Indoor radon monitoring for occupational health reinforcement in Portugal: Compliance, prevention, and technological advancements

Abstract

This article highlights the relevance of indoor radon monitoring foroccupational health protection, disease prevention, and compliancewith safety regulations. Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tastelessradioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smok-ing, and therefore in situ monitoring is fundamental to identify areaswith high radon levels so that remediation measures must be imple-mented to reduce indoor exposure. The article gives an overviewof the regulations in force in Portugal for indoor radon monitor-ing and identifies the responsibilities of different authorities andorganizations in ensuring compliance with radiological protectionrequirements. It also outlines the legal framework for radon protec-tion in Portugal, including the identification of reference levels forradon concentration in workplaces and dwellings, and the need toimplement measures concerning indoor radon exposure reduction.Additionally, it is detailed the process of monitoring radon in indoorenvironments, including the selection of an appropriate measure-ment device and the necessary measurement time, and the need toinform and train workers about the risks associated with radon expo-sure. In short, this review provides information on the importance ofradon monitoring and the measures required to ensure public safety.