Preliminary results regarding the first map of residential radon in some regions in Romania

Abstract

Radon represents the most important contribution of population exposure to natural ionising radiation. This article presents the first indoor radon map in some regions of Romania based on 883 surveyed buildings in the Ştei-BăiŢa radon-prone region and 864 in other regions of Romania. Indoor radon measurements were performed in the last 10 y by using CR-39 nuclear track detectors exposed for 3-12 months on ground floor levels of dwellings. Excluding the Ştei-BăiŢa radon-prone region, an average indoor radon concentration of 126 Bq m(-3) was calculated for Romanian houses. In the Ştei-BăiŢa radon-prone area, the average indoor concentration was 292 Bq m(-3). About 21 % of the investigated dwellings in the Ştei-BăiŢa radon-prone region exceed the threshold of 400 Bq m(-3), while 5 % of the dwellings in other areas of Romania exceed the same threshold. As expected, indoor radon concentration is not uniformly distributed throughout Romania. The map shows a high variability among surveyed regions, mainly due to the differences in geology. The radon emanation rate is substantially influenced by the soil characteristics, such as the soil permeability and soil gas radon concentration. Since higher permeability enables the increased migration of soil gas and radon from the soil into the building, elevated levels of indoor radon can be expected in more permeable soil environments.

Setting the Scene for a Healthier Indoor Living Environment: Citizens’ Knowledge, Awareness, and Habits Related to Residential Radon Exposure in Romania

“…According to Article 1 of the abovementioned Directive, its aim is to establish uniform basic safety standards for the protection of the health of individuals subject to occupational, medical, and public exposures from the dangers arising from ionizing radiation. Although radon measurements and human health protection programs already have a long history in some countries (for example, Sweden has had mandatory radon protection measures since the 1980s [28]), in other European countries (like Romania), research focused on radon measurements and the creation of radon maps is relatively recent [2,29], and, in this context, attitude studies, such as the present one, are relevant and useful.…”

“…Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, present in soils, rocks, and water, that penetrates buildings, being, therefore, inhaled by the residents. In addition to the geological substrate (geological conditions), other main radon sources include anthropogenic factors, like building construction and materials, tap water, and living habits [2][3][4]. As radon is not stable and decays, it exposes the human body to radiation [5].…”

Indoor radon related with the geology in Romanian urban agglomerations (Cluj-Napoca)

“…Individual errors for radon measurements by this method are less than 10%. The accuracy of this passive method of detection is being periodically verified by successful participation in international intercomparison campaigns (Cucoş et al, 2012;Cosma et al, 2013;Cosma et al, 2015).…”

“…This, due to the fact that most of natural uranium ( 238 U) where the radon ( 222 Rn) comes from, is encapsulated in rocks in the form of minerals. Nevertheless, several other natural and anthropogenic factors such as weather conditions, building materials, the degree of containment in the areas where individuals are exposed, outside air, tap water and even city gas, the architecture, ventilation and the environmental parameters of the building and the soil (temperature, pressure, relative humidity) and occupation patterns can influence the indoor radon levels (Darby et al, 2005;Field et al, 2006, Council Directive 2013WHO 2009;www.irart.ro;www.smartradon.ro;Cosma and Jurcuţ, 1996;Cosma et al, 2013;Cucoş et al, 2015;Cucoş et al, 2017).…”

Automatic system for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality and remote data transmission under SMART_RAD_EN Project

“…Optimizing the quality of the indoor environment by monitoring and controlling population exposure to radon and other ambient pollutants in homes, reducing associated health risks by implementing preventive and remedial actions represents a global priority (Darby et al, 2006;Field et al, 2006, Council Directive 2013WHO 2009;www.irart.ro;www.smartradon.ro;Cosma and Jurcuţ, 1996;Cosma et al, 2013;Cucoş et al, 2017).…”