Indoor radon (Rn-222)

Yes. In the areas radon metrology and combined environmental impact analysis, among others.

LRN is qualified to execute projects with technological readiness level of 4 (technology validatation in laboratory).

Yes. Annually, the LRN participates in international proficiency cycles to determine its performance in specific tests and to monitor its quality management system. This assessment provides participating laboratories with objective means of evaluating and demonstrating the reliability of the data they are producing.

Radon is a chemically inert, naturally occurring, radioactive gas. It has no smell, colour, or taste, and is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium which is found in rocks and soil.

Radon gas escapes easily from rocks and soils into the air and tends to concentrate in enclosed spaces, such as underground mines, houses, and other buildings.

Soil gas infiltration is recognized as the most important source of residential radon. Other sources of radon include building materials and water extracted from wells, but are of less importance.

(WHO, https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/radiation-and-health/environmental-exposure/radon, 8-2-2022).

From the soil, through cracks and pores in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pumps, construction joints.

Another relevant source is the gas released to the air by water during showering and other household activities. The radon in your water supply poses an inhalation and an ingestion risk. Research shows that your risk of lung cancer from breathing radon in air is, however, larger than your risk of stomach cancer from ingesting water.

Radon is carcinogenic. The risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends on:

• How much radon is in your home;
• The amount of time you spend at home;
• Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked.

WHO estimates that radon accounts for 3 to 14% of all types of lung cancer.

No. Our laboratory provides all the material and information necessary for the measurement of radon.

The most recommended measurement type depends on the measurement purpose. If you want to rigorously assess the exposure to a harmful radiation dose, you should use passive detectors.

If you want immediate results, you can use active measurements. However, you should always regard the result as indicative and confirm it using passive measurements.

A Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, I. P., que é a autoridade competente em Portugal no âmbito da proteção radiológica, recomenda a exposição de detetores passivos de radão durante um período de 3 meses. Contudo, dependendo do contexto geológico, aconselhamos a consulta ao LRN para a definição do período de exposição adequado.

Yes. However, the exposure of detectors for shorter periods reduces the representativeness and consequent quality of the results. Exposure of the detectors for longer periods may lead to detector saturation, hindering their measurement.