republic of Moldova

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1302
Author(s):  
Liuba Coretchi ◽  
Antoaneta Ene ◽  
Aurelia Ababii
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Exposure Period ◽  
Geometric Standard Deviation ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Radon Exposure ◽  
Republic Of Moldova ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Radon Concentrations

The paper presents the results of a national radon survey conducted in the context of the Republic of Moldova. The study included about 2500 homes of different types, located in urban and rural localities in different areas of the country. The RADTRAK2 detectors kindly provided by the RADONOVA laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden, for the MOL9007 project funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been used. The exposure period was 90 days. The measured radon concentrations are the following: the average (±standard deviation) 252.8 ± 215.9 Bq/m3; the range (minimum–maximum) 10–1480 Bq/m3; the median 200 Bq/m3 and the geometric mean (± geometric standard deviation) 158.5 ± 3.0 Bq/m3. The results of the study allowed mapping indoor radon and identifying localities with increased radon concentrations. In order to reduce the high radon concentrations in places recording >300 Bq/m3, appropriate measures have been proposed according to the legislation in force. The cluster analysis showed positive links between the radon concentration in dwellings and the incidence of respiratory diseases, especially the bronchopulmonary cancer in the country.

scholarly journals Short-Term Measurement of Indoor Radon Concentration in Northern Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Ptiček Siročić ◽  
Davor Stanko ◽  
Nikola Sakač ◽  
Dragana Dogančić ◽  
Tomislav Trojko
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Ground Floor ◽  
Northern Croatia ◽  
Radon Concentrations

(1) Background: Radon concentrations in the environment are generally very low. However, radon concentrations can be high indoors and can cause some serious health issues. The main source of indoor radon (homes, buildings and other residential objects) can be soil under the house, while other sources can be construction materials, groundwater and natural gas. Radon accumulates mainly in the lower levels of the buildings (especially low-ventilated underground levels and basements). (2) Methods: in this paper, we have measured the indoor radon concentrations at 15 locations in various objects (basements and ground floor/1st floor rooms) in the area of northern Croatia. (3) Results: the results show a higher concentration of radon in the basement area in comparison to values measured in the ground floor and first-floor rooms. The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) of basement rooms were 70.9 ± 38.8 Bq/m3 and 61.2 ± 2.2 Bq/m3 compared to ground floor and first-floor rooms 42.5 ± 30.8 Bq/m3 and 32.8 ± 2.9 Bq/m3, respectively. (4) Conclusions: results obtained (AM and GM values) are within the maximal allowed values (300 Bq/m3) according to the Euroatom Directive. However, there are periods when maximum radon concentration exceeds 300 Bq/m3. Indoor radon concentrations vary with the occupancy of the rooms and it is evident that the ventilation has significant effect on the reduction of concentration.

scholarly journals Measurement of indoor radon concentrations in different dwellings in Arar, Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-300
Author(s):  
Ayman Abdalla ◽  
Samy El-Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Annual Effective Dose ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
International Committee ◽  
Geometric Standard Deviation ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Indoor radon concentrations in 33 dwellings in Arar city were measured using a CR-39 detector. This work is the first in the region and was done to assess the health risks. The exposure time was about 4 months, from May to September 2017. It was found that the indoor radon concentration changed in the range from 7.7 to 89.1 Bqm-3 with an overall average of 44.05 ? 6.21 Bqm-3 while the geometric mean is 39.51 Bqm-3 with a geometric standard deviation of 1.67. These values are within the acceptable level set by the International Committee for Radiation Protection. The annual effective dose received by the population of Arar was reported and it varied in the range 0.16 -1.82 mSv with an average value of 0.9 ? 0.16 mSv and the geometric mean is 0.81 mSv. The exposure to radon progeny was studied where the minimum, maximum, average, and geometric mean of exposure are 0.83?10-3, 9.63?10-3, 4.76 ? 0.67? 10-3 and 5.05?10-3 WLM, respectively. Finally, for the estimation of cancer risks, the excess lifetime cancer risk was investigated. Its average value was 3.7?10-3 which is relatively higher.

