Indoor Radon Exposure Among Schoolchildren: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors

Abstract

Radon (222Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, produced through the spontaneous decay of uranium in soil and rocks. Among school-aged children, exposure to radon is a major public health concern because, during school hours, learners spend an average of 6–8 h daily inside school buildings, often on the ground floor or in basement classrooms, where radon levels tend to be highest. This study aims to contextualize radon exposure among children in educational settings, with a focus on the associated risk factors. A systematic review of the literature on radon exposure in classrooms among schoolchildren was conducted, analysing associated risk factors and methods of radon measurement. A literature search was performed across reputable databases to ensure compliance with systematic review standards. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Radon levels measured in classrooms exhibit variability based on geographic location. Certain classrooms in Continental Europe and North America exceed the WHO reference limit of 100 Bq/m3, as well as regional thresholds, including the European Union limit of 300 Bq/m3 and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit of 148 Bq/m3. Indoor radon exposure in classrooms is a worldwide concern because children are particularly vulnerable during their formative years. Those attending daycare centers and kindergartens are at greater risk due to their nascent respiratory systems.