The presence of radon in thermal spas and their occupational implications¿a review

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

Pedro M. Arezes (Author) Other; João Santos Baptista (Editor) FEUP; Mónica P. Barroso (Editor) Other; Paula Carneiro (Editor) Other; Patrício Cordeiro (Editor) Other; Nelson Costa (Editor) Other; Rui B. Melo (Editor) Other; A. Sérgio Miguel (Editor) FEUP; Gonçalo Perestrelo (Editor) FEUP

Book

Title: Occupational Safety and Hygiene III

Pages: 59-65

ISBN: 978-113802765-7

Electronic ISBN: 978-1-315-69293-7

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Safety technology

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-RVA

DOI: 10.1201/b18042

Subject: Occupational Safety and Hygiene

Abstract (EN): Radon gas, produced by the decay of radium, is recognized as the most significant natural source of human exposure and the leading cause of lung cancer incidence, with the exception of tobacco. Radon can be found in various concentrations in soil, air and in different kinds of water like lakes, springs, wells and groundwater. The presence of radon in thermal and in mineral waters may result in an additional exposure to natural radiation. In fact, the European Union has identified thermal spas as one the professional activities with higher exposure to radon. Several studies have been conducted worldwide to measure the concentration of radon in water and in air of thermal spas in order to estimate the exposure doses both for workers and for users. The results of some of these studies showed that radon concentrations in indoor air of thermal spas can lead to intense exposure and consequently result in a short-term impact for users but in a long-term for workers who have longer and continuous exposure periods. The purpose of this work was to perform a review on the occupational exposure to radon in thermal spas considering the factors that may lead to an increasing exposure in occupational environments and the consequents evidences on health effects. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: Selected Extended and Revised Contributions from the International Symposium on Safety and Hygiene, Guimarães, Portugal, 12¿13 February 2015

No. of pages: 476