In the heart of Italy, a silent, invisible threat lurks in the classrooms and hallways of schools across the Campania region. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has been found in significant concentrations in educational buildings, posing a potential health risk to students, teachers, and administrative staff. A recent study, led by Fabrizio Ambrosino of the Department of Physics “E. Pancini” at the University of Naples Federico II, sheds light on the extent of this issue and its implications for the construction and energy sectors.
The study, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Built Environment’ (translated to English as ‘Frontiers in the Built Environment’), measured radon activity concentrations in 67 schools, ranging from kindergartens to high schools, over a year. The findings reveal that the average radon activity concentration varies significantly between different types of schools and construction materials. Kindergartens, for instance, had an average concentration of 262 Bq/m3, while high schools had a lower average of 150 Bq/m3. The type of construction material also played a crucial role, with schools built of tuff showing an average activity of 276 Bq/m3 compared to 144 Bq/m3 in concrete buildings.
Ambrosino emphasizes the importance of these findings, stating, “Our study highlights the need for a comprehensive radon risk management system in educational buildings. The data collected can serve as a foundation for implementing preventive measures and ensuring the safety of occupants.”
The study also estimated the annual effective dose (AED), lung cancer cases (LCC), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for different categories of people exposed to radon. The AED ranged between 2.2 mSv for kindergarten students and 1.1 mSv for high school students. For teachers, the AED ranged between 1.3 mSv and 0.6 mSv, while administrative staff faced an average AED of 2.5 mSv. The highest AED corresponded to the highest LCC and ELCR for administrative staff, estimated at 45 per million people and 8.6%, respectively.
These findings have significant implications for the construction and energy sectors. As Ambrosino notes, “The construction materials and design of buildings play a critical role in radon accumulation. Future developments in the field should focus on incorporating radon-resistant materials and designs to mitigate this risk.”
The study’s approach could be a game-changer in implementing a risk management system in accordance with the principles of radiation protection and prevention of harm to human health. As the 2024 Italian National Radon Action Plan requires the monitoring of workplaces, work activities, and buildings with public access, this research provides a robust framework for assessing and managing radon risk in educational settings.
The energy sector, in particular, could benefit from these insights. As buildings become more energy-efficient, the risk of radon accumulation increases due to reduced ventilation. Understanding the factors that contribute to radon accumulation can help in designing buildings that are both energy-efficient and safe from radon exposure.
This research underscores the importance of proactive measures in radon risk management. As the data shows, the type of construction material, the floor level, and the intended use of the rooms significantly impact radon concentrations. By incorporating these factors into building designs and maintenance practices, the construction and energy sectors can play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for policymakers, educators, and construction professionals. As Ambrosino concludes, “It is imperative to integrate radon risk assessment into the broader framework of building safety and health. This will not only protect the occupants but also ensure that our educational institutions are safe and conducive to learning.”
