Indoor radon levels in schools of South-East Italy

A survey was conducted to evaluate average levels of indoor radon and gamma doses in all educational buildings (506 schools) located in South-East Italy (the Salento peninsula, province of Lecce). In this paper the final findings relating to measurements performed with SSNTD dosemeters in 438 schools (86% of the sample) are reported. The average annual activity concentration of radon in schools located in the province of Lecce is 209 ± 9Bq/m3. Radon values actually ranged from 21Bq/m3 to 1608Bq/m3. About 7% of schools showed radon concentration values above 500Bq/m3, the Italian action level for workplaces. ► The annual radon concentration in schools of the province of Lecce is 209±9Bq/m3. ► Schools radon values (209±9Bq/m3) are higher than the regional average (52±2Bq/m3). ► Nursery schools showed higher radon values. ► Nursery schools had the highest percentage of schools (12%) over 500Bq/m3.