Occupational exposure to radon in thermal spas

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2013

Authors

Silva, AS (Author) Other; Maria De Lurdes Dinis (Author) FEUP; Miguel Tato Diogo (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HYGIENE

Pages: 273-277

9th International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene (SHO)

Guimaraes, PORTUGAL, FEB 14-15, 2013

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-A1X

Abstract (EN): Radon is a natural radioactive gas that may be present in soil air, water, groundwater and indoor as well as outdoor air. Radon is the largest source of natural radiation exposure; it represents almost 50% of the radiation that people are exposed to in a lifetime. Thermal spas are multifaceted projects that have been increasing in the last few years. However, the presence of radon in thermal and mineral waters enhance the risk of professionals being exposed to an additional level of radiation as well as the visitors and patients. Therefore, a growing interest and mostly a concern in protecting people exposed to radiation from radon and short-lived daughters have been drawn much of public attention. The objective of this work is to develop a bibliographical revision about exposure to radon in thermal establishment's spas. The bibliographical revision was carried out by searching key-words in several databases and scientific journals. The majority of the consulted and validated studies concluded that the exposure to high radon concentrations may be a threat to human health; radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer in many countries. As thermal spas are an important economic sector with a significative social and historical components, it is important investigate the magnitude of the exposure in order to take the necessary actions to protect those that in fact may be exposed to radiation in thermal establishments spas.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5