Análisis del proceso de la evaluación de riesgos por exposición laboral a Radón procedente de fuentes naturales

Abstract

Radon (Rn-222) is a serious concern for international public health agencies, due to the population size that could be exposed to this gas, and its main property as a carcinogen.

Directive 2013/59/EURATOM stands out. This directive foresees the reduction of the maximum levels of radon concentration in enclosed spaces, both in homes and in workplaces and the drafting of a National Preventive Plan.

The main objective of this work is to develop an initial approach to carry out a risk assessment for occupational exposure to radon by using the reference levels established in Directive 2013/59/EURATOM as well as the information contained in the mapping of radon potential in Spain.

As a main result, a qualitative approach has been proposed to pre-assess occupational risk due to exposure to radon by means of a check-list, that takes into account the working conditions and the structural conditions of the buildings or facilities where the workday takes place.

The proposed qualitative approach should be considered as a first phase for the approach to occupational exposure to radon in buildings or facilities. Through future work, this proposal can be extended, calibrated and validated in order to develop a tool with sufficient scientific and technical reliability.