A few weeks ago the new one was adopted National radon action plan for 2023-2032. This is a plan, published in the Journal on 21 February 2024, which aims to address the risks linked to long-term exposure to radon, a gas dangerous for health.
The radon it is released from the decay of some materials, such as uranium and radium ed it is capable of penetrating homes. In Italy the highest concentration of the gas was found in Lazioin Lombardy And Campania. This, according to several studies, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Hence the need to standardize the tools that can stop radon from entering homes and thus reduce exposure to the radioactive gas.
What is radon and why is it dangerous
The radon it is a colorless gas and odorless and for this reason it often goes unnoticed, but it shouldn’t. Several studies have shown that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. It is therefore a natural gas from which it is better to protect yourself. In fact, radon is a radioactive element originating from the decay of radium 226, generated in turn by the decay of uranium 238.
The radioactive gas it is present in rocks and soil and can easily penetrate homes. It is a dangerous gas, but only in some conditions. In itself, in fact, it is not very reactive from a chemical point of view, but in the event of decay it generates new particles such as Polonium 218 and Polonium 214 and it can become very dangerous. In fact, these new particles enter the organism and attach to the tissues. It has high capabilities damage lung cells and this makes it, according to several studies, the second cause of lung cancer after smoking.
It is not limited to this, in fact it is associated with an increase in risk of stroke, especially in women. It also exposes you more easily to the risk of blood cancer and other cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.
Where radon is concentrated and why it is present in homes
The Higher Institute of Health explains that the radon is present in greater quantities inindoor air in buildings. This is because it infiltrates from the soil and construction materials and remains inside the structure. Me too’water can be a carrierfor example if it comes from wells dug in land where decaying radon is in high concentrations.
According to an initial survey, conducted between 1989 and 1998, the national average concentration level of radon gas is equal to approximately 70 Bq/m3. It is found mostly in areas of volcanic origin and in the regions of Lazio, Lombardy And Campaniafollowed by autonomous province of Bolzano and from Piedmont.
To prevent high concentrations from flowing into homes or other buildings, it was necessary to think of a contrast plan. The Pnar Precisely for this reason it establishes measures to improve awareness of radon and promoteadoption of practices and interventions aimed at reducing the concentration of radioactive gas in closed environments. Although it is impossible to eliminate completely eliminates radon from buildings, but it is possible to reduce its concentration. For example, doing renovation work (after an inspection to analyze the soil) can guarantee an improvement in conditions.