scholarly journals Radon in houses of Kowary – Sudety Mountains, Poland

Nukleonika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-152
Author(s):  
Jerzy Olszewski ◽  
Katarzyna Walczak
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Sudety Mountains ◽  
Radon Concentrations

AbstractThe presence of uranium makes the Kowary area characterized by an increased concentration of radon in the air and the living houses. Measurements of periodic radon concentrations in dwellings of Kowary were carried out three times in the last 20 years. It can be observed that 20 years ago level of radon concentrations in houses of Kowary were lower than today. Measurements carried out in Kowary over 20 years have shown that residents are exposed to radon concentrations, which often exceed 300 Bq m−3 – a reference level recommended by the European Union. The present geometric mean of radon concentration in houses of Kowary (260 Bq m−3) exceeds the geometric mean of radon concentration of buildings in the rest of Poland (142 Bq m−3).

scholarly journals Residential Radon in Manizales, Colombia: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1228
Author(s):  
Alexandra Giraldo-Osorio ◽  
Alberto Ruano-Ravina ◽  
Mónica Pérez-Ríos ◽  
Leonor Varela-Lema ◽  
Juan Miguel Barros-Dios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Noble Gas ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Residential Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas, causally related with the onset of lung cancer. We aimed to describe the distribution of radon exposure in the municipality of Manizales, Colombia, in order to estimate the population’s exposure and establish the percentage of dwellings that surpass reference levels. A cross-sectional study representing all geographical areas was carried out by measuring indoor radon concentrations. Participants answered a short questionnaire. Alpha-track type radon detectors were installed in all residences for six months. The detectors were subsequently processed at the Galician Radon Laboratory, an accredited laboratory at the University of Santiago de Compostela. A total of 202 homes were measured. Seventy-seven percent of the sampled houses were three stories high, their median age was 30 years, and half were inhabited by three people or fewer. For most dwellings, the building materials of walls and flooring were brick and covered cement, respectively. Results showed a geometric mean of radon concentration of 8.5 Bq/m3 and a maximum value of 50 Bq/m3. No statistically significant differences were found either between the geometric mean of the dwelling’s site, the height at which detectors were placed inside the home, or the wall and flooring materials, or between mean 222Rn concentrations in rural and urban areas. No dwelling surpassed the 222Rn reference level established by the WHO. This study shows that residential radon levels in Manizales, Colombia, seem to be low, though a more in-depth approach should be carried out. Despite these results, it is essential to create a national radon program and establish a radon concentration reference level for Colombia in line with international recommendations.

scholarly journals EXPOSURE LEVELS OF UKRAINIAN POPULATION IN THE CONTEXT OF AN ACTION PLAN TO REDUCE INDOOR RADON LEVELS

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 220-229
Author(s):  
T. Pavlenko ◽  
◽  
A. Serdiuk ◽  
A. Operchuk ◽  
M. Aksenov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Gas ◽  
Radiation Risks ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Objective. To analyze and evaluate the available information to indoor radon concentration in the context of the implementation of the radon action plan. Methods. Object of study: indoor radon-222 in dwellings by area and corresponding radiation risks of the population. Measurements were performed using passive track radonometry. The exposure time of the radonometers is at least 30 days during heating season. Radiation risk calculations were performed according to the dose coefficients and mathematical models of the ICRP. Results. It was found that for the whole country, reference level 300 Bq/m3 (radon gas) is exceeded in 16 % of cases. It was found that geometric mean of radon gas levels was 120 Bq/m3 and varies from 35 to 265 Bq/m3 by different area, namely the difference between radon levels in different territories of the country can be up to 7.5 times. Variability of radon levels at the district level is also significant. It was found, radon activity concentration differing by almost 10 times by districts with lognormal distribution and a geometric mean of 75 Bq/m3. The analysis of radiation risks of the population has established that estimated annual number of lung cancer deaths due to radon in Ukraine is almost 8,900 cases; and а direct economic loss for the country are estimated at more than $ 450 million a year. Conclusions. Surveys of radon levels demonstrated significant variation in radon concentrations between different regions. For the whole country, reference level (300 Bq/m3) is exceeded on above 16 % of the dwellings, but percentage of exceeding varies from 0.1 to 43.0 % by different area. Information on indoor radon concentrations in almost a third of the country is non-available. For an effective implementation of the Action plan, it makes sense to introduce radon risk mapping. Key words: indoor radon, reference level, population, radiation risk, economic cost.

