Radon Measurements in Kindergartens and Schools of Six Italian Regions

Radon concentration in 2173 schools of six Italian regions was measured with passive dosemeters in representative surveys. Regional arithmetic and geometric means and geometric standard deviations range from 49 to 222 Bq.m-3, from 38 to 129 Bq.m-3 and from 1.9 to 2.7, respectively. For the sake of comparison, measured values were corrected for the seasonal variations obtained from the national survey in dwellings. In some regions, schools exhibit a higher average concentration than dwellings. However, when the floor and the geographical location of measurements is accounted for, there is better agreement. Therefore, radon measurements in schools as well as in houses may be useful for radon mapping. In some regions, a significant proportion of schools, showed radon concentration exceeding the action levels established in other countries. (author)