Radon survey in caves from Mallorca Island, Spain

• A survey of radon was carried out in caves from Mallorca, Spain using CR 39 detectors.
• Three different seasons are covered: spring, summer, and winter.
• Radon level ranges from below detection limit up to 3060 Bq·m− 3.
• Seasonal variation is evident (higher values in summer and lower during winter).
• Particular recommendations were made to each cave administration.

This study reports radon concentration in the most representative caves of Mallorca, identifying those in which the recommended action level is exceeded, thus posing health risks. Two show caves (Campanet and Artà) and three non-touristic caves (Font, Drac, Vallgornera) were investigated. Data were collected at several locations within each cave for three different periods, from March 2013 to March 2014. Except for Vallgornera, where only one monitoring period was possible, and Artà in which low values were recorded throughout the year, a clear seasonal variability, with higher values during the warm seasons and lower during winter time is prominent. Radon concentrations differed markedly from one cave to another, as well as within the same cave, ranging from below detection limit up to 3060 Bq·m− 3. The results of this study have significant practical implications, making it possible to provide some recommendation to cave administrators and other agencies involved in granting access to the investigated caves.