Mapping the Geogenic Radon Potential as a first step to define the Radon Priority Areas

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu23-7476
• Publication Date: 2023-02-25T21:46:27Z
• Authors: Eleonora Benà; Giancarlo Ciotoli; Livio Ruggiero; Eric Petermann; Peter Bossew; Claudio Mazzoli; Luca Verdi; Raffaele Sassi
• Keywords: Directive; Vulnerability

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas considered the major source of ionizing radiation exposure for population and several epidemiological studies provided evidence its detrimental effects on human health. As consequence, World Health Organization classified this as second cause lung cancer after cigarettes smoking. A significant fraction can be attributed to indoor Rn exposure, i.e. houses workplace. In particular, Indoor Concentration (IRC) product Geogenic Potential (GRP), conceptualised contribution released by Earth. Therefore, in characterisation potential risk over an area fundamental considering geological constraints under dwellings, building styles living habits. Europe, Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013/59/EURATOM aims reduce workplace, one hand fixing some reference values, other requiring European states delineate Priority Areas (RPA), that areas where IRC exceed value. mapping GRP indicator related hazard for: (i) RPAs through quantification geogenic Rn, potentially influx within buildings; (ii) understand how affect vulnerability thus contributing risk. study, we focused specific study located Pusteria Valley (Bolzano province, eastern Italy). This well-known from structural point view it characterised wide non-seismically active fault zone showing very high permeability.  In have applied machine learning technique (i.e. Forest Regression), construct resolution (50 m*50 m) map proxy variables sources (e.g., radionuclide content rocks), Tectonically Enhanced (TER) quantity exhalation process towards atmosphere. Furthermore, assessed introducing location inhabited provide preliminary RPAs. Results show dwellings are with highest GRP. work represents first attempt Italy define