title: Radon Levels in Nurseries and Primary Schools in Bragança District-Preliminary Assessment.
abstract: Lung cancer has been associated with radon concentration even at low levels such as those found in dwellings. This study aimed to (i) determine radon diurnal variations in three nurseries and one primary school in the Bragança district (north of Portugal) and (ii) compare radon concentrations with legislated standards and assess the legislated procedures. Radon was measured in three nurseries and a primary school in a rural area with nongranite soil. Measurements were performed continuously to examine differences between occupation and nonoccupation periods. Indoor temperature and relative humidity were also measured continuously. A great variability was found in radon concentrations between the microenvironments examined. Radon concentrations surpassed by severalfold the recommended guidelines and thresholds, and excessive levels of health concern were sporadically found (361.5-753.5 Bq m(-3)). Thus, it is of importance to perform a national campaign on radon measurements and to reduce exposure.
authors.affiliation: a LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.
authors.forename: S I V
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: P T B S
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Branco
authors.forename: R A O
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: M C M
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Alvim-Ferraz
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Martins
mesh_terms: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009724:Nurseries, Infant; D011174:Portugal; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D012574:Schools
chemical_list: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon