According to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), radon (Rn) is the most important source of ionizing radiation related to indoor air quality. The most important health effect of Rn exposure is the increased risk of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking (World Health Organization). The most recent European directive regarding human exposure to natural radiation (2013/59/EURATOM) deals primarily with indoor Rn, and encourages national action plans to identify buildings (i.e., areas) where annual Rn average is expected to exceed the national reference level (i.e., Radon Prone Areas, RPA) and propose remediation. As the direct measurements of soil gas Rn, coupled with geological data, are well recognised to define the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) of an area (i.e., an estimate of the Rn originating from geological sources), the GRP can then be used to guide indoor surveys; as indoor Rn values are often highly variable. LIFE-RESPIRE demonstration project objectives are: - To demonstrate in 4 significant areas, with different GRP in Italy and Belgium, a costeffective and eco-friendly solution for Rn real-time measurement and remediation to keep indoor Rn levels below 100 Bq/m level (as indicated in European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM). RESPIRE project will implement an intelligent, adaptable and versatile hybrid Rn remediation system composed by sensors, an Air Quality Balancer (SNAP) and an external additional fan-system (eolian and/or electric) working on positive pressure method. A control model based on an IoT protocol will be implemented; - To construct a real time LIFE-RESPIRE geodatabase of collected continuous Rn measurements, coupled with other geological, geochemical and building characteristics data, that could be integrated within the framework of the European Atlas of Natural Radiation (promoted by the Joint Research Centre-JRC of the European Commission); - To provide local authorities with Rn hazard guidelines and real-time WebGIS radon maps for land use planning and health risk assessment, helping to prepare relevant national action plans (see Articles 54, 74 and 103 in 2013/59/EURATOM). The LIFE-RESPIRE project will improve the use of geochemical monitoring of Rn for the assessment and the protection of human health from exposure to natural radioactivity. The visibility of the proposal and the availability of collected data are guaranteed by the WebGIS geodatabase that will be accessible to all stakeholders and several derived Web Mapping Applications to be used by the public and the authorities. Furthermore, a series of actions regarding communication and dissemination activities will be addressed to inform stakeholders and to ensure use and development of project results during and beyond the project completion. The demonstration character is shown by the use of an integrated methodology that will include modified and/or innovative rapid remediation system for the measuring of soil gas Rn activity and the monitoring of the indoor Rn for the protection of human health and the environment. This integrated methodology will be implemented on a pilot scale that allows evaluation of technical and economic viability at larger scale by stakeholders (i.e., national, regional and local authorities). By making data available and accessible through the construction of a geodatabase and a Website, LIFE-RESPIRE aims to bridge the gap between research, policy and development results and widespread implementation, and to improve innovative solutions related to land use planning and for further epidemiological research due to Rn exposure.
Radon real time monitoring system and proactive indoor remediation - LIFE-RESPIRE
G Ciotoli;
2017
Abstract
According to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), radon (Rn) is the most important source of ionizing radiation related to indoor air quality. The most important health effect of Rn exposure is the increased risk of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking (World Health Organization). The most recent European directive regarding human exposure to natural radiation (2013/59/EURATOM) deals primarily with indoor Rn, and encourages national action plans to identify buildings (i.e., areas) where annual Rn average is expected to exceed the national reference level (i.e., Radon Prone Areas, RPA) and propose remediation. As the direct measurements of soil gas Rn, coupled with geological data, are well recognised to define the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) of an area (i.e., an estimate of the Rn originating from geological sources), the GRP can then be used to guide indoor surveys; as indoor Rn values are often highly variable. LIFE-RESPIRE demonstration project objectives are: - To demonstrate in 4 significant areas, with different GRP in Italy and Belgium, a costeffective and eco-friendly solution for Rn real-time measurement and remediation to keep indoor Rn levels below 100 Bq/m level (as indicated in European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM). RESPIRE project will implement an intelligent, adaptable and versatile hybrid Rn remediation system composed by sensors, an Air Quality Balancer (SNAP) and an external additional fan-system (eolian and/or electric) working on positive pressure method. A control model based on an IoT protocol will be implemented; - To construct a real time LIFE-RESPIRE geodatabase of collected continuous Rn measurements, coupled with other geological, geochemical and building characteristics data, that could be integrated within the framework of the European Atlas of Natural Radiation (promoted by the Joint Research Centre-JRC of the European Commission); - To provide local authorities with Rn hazard guidelines and real-time WebGIS radon maps for land use planning and health risk assessment, helping to prepare relevant national action plans (see Articles 54, 74 and 103 in 2013/59/EURATOM). The LIFE-RESPIRE project will improve the use of geochemical monitoring of Rn for the assessment and the protection of human health from exposure to natural radioactivity. The visibility of the proposal and the availability of collected data are guaranteed by the WebGIS geodatabase that will be accessible to all stakeholders and several derived Web Mapping Applications to be used by the public and the authorities. Furthermore, a series of actions regarding communication and dissemination activities will be addressed to inform stakeholders and to ensure use and development of project results during and beyond the project completion. The demonstration character is shown by the use of an integrated methodology that will include modified and/or innovative rapid remediation system for the measuring of soil gas Rn activity and the monitoring of the indoor Rn for the protection of human health and the environment. This integrated methodology will be implemented on a pilot scale that allows evaluation of technical and economic viability at larger scale by stakeholders (i.e., national, regional and local authorities). By making data available and accessible through the construction of a geodatabase and a Website, LIFE-RESPIRE aims to bridge the gap between research, policy and development results and widespread implementation, and to improve innovative solutions related to land use planning and for further epidemiological research due to Rn exposure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
