Indoor radon levels in schools of South-East Italy

A survey was conducted to evaluate average levels of indoor radon and gamma doses in all educational buildings (506 schools) located in South-East Italy (the Salento peninsula, province of Lecce). In this paper the final findings relating to measurements performed with SSNTD dosemeters in 438 schools (86% of the sample) are reported.The average annual activity concentration of radon in schools located in the province of Lecce is 209 ± 9 Bq/m3. Radon values actually ranged from 21 Bq/m3 to 1608 Bq/m3. About 7% of schools showed radon concentration values above 500 Bq/m3, the Italian action level for workplaces.

► The annual radon concentration in schools of the province of Lecce is 209 ± 9 Bq/m3.
► Schools radon values (209 ± 9 Bq/m3) are higher than the regional average (52 ± 2 Bq/m3).
► Nursery schools showed higher radon values.
► Nursery schools had the highest percentage of schools (12%) over 500 Bq/m3.