scholarly journals Distribution of indoor radon concentrations between selected Hungarian thermal baths

Nukleonika ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Shahrokhi ◽  
Erika Nagy ◽  
Anita Csordás ◽  
János Somlai ◽  
Tibor Kovács
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Small Pool ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Abstract Owing to the high potential of radon to increase the risk of lung cancer, health organizations are enforced to update their regulations and recommendations regarding indoor radon levels each year. In this study, the indoor radon concentrations of three randomly selected thermal baths in Hungary using CR-39 and an AlphaGUARD radon monitor were measured with regard to the new updated standards of the European Basic Safety Standard (EU BSS, Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom, 2014). The annual average of indoor radon concentrations in Parad Medical Bath, Igal Health Spa and Eger Turkish Bath were measured as 159 ± 19, 176 ± 27 and 301 ± 30 Bq/m3, respectively. Indoor radon concentration in all measurement locations were determined to be below the reference level, with the exception of the main pool, small pool and sparkling bath areas in the Eger Turkish Bath that were measured as 403 ± 42, 315 ± 32 and 354 ± 36 Bq/m3, respectively. In light of the results, the estimated annual average radon concentration in the thermal baths was below the EU BSS reference level of 300 Bq/m3. Personal dosimetry is required to estimate the annual effective dose from inhaled radon by the workers at the Eger Turkish Bath. This procedure is required in order to justify the application of the mitigation process of decreasing working hours, improving the ventilation rate or increasing the number of classified employees in response to the official radiation surveillance programme.

scholarly journals DETERMINATION OF RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN DWELLING IN ACEH

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Wahyudi Wahyudi ◽  
Dadong Iskandar ◽  
Rini Safitri ◽  
Kusdiana Kusdiana
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
International Conference ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Biennial Conference ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Abstract. Determination of radon concentrations in dwelling in Aceh region by using a passive method has been conducted. In this research, area considered was divided into several sections called grid. Each grid represents an area of 60 km x 60 km in which, depend on public response, 6-10 passive radon monitors were installed. The number of passive radon monitors installed in Aceh is 200 units, and they can be taken back as many as 191 units or 95.50 %. The passive radon monitors have stayed in dwelling for 3-4 months and after period of the exposure, those radon monitors were taken back and brought to laboratory for further process, and then the track were read and the radon concentrations were calculated. Furthermore, data of radon concentration in dwelling and GPS location were put into MapInfo Software v.10.5 to create a map of radon concentration. The results of the analysis of the radon concentration in dwelling in Aceh demonstrate that the concentrations are in the range of 3.32 ± 0.23 Bq/m3 up to 68.30 ± 4.83 Bq/m3. This result was lower than the radon reference level determined by UNSCEAR, which was 300 Bq/m3. The data are useful in the regional extension and development plans, as well as the basis for health policy analysis due to the existence of radon in Indonesia. Furthermore, these data will become the contribution of Indonesia in the international world through UNSCEAR, IAEA and WHO. The data obtained can be used as partial data in creating a map of radon concentration in residents’ houses in Aceh, as a part of the map of radon concentration in Indonesia. Keywords: radon concentration, dwelling, Aceh, passive methodREFERENSI UNSCEAR, 1996, Natural Radiation Exposures, Forty Fifth Session, VienaIAEA, 2005, Radiation, People and the Environment, Viena.Bunawas, Emlinarti, M. Affandi, 1996, Penentuan laju lepasan radon dari bahan bangunan menggunakan metode pasip dengan metode jejak nuklir, Prosiding PPIKRL, PSPKR-BATAN, 20-21 Agustus 1996, pp. 16-21.Sutarman, L. Nirwani, Emlinarti dan A. Warsona, 2005, Penentuan konsentrasi gas radon dan thoron menggunakan detektor film LR-115 di DKI Jakarta dan sekitarnya, Prosiding PPI–PDIPTN P3TM-BATAN, Jogjakarta, p. 212-221.M. Affandi, D. Iskandar, dan Bunawas, 1996, Radon di Kompleks Perumahan BATAN, Presiding PIKRL, PSPKR-BATAN, p. 262-265Wahyudi, Kusdiana and D. Iskandar, 2016, Mapping of Indoor Radon Concentration in Houses Located in South Sulawesi Province, 2nd International Conference on the SERIR2 & 14th Biennial Conference of the SPERA, Bali, CTRSM-BATAN, p. 35-38.E. Pudjadi, Wahyudi, A. Warsona and Syarbaini, 2016, Measurement of Indoor Radon-Thoron Concentration in  Dwellings of Bali Island, Indonesia, 2nd International Conference on the SERIR2 & 14th Biennial Conference of the SPERA, Bali, CTRSM-BATAN, p. 186-192.M.H.Magalhães, et al., 2003. Radon-222 in Brazil: an outline of indoor and outdoor measurements. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 67(2), pp.131–143.F.S. Al-Saleh, 2007. Measurements of indoor gamma radiation and radon concentrations in dwellings of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 65(7), pp.843–848.

