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Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions
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Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 14460

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Lluís Font Guiteras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Interests: radon modeling; indoor Rn surveys; Rn in soil; Rn risk; interaction radiation with matter; very high energy gamma-ray astronomy; astroparticle physics
Prof. Luis Santiago Quindós Poncela

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
Interests: radon as tracer; radon in workplaces; gamma spectrometry analysis; radon technology; radon in water
Dr. Giorgia Cinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Interests: Rn mapping; Rn data collection; Rn data analysis; geogenic Rn hazard index; risk communication; radiation protection; knowledge dissemination

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Radon constitutes the second cause of lung cancer in the world, just after smoking. There is no radon exposure threshold below which there is no risk; epidemiological studies have shown that the risk of lung cancer increases by 16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long time average radon concentration. The impact of radon in public health has led to the development of national programs to protect populations from radon worldwide, according to the IAEA International Basic Safety Standards published in 2014. In Europe, the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM indicates that each member state shall establish a national action plan addressing long-term risks from radon exposure.

There is a general understanding of the processes and mechanisms by which radon enters and accumulates in dwellings, and on its time variations as well. However, the complexity due to the large number of parameters and processes that affect radon levels in a given house makes it difficult to predict radon levels and their dynamics in an existing dwelling. In a dwelling that is being built, the situation is even worse. This fact has led to a number of efforts for radon risk assessment that include mapping, modelling, etc.

In this Special Issue, the main aspects related to indoor radon risk assessment will be covered, together with remedial actions to reduce exposure.

Topics may include:

  • Radon as a public health concern: dosimetric and/or epidemiological studies.
  • Radon mapping, specially focused on indoor radon data or indoor radon risk.
  • Experimental studies on indoor radon levels and dynamics in specific dwellings. Methods to identify radon sources and entry paths.
  • Models on radon entry and/or on radon dynamics within a building.
  • Quality assurance programs for radon measurement.
  • Radon risk assessment for new buildings.
  • Radon within the radiation protection system.
  • Radon mitigation methods in both existing and new dwellings.

Prof. Lluís Font Guiteras
Prof. Luis Santiago Quindós Poncela
Dr. Giorgia Cinelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Indoor radon risk
  • Indoor radon levels and their dynamics
  • Indoor radon modeling
  • Radon mapping
  • Quality assurance for radon measurements
  • Radon mitigation methods
  • Radon regulations

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 1383 KiB  
Article
Experimental Studies to Test a Predictive Indoor Radon Model
by Simona Mancini, Martins Vilnitis, Nataša Todorović, Jovana Nikolov and Michele Guida
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106056 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
The accumulation of the radioactive gas radon in closed environments, such as dwellings, is the result of a quite complex set of processes related to the contribution of different sources. As it undergoes different physical mechanisms, all occurring at the same time, models [...] Read more.
The accumulation of the radioactive gas radon in closed environments, such as dwellings, is the result of a quite complex set of processes related to the contribution of different sources. As it undergoes different physical mechanisms, all occurring at the same time, models describing the general dynamic turns out to be difficult to apply because of the dependence on many parameters not easy to measure or calculate. In this context, the authors developed, in a previous work, a simplified approach based on the combination of a physics-mathematical model and on-site experimental measurements. Three experimental studies were performed in order to preliminarily test the goodness of the model to simulate indoor radon concentrations in closed environments. In this paper, an application on a new experimental site was realized in order to evaluate the adaptability of the model to different house typologies and environmental contexts. Radon activity measurements were performed using a portable radon detector and results, showing again good performance of the model. Results are discussed and future efforts are outlined for the refining and implementation of the model into software. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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20 pages, 5545 KiB  
Article
Intercomparison of Radon Flux Monitors at Low and at High Radium Content Areas under Field Conditions
by Daniel Rábago, Luis Quindós, Arturo Vargas, Carlos Sainz, Ileana Radulescu, Mihail-Razvan Ioan, Francesco Cardellini, Marco Capogni, Alessandro Rizzo, Santiago Celaya, Ismael Fuente, Marta Fuente, Maria Rodriguez and Claudia Grossi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074213 - 01 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2056
Abstract
Interlaboratory exercises are a good tool to compare the response of different systems to the same quantity and to identify possible inconsistencies between them. One of the main goals of the EMPIR 19ENV01 traceRadon project is to harmonize radon flux measurements based on [...] Read more.
Interlaboratory exercises are a good tool to compare the response of different systems to the same quantity and to identify possible inconsistencies between them. One of the main goals of the EMPIR 19ENV01 traceRadon project is to harmonize radon flux measurements based on different systems and methodologies. In the framework of the traceRadon Project, two radon flux intercomparison campaigns were carried out in October 2021 at high and at low radon source areas. Four institutions participated in the field intercomparison exercises with their own systems. Every system was based on a specific radon monitor (diffusion or pump mode) and an accumulation chamber (with manual or automatic opening). Radon fluxes were calculated by each participant using both exponential and linear fittings of the radon activity concentration measured over time within the accumulation chambers. The results of this study show mainly: (i) the exponential approach is not advisable due to the variability of the radon flux and the leakage of the systems during long-time measurements; (ii) the linear approach should be applied to minimize the measurement period in agreement with the time response and sensitivity of the monitors; (iii) radon flux measured at high radon source areas (radium content of about 800 Bq kg−1) risks being underestimated because of the influence of advective effects; (iv) radon flux measured at low radon source areas (radium content of about 30 Bq kg−1) may present large uncertainties if sensitive radon monitors with pump mode are not used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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17 pages, 1939 KiB  
Article
National Radon Action Plans in Europe and Need of Effectiveness Indicators: An Overview of HERCA Activities
by Francesco Bochicchio, David Fenton, Heloísa Fonseca, Marta García-Talavera, Pierrick Jaunet, Stephanie Long, Bård Olsen, Jelena Mrdakovic Popic and Wolfgang Ringer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074114 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2277
Abstract
Protection of the population and of workers from exposure to radon is a unique challenge in radiation protection. Many coordinated actions and a variety of expertise are needed. Initially, a National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) has been developed and implemented by some countries, [...] Read more.
Protection of the population and of workers from exposure to radon is a unique challenge in radiation protection. Many coordinated actions and a variety of expertise are needed. Initially, a National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) has been developed and implemented by some countries, while it is currently recommended by international organizations (e.g., World Health Organization) and required by international regulations, such as the European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom and the International Basic Safety Standards on Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources, cosponsored by eight international organizations. Within this framework, the Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA) have organized activities aimed at sharing experiences to contribute toward the development and implementation of effective NRAPs. Two workshops were held in 2014 and 2015, the latter on radon in workplaces. As a follow-up to these, an online event took place in March 2021, and a second specific workshop on NRAP is planned for June 2022. These workshops were attended by experts from the competent authorities of European countries, relevant national and international organizations. The experience of several countries and the outcomes from these workshops have highlighted the need for adequate indicators of the effectiveness and progress of the actions of NRAPs, which could also be useful to implement the principle of optimization and the graded approach in NRAPs. In this paper, the activities of HERCA to support the development and implementation of effective NRAPs are described and some examples of effectiveness indicators are reported, including those already included in the NRAP of some European countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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32 pages, 3961 KiB  
Article
Design and Development of a New Methodology Based on Expert Systems Applied to the Prevention of Indoor Radon Gas Exposition Risks
by Jorge Cerqueiro-Pequeño, Alberto Comesaña-Campos, Manuel Casal-Guisande and José-Benito Bouza-Rodríguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010269 - 31 Dec 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3118
Abstract
Exposure to high concentration levels of radon gas constitutes a major health hazard, being nowadays the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Facing this situation, the last years have seen a clear trend towards the search for methodologies that allow an efficient [...] Read more.
Exposure to high concentration levels of radon gas constitutes a major health hazard, being nowadays the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Facing this situation, the last years have seen a clear trend towards the search for methodologies that allow an efficient prevention of the potential risks derived from the presence of harmful radon gas concentration levels in buildings. With that, it is intended to establish preventive and corrective actions that might help to reduce the impact of radon exposure on people, especially in places where workers and external users must stay for long periods of time, as it may be the case of healthcare buildings. In this paper, a new methodology is developed and applied to the prevention of the risks derived from the exposure to radon gas in indoor spaces. Such methodology is grounded in the concurrent use of expert systems and regression trees that allows producing a diagram with recommendations associated to the exposure risk. The presented methodology has been implemented by means of a software application that supports the definition of the expert systems and the regression algorithm. Finally, after proving its applicability with a case study and discussing its contributions, it may be claimed that the benefits of the new methodology might lead on to an innovation in this field of study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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Review

