Survey of Radon Concentrations in the University of Granada in Southern Spain

Abstract

The objective of this pilot study was to gather and analyze data on radon concentrations in workplaces in three buildings of Granada University (Southern Spain) constructed in different centuries. All measurements were made at basement or ground floor level under normal use conditions except for one space (mineral store), in which measurements were compared between the door closed and open. Measurements were conducted during different time periods between October 2013 and March 2019 with a Radon-Scout PLUS portable Radonmonitor. The duration of continuous recordings at different sites ranged between 42 and 1104 h. Mean accumulated radon concentrations ranged between 12 and 95 Bq/m3, below the maximal level of 300 Bq/m3 set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Relatively high values were recorded in the oldest building (15th century), which was also poorly ventilated. Ventilation appeared to be an important factor in reducing radon levels, especially in areas less exposed to radon, such as Southern Spain.

Epidemiological trend of lung cancer burden caused by residential radon exposure in China from 1990 to 2019

“…However, for the general population, most radon exposure occurs indoors, primarily from residential sources, constituting approximately 50% of exposure. It is prevalent in everyday environments, including homes, schools, and workplaces (Calvente et al , 2021; Su et al ., 2022). Currently, residential radon exposure is considered the second leading cause of LC among smokers, following only tobacco, and the primary cause of LC in non-smokers (Gazdar, 2018; Lorenzo-Gonzalez et al , 2019).…”