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Abstract
This article highlights the relevance of indoor radon monitoring for occupational health protection, disease prevention, and compliance with safety regulations. Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking, and therefore in situ monitoring is fundamental to identify areas with high radon levels so that remediation measures must be implemented to reduce indoor exposure. The article gives an overview of the regulations in force in Portugal for indoor radon monitoring and identifies the responsibilities of different authorities and organizations in ensuring compliance with radiological protection requirements. It also outlines the legal framework for radon protection in Portugal, including the identification of reference levels for radon concentration in workplaces and dwellings, and the need to implement measures concerning indoor radon exposure reduction. Additionally, it is detailed the process of monitoring radon in indoor environments, including the selection of an appropriate measurement device and the necessary measurement time, and the need to inform and train workers about the risks associated with radon exposure. In short, this review provides information on the importance of radon monitoring and the measures required to ensure public safety.
Acknowledgements
The author declare no further acknowledgements.
Data availability statement
Data are available per on request to the corresponding author.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
Leonel J.R. Nunes
Leonel J.R. Nunes earned a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management from the University of Beira Interior. He received his Master's degrees in hydraulic engineering and water resources at Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon) and in geological engineering at the University of NOVA of Lisbon. He also holds Bachelor's degrees in Geology from the University of Coimbra and the University of Minho and in mining engineering from the University of Oporto. He is an assistant researcher at Prometheus, a Research Unit in Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability at IPVC (Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo), where also teaches. His research work stands out in the areas of natural resources, environmental engineering, renewable energies, circular economy and sustainability.
António Curado
António Curado graduated in civil engineering in 1996, at IST (Technical University of Lisbon). In 2004, he completed his MSc degree in construction at FEUP (University of Porto) and was awarded a prize for the best master's. Since 2006 he has been an Expert in Energy Certification (ADENE) and a full chartered engineer (OE). In 2014 he completed his Ph.D. in energy efficiency with distinction, at FEUP (University of Porto). He is a professor at IPVC (Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo), where he belongs to the management board of proMetheus, a Research Unit in Materials, Energy, and Environment for Sustainability. His main investigation field of research is regarding energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability. He publishes frequently scientific articles in international journals and conferences, supervises investigation thesis and coordinates financed research projects. He frequently reviews papers and articles in journals and international conferences. Currently, he is the Pro-President of IPVC for sustainability and the built environment.
Sérgio I. Lopes
Sérgio I. Lopes holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the University of Aveiro in Electronics & telecommunications, biomedical, and electrical engineering respectively, and a postgraduate diploma from Porto Business School. He is an IEEE senior member and the Director General at CiTin. Additionally, he is a senior researcher at the Instituto de Telecomunicações and assistant professor at ESTG-IPVC, where he also directs the ERSC program. He serves on the ADiT-Lab board and has been recognized with awards like the Fraunhofer Portugal Challenge and Texas Instruments ESPA. Lopes has co-invented two patents and authored over 100 international publications. He is involved in numerous R&D projects and has been an expert for the European Commission since 2016. Lopes chairs and co-chairs various international conferences and workshops and coordinates professional activities at the IEEE Portuguese Section. He is also a counselor for the IEEE IPVC Student Branch and collaborates with IEEE societies, having been a keynote speaker at events such as the IEEE IoT Summit. His research focuses on IoT, embedded systems, and digital signal processing. Outside of work, he loves traveling and exploring music through records and analog synths.