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THE SPANISH RADON PROGRAM: ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE

L.S. Quindós, P.L. Fernàndez, J. Gómez, C. Ródenas,
J.L. Butrageño*, J.L.Martin*, M.J. Muñoz*
Medical Physics Department. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria UC. 39011 Santander,
Spain
* Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, c/ Justo Dorado 11, 28040 Madrid, Spain

One could say that the Spanish Radon Program began in 1988 with the development of a national
survey on indoor radon in Spanish houses. Today, 10 years later, many activitites by different
institutions and Universities have been carried out and a good information about the radon problem
has been achieved. Spain consists of 50 provinces which are amalgamated to form 17 autonomous
regions. In this paper, we show the results of a major research and development program which is still
in progress. The Spanish Safety Nuclear Council has been promoting, coordinating and supporting the
tasks carried out by the different laboratories involved in the Radon Program. Among the larger
projects, the following are noted:
- National survey on indoor and outdoor gamma radiation and radon concentration in houses.
- National survey on natural radioactivity in soils and building materials.
- Development of protocols for measurements of natural radionuclides as well as physical parameters
that have influence on the indoor radon levels such as radon emanation factor, exhalation rate and
diffussion coefficient.
- Study of radon entry models and mitigation techniques.
- Radon measurements in workplaces, including health spas and caves.
A brief description of the results achieved for the above goals set up by the Radon Program is shown
in this paper which also include the main objetives for the future Spanish Radon Program.
Keywords: Survey, Natural radioactivity, Radon, Program