Guidelines for Managing Radon Hazards in Tourist Volcanic Caves in Spain

Tourist volcanic caves are in high demand for ecotourism and geotourism lovers, as well as by sun and beach tourists as a complementary activity during their holidays. There are six tourist volcanic caves in the Canary Islands, all of them managed by the local administration of the island. The manag...

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Veröffentlicht in:Geohealth 2024-06, Vol.8 (6), p.e2024GH001067-n/a
Hauptverfasser: Hernández‐Gutiérrez, Luis E., Calderón‐Guerrero, Carlos, Martín‐Rosales, Wenceslao, Rodríguez‐Martín, Jesica, Cruz‐Pérez, Noelia, Hernández‐Martín, Helena, García‐Gil, Alejandro, Santamarta, Juan C.
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Tourist volcanic caves are in high demand for ecotourism and geotourism lovers, as well as by sun and beach tourists as a complementary activity during their holidays. There are six tourist volcanic caves in the Canary Islands, all of them managed by the local administration of the island. The managers of these caves must ensure the safety of visitors and workers, who are exposed to natural hazards, such as radon, inherent to the environment in which the activity takes place. The methodology for analyzing natural radon radiation is based on the latest studies published by experts in this field and on previous experiences in tourist caves. This article proposes a protocol for the correct management of radon in tourist caves in the Canary Islands, adapted to current regulations, to mitigate effects on the health of visitors and workers. Plain Language Summary In our study, we explored the popular volcanic caves in the Canary Islands, a hit among those who love ecotourism and geotourism, and also among beachgoers looking for something different to do on their vacation. These six caves, all managed by the island’s local authorities, offer a unique adventure but come with their own set of risks, like exposure to radon gas‐a natural hazard in such environments. To keep everyone safe, we delved into the best ways to monitor and manage radon levels, drawing on the latest research and what’s been learned from other tourist caves. Our work led to the development of a new plan that fits within current health and safety laws, aimed at reducing any health risks to visitors and staff. This plan is a step forward in making sure that exploring these magnificent caves is not only an unforgettable experience but also a safe one for everyone involved. Key Points Tourist caves, especially volcanic ones in the Canary Islands, attract many visitors, offering geological and commercial opportunities Radon hazards is a major health concern that needs to be considered in the management of underground spaces such as tourist caves Sustainable tourism management requires environmental and cultural responsibility, ensuring the preservation of caves
ISSN:2471-1403
2471-1403
DOI:10.1029/2024GH001067