scholarly journals Indoor Radon Concentration and Risk Assessment in 27 Districts of a Public Healthcare Company in Naples, South Italy

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Filomena Loffredo ◽  
Federica Savino ◽  
Roberto Amato ◽  
Alfredo Irollo ◽  
Francesco Gargiulo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Annual Effective Dose ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Quality Assurance Program ◽  
Geometric Standard Deviation ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts of a Public Healthcare in Italy, are reported. Measurements of indoor radon were performed using nuclear track detectors, CR-39. The entire survey was conducted according to a well-established quality assurance program. The annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were also calculated. Results show that the radon concentrations varied from 7 ± 1 Bq/m3 and 5148 ± 772 Bq/m3, with a geometric mean of 67 Bq/m3 and geometric standard deviation of 2.5. The annual effective dose to workers was found to be 1.6 mSv/y and comparable with the worldwide average. In Italy, following the transposition of the European Directive 59/2013, great attention was paid to the radon risk in workplaces. The interest of the workers of the monitored sites was very high and this, certainly contributed to the high return rate of the detectors after exposure and therefore, to the presence of few missing data. Although it was not possible to study the factors affecting radon concentrations, certainly the main advantage of this study is that it was the first in which an entire public health company was monitored in regards to all the premises on the underground and ground floor.

scholarly journals Radon measurements with CR-39 track detectors at specific locations in Turkey

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asiye Ulug ◽  
Melek Karabulut ◽  
Nilgün Celebi
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Active Faults ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Arithmetic Means ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
New Buildings ◽  
Main Factor ◽  
Ventilation Conditions ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Indoor radon concentration levels at three sites in Turkey were measured using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors. The annual mean of radon concentration was estimated on the basis of four quarter measurements at specific locations in Turkey. The measuring sites are on the active faults. The results of radon measurements are based on 280 measurements in doors. The annual arithmetic means of radon concentrations at three sites (Isparta Egirdir, and Yalvac) were found to be 164 Bqm?3, 124 Bqm?3, and 112 Bqm?3 respectively, ranging from 78 Bqm?3 to 279 Bqm?3. The in door radon concentrations were investigated with respect to the ventilation conditions and the age of buildings. The ventilation conditions were determined to be the main factor affecting the in door radon concentrations. The in door radon concentrations in the new buildings were higher than ones found in the old buildings.

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