Radon gas and its implications for health.

 

Radon is the world’s largest source of exposure to ionising radiation and is a carcinogen, so exposure to this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco and the leading cause in non-smokers.

Radon is a chemical element from the group of rare gases, odourless and colourless at room temperature and pressure.

Radon emissions are more intense in places whose geological composition includes uranium ore or phosphate rocks, granites, basalts, shales, marbles, among others. The higher the concentration of uranium in rocks and soils, the greater the production of radon gas. To this end, a map was developed that identifies the areas with the highest probability of radon occurrence in the country, including a radon susceptibility index by parish.

In areas of high susceptibility, or in workplaces with their own specific characteristics, radon monitoring is mandatory every year, with a measurement period of between 3 and 12 months. In areas of low or moderate susceptibility, it is recommended that monitoring be carried out every five years.

Legislative Framework

Decree-Law 108/2018 transposes Directive 2013/59/Euratom, which lays down safety standards against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. The Decree establishes the protection threshold and reference levels to be applied in consideration of radon exposure.

Council of Ministers Resolution 150-A/2022 approves the National Radon Plan. The PNRn provides for compliance with a set of requirements and the adoption of actions in terms of knowledge and diagnosis of exposure situations and protection of workers and the general public, as well as the identification of actions to mitigate exposure to radon, as well as the design of guidelines for the definition of communication strategies for the general public and employers.

Find out more at https://apambiente.pt/prevencao-e-gestao-de-riscos/mapa-de-suscetibilidade-ao-radao

TDGI | Analysis and Diagnosis Sector