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.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful to the nurseries and the primary school involved in this study. The authors are also grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), COMPETE, QREN, and EU for PTDC/SAU-SAP/121827/2010 funding. S. I. V. Sousa and P. T. B. S. Branco are also grateful to FCT, POPH/QREN, and the European Social Fund (ESF) for the financial support of grants SFRD/BPD/91918/2012 and SFRH/BD/97104/2013, respectively.