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21 pages, 1830 KiB  
Review
Outdoor Radon as a Tool to Estimate Radon Priority Areas—A Literature Overview
by Igor Čeliković, Gordana Pantelić, Ivana Vukanac, Jelena Krneta Nikolić, Miloš Živanović, Giorgia Cinelli, Valeria Gruber, Sebastian Baumann, Luis Santiago Quindos Poncela and Daniel Rabago
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020662 - 07 Jan 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2697
Abstract
Doses from the exposure to outdoor radon are typically an order of magnitude smaller than those from indoor radon, causing a greater interest on investigation of the latter for radiation protection issues. As a consequence, assessment of radon priority areas (RPA) is mainly [...] Read more.
Doses from the exposure to outdoor radon are typically an order of magnitude smaller than those from indoor radon, causing a greater interest on investigation of the latter for radiation protection issues. As a consequence, assessment of radon priority areas (RPA) is mainly based on indoor radon measurements. Outdoor radon measurements might be needed to guarantee a complete estimation of radiological risk and may help to improve the estimation of RPA. Therefore, authors have analysed the available literature on outdoor radon to give an overview of outdoor radon surveys and potential correlation with indoor radon and estimation of RPA. The review has shown that outdoor radon surveys were performed at much smaller scale compared to indoor radon. Only a few outdoor radon maps were produced, with a much smaller density, covering a larger area, and therefore putting doubt on the representativeness of this data. Due to a large variety of techniques used for outdoor radon measurements and requirement to have detectors with a high sensitivity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, a standardised measurement protocol should be derived. This is no simple endeavour since there are more applications in different scientific disciplines for outdoor radon measurements compared to indoor radon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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Other

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8 pages, 299 KiB  
Opinion
Suggestions for Improvements in National Radon Control Strategies of Member States Which Were Developed as a Requirement of EU Directive 2013/59 EURATOM
by James P. Mc Laughlin, Jose-Luis Gutierrez-Villanueva and Tanja Perko
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073805 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Exposure to the indoor air pollutant radon is considered to be a significant health risk globally, as has been demonstrated by many studies over time. A recent WHO statement on radon estimates that, worldwide, approximately 80,000 people may die every year due to [...] Read more.
Exposure to the indoor air pollutant radon is considered to be a significant health risk globally, as has been demonstrated by many studies over time. A recent WHO statement on radon estimates that, worldwide, approximately 80,000 people may die every year due to lung cancer associated with radon exposure. The recent years have also seen huge improvements in radon policies in European countries, as a consequence of the issuing, in 2013, of the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom. Although the protection of workers from radon exposure is well established, the protection of the general public needs more improvements. The main objective of this paper is, first, to acknowledge and recognise the improvements in radon protection policies, but also to show that there are many areas where improvements are desirable and possible. The final goal is to suggest better ways to protect the general population from exposure to radon gas. The suggestions are based on the experiences of the co-authors, who come from different disciplines related to radon management. The following fields or areas where improvements are possible are identified: risk communication, building codes, radon policies, including funding, research and protection of children. We describe the work that has been conducted, and the possible improvements and solutions in these fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Radon Risk Assessment and Remedial Actions)
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