The analyzed municipal territory, located at the foot of the first Bergamo hills.
Case Study · Public Entity
Radon Risk Mapping
Characterization of radon risk on behalf of the Municipality of San Paolo d'Argon (BG): determination of radon gas concentrations in homes and soil covering the entire municipal territory.
The Assignment: Mapping the Risk of an Entire Municipality
A complete environmental investigation project for the protection of public health.
Radon Risk and Urban Planning
Mapping performed based on the general indications concerning radon risk mitigation, technical literature – including experimental data – and national regulations and European directives.
The goal was to classify areas of the territory based on the expected concentration of radon gas, providing the Municipality with a strategic decision-making tool for future urban expansions and to plan any remediation of existing buildings to protect citizens' health.
Public Client
Mapping commissioned by the Municipality of San Paolo d'Argon as part of health prevention and urban planning policies, based on national and European regulations.
Extensive Territory Survey
The investigation covered the entire municipal territory, characterizing the main lithological units of the foothill belt with systematically distributed measurements.
Dual Diagnostic Approach
Concentrations were determined both through passive dosimetry in indoor environments, and with direct measurement in the soil (soil radon) using advanced active instrumentation.
Active Detection of Concentrations in Soil
Soil radon with Lucas cell and permeameter for the geognostic characterization of the terrain.
1. Radon Gas Measurement in the Ground (Soil Radon)
Radon gas concentrations at ground level are detected through an active monitor with a Lucas cell, capable of detecting radon concentrations continuously, communicating directly with the operator via Wi-Fi connection and processing information in real time through exportable dynamic graphs that can be consulted via web.
2. Intrinsic Permeability of the Soil
Intrinsic permeability is measured using a special permeameter: this device measures the pressure differential which, once processed, returns the value of intrinsic permeability, which is the most important factor for the circulation of radon gas in the subsoil.
3. Reference Environmental Parameters
The instrument, in addition to the "counts", simultaneously measures, through internal sensors, the environmental parameters that directly influence radon concentrations: Pressure (P), Temperature (T), and Humidity (H).
Results: Thematic Risk Cartography
1. Territorial Distribution of Radon Gas
The measurements were distributed to characterize the main lithological units of the foothill belt of the Municipality. On average, the highest concentrations are found both on the ground and in buildings, corresponding to unit CH, which is coarser and more permeable; the lowest concentrations are found in unit PA, finer and relatively less permeable.
However, there are important, but localized exceptions, confirming the need for a point-by-point investigation and not based on simple regional geological generalizations.
2. Indoor and Outdoor Correlation
The comparison between soil concentrations (Soil Radon) and indoor concentrations allowed the risk model to be validated: the areas with the highest concentration in the ground correspond, to a large extent, to the zones with buildings that present the highest indoor concentrations.
Value for Urban Planning
The collected data were processed to produce a mapping of the territory in which the areas with higher or lower expected risk are represented, especially in relation to possible future urban expansions and any remediation of existing buildings.
Radon Risk Degree Map
The collected data – both with passive dosimetry and with direct measurement in the soil using adequate instrumentation – were processed to produce the final risk degree map, an operational tool delivered to the Municipal Administration.
Risk Classification
The classification of the radon risk of foundation soils is based on measurements of the concentration of radon gas in the soil and the permeability of soils and rocks to the passage of gas (intrinsic permeability).
Related Services
We offer services for radon measurement, radon remediation, and territorial risk assessment for municipalities, public entities, and private individuals.
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