title: [Analysis of the natural radioactivity due to the radon gas in the underground of Rome].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radon is a decay product of 238Uranium which is classified by WHO/IARC as group 1 carcinogen, given its causal relationship with lung neoplasia. An annual concentration of this gas higher than 500 Bq/m3 in workplace is considered potentially dangerous by the italian legislation. No data are currently available on radon level in underground tunnels, which are a potentially important source of exposure both for workers and travellers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Measurements have been performed in a station and within the trains. Two months integrated measures, and 5 days continuous (hourly) assessments have been performed. Integrated measurements have been performed by means of 12 passive dosimeters, containing a detector made of CR39 (polymeric type), whereas active scintillation-type dosimeters have been employed for continuous assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two months integrated measures: radon level in the station was 665 +/- 71 Bq/m3, whereas values within the trains ranged between 96 and 117 Bq/m3. Continuous measurements: Mean radon level during work activities was 783 +/- 536 Bq/m3 and thereafter it rose to 850 +/- 131 Bq/m3
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radon nelle levels in underground tunnels may exceed attention levels, whereas within trains they remain well below these levels. Further studies focused to assess the risk of underground employers are needed.
authors.affiliation: Università Tor Vergata, Roma- Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Magrini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grana
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gianello
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: La Bua
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Laurini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pagliari
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bergamaschi
mesh_terms: D000398:Air Pollution, Radioactive; D006801:Humans; D011874:Radiometry; D011886:Radon; D011890:Railroads; D012384:Rome; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D011886:Radon