The Italian Survey as the Basis of the National Radon Policy

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>One of the most important goals of the Italian survey, initiated in 1989, was to promote ad hoc policies to reduce radon exposure of the population. In the survey a statistical representative sample of 5000 dwellings was chosen; two six-month measurements were made of the indoor radon concentration, in combination with one six month measurement of gamma exposure. The results of the radon concentration measurements are reported here they refer to 80% of the sample. The annual mean value was 81.5 Bq.m-3, which is higher than the reported for other industrialised countries. The survey was widely accepted by the families and provided an opportunity to collect information on families and their habits, as well as on the characteristics of the dwellings. The data will make it possible to evaluate the number of houses above a given level. It is up to the political authorities to define such a level on the basis of these data and the economic and social factors.</jats:p>

A Short Summary of Past and Recent Activities on Protection From Radon Exposure Carried Out by the Italian National Institute of Health

“…Most of the radon-related activities in Italy started after the first representative national survey aimed to evaluate the exposure to natural sources of ionizing radiation in dwellings, including radon, and conducted in all the 21 Italian Regions (actually 19 Regions and 2 administratively independent Provinces) from 1989 to 1998 [2][3][4][5]. The coordination was in the hands of the Italian National Institute of Health and of the National Agency on Environmental Protection.…”

A study of radon concentration in homes in the Sea to Sky corridor and the North Shore of Vancouver British Columbia

“…The length of a study can cause variation in radon concentration. Average length of radon testing is 12 months, however shorter time periods can range from 3 to 6 months (Bochicchio et al, 2005). The length of this study will run from November 2018 to January 2019, which is exactly three months.…”

“…This might have been because in these months people tend to open more windows and doors, thus keeping the house well ventilated. It was seen that radon concentration was higher in the winter than the summer (Bochicchio et al, 2005). In the winter months people tend to keep windows and doors closed, making the house less ventilated and therefore letting radon gas accumulate more inside the home.…”