[Radon risk in healthcare facilities: environmental monitoring and effective dose].
BACKGROUND
Radon, the second cause of lung cancer after smoking (WHO- IARC), is a natural, radioactive gas, which originates from the soil and pollutes indoor air, especially in closed or underground spaces.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of radon gas, its effective dose, and the measurement of microclimatic degrees C; U.R. % and air velocity in non-academic intensive care units of public hospitals in the Naples area.


METHODS
The annual average concentrations of radon gas were detected with EIC type ionization electret chambers, type LLT with exposure over four 3-month periods.


RESULTS
The concentrations varied for all health facilities between 186 and 1191 Bq/m3. Overall, the effective dose of exposure to radon gas of 3mSv/a recommended by Italian legislation was never exceeded.


CONCLUSIONS
The concentration of radon gas showed a decreasing trend starting from the areas below ground level to those on higher floors; such concentrations were also influenced by natural and artificial ventilation of the rooms, building materials used for walls, and by the state of maintenance and improvements of the building (insulation of floors and walls). The data obtained confirmed the increased concentration of radionuclides in the yellow tuff of volcanic origin in the Campania Region and the resulting rate of release of radon gas, whereas the reinforced concrete structure (a hospital located on the hillside), which had the lowest values, proved to provide good insulation against penetration and accumulation of radon gas.
Cammarota
B
B
Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Dipartimento di Medicina Pubblica, Clinica e Preventiva A. S. L. Napoli 1, P.O. ".M. del Popolo degli incurabili".
Cascone
Maria Teresa
MT
De Paola
L
L
Schillirò
F
F
Del Prete
U
U
D000390:Air Ionization; D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007558:Italy; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon