Risk management indoor air quality in schools. An integrated public health approach applied to the radon assessment

The Indoor Air Quality, depending on different contamination sources, is a relevant topic considering that the population mainly spends the 90% of the time indoor. Several study underline the importance of an integrated approach that takes in account all the complex factors that influence the indoor contamination. Considering the great radon impact and children major susceptibility (potential mutagenic effect of radon), we illustrate the results our Risk Management Indoor Air Quality (RMIAQ) project applied to the radon evaluation in an Italian schools sample. Our RMIAQ protocol provides an inspection and on-the-spot investigation to identify the critical points to collect the samples, than the instrumental evaluation, the training and a final evaluation of the proposed solutions. Information about the school structure and about subjective perception was investigated through questionnaires. The environmental monitoring was firstly focused on Radon but it will include also VOC, CO2 and others Indoor Climate Parameters, Particles and Formaldehyde (in progress). Radon was evaluated through an active continuous 1028 Radon Monitor (Sun Nuclear Corporation) for at least 48 consecutive hours at “respiratory height” (1-1.20 mt from the ground) in the ‘worst case' room. 7 schools of 5 Italian regions are involved. The average radon concentration was 80.87 ± 72.4 Bq/m3, with the “best case” at 0.88 ± 3.57 Bq/m3 (MIN = 0.00; MAX = 18.00) and the “worst case” at 172.57 ± 60.50 Bq/m3 (MIN = 54.00; MAX = 364.30). The Radon concentration is significantly lower when student and personnel were inside the schools (33.27 Bq/m3 vs 92.70 Bq/m3; P ≤ 0.05). The results regarding the indoor air quality have been communicated to the teachers, students and parents during a seminar. The risk from indoor Radon exposure seems to be limited, however it shouldn't be considered singularly but as one of the determinants of the IAQ definition. The other factors, as VOCs, Molds, Allergens, Formaldehyde, etc. can synergistically produce damage. Therefore, single factor risk monitoring needs to be performed, but it has to be included in a framework that promotes the prevention, investing in the training and information as a protection program of the Public Healthcare. Key messages • The missing consciousness and knowledge about indoor pollutions poses a health risk, especially for frail subjects as children. • An integrated risk management of indoor air quality is the best Public Health approach to ensure safe environment.