Resources - Radón Argentina

Definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Publications
Links of interest

Definitions

Natural Radioactivity

A natural, spontaneous process by which an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into another nucleus in order to reach a more stable state, releasing energy in the form of gamma radiation or alpha and beta particles.

Radioactive Decay Chain

Also known as a radioactive decay series, it involves the successive transformations of radioisotopes until a stable isotopic form is reached. The most common natural examples are the decay series of ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, and ²³²Th. The time required for a radioisotope to lose half of its atoms through radioactive decay is known as its half-life, a characteristic property of each radioisotope.

NORM

It refers to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials. Specifically, these are materials containing naturally occurring radionuclides whose concentrations have not been enhanced by human activities. Examples include residential radon and uranium naturally present in rocks and soils.

Residential Radon

It refers to the concentration of radon gas inside a dwelling (i.e., indoor radon), typically expressed in Bq/m³, where 1 Bq/m³ corresponds to one radioactive decay per second occurring within one cubic meter of air. Measuring indoor radon levels allows the assessment of potential radiological risks associated with long-term inhalation of radon and its decay products. International organizations and national authorities have established reference levels above which mitigation measures are recommended or required, commonly set at 100, 148, or 300 Bq/m³.

Effective Dose

In radiation protection, where exposure risks are assessed, effective dose is a quantity used to estimate the biological risk associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. It is calculated as the sum of the equivalent doses received by different organs and tissues, each multiplied by its corresponding tissue weighting factor. The weighting factor is a predefined coefficient that reflects the relative biological effectiveness of radiation in producing harmful effects in a given organ or tissue. Effective dose is commonly expressed in sieverts (Sv).

Environmental Carcinogenesis

In cancer epidemiology, It refers to the etiology (cause or contributing factor) of cancer in which environmental agents, external to the individual, play a role in disease development. These agents may be physical, chemical, or biological in nature and can contribute to the initiation or promotion of carcinogenic processes. Examples of environmental carcinogenic factors include exposure to agrochemicals, arsenic, radon, asbestos, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and certain infectious agents, among others.

Land-Use Planning

It is a management tool aimed at guiding the organization of land use and territorial occupation over the short, medium, and long term in pursuit of efficient and sustainable territorial development. Land-use planning relies on social consensus and political regulations to balance environmental, economic, and social objectives, thus It improves people quality of life through risk reduction. Spatial epidemiology can and should interact with land-use planning policies to help ensure healthy environments and support informed decision-making for public well-being.

Citizen Science

It comprises a theoretical and methodological approach applicable across multiple disciplines that seeks to involve the community being studied in all or part of the research process, including hypothesis generation, data collection, data analysis, and communication of results. This practice fosters a bridge between academic and community knowledge while promoting the principles of Open Science, including the public’s right to access information and participate in knowledge production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the difference between radioactivity and ionizing radiation?

Radioactivity is a natural or artificial phenomenon that produces ionizing radiation—that is, energy capable of ionizing atoms by altering their electrical charge. However, not all ionizing radiation is produced by radioactivity. For example, X-rays are a form of ionizing electromagnetic radiation, but their production does not involve radioactive decay. In other words, radioactivity is one source of ionizing radiation, but ionizing radiation can also be generated through non-radioactive physical processes

What is a radioisotope?

Each chemical element has different isotopes, that is, atomic species with different numbers of neutrons. Radioactive isotopes are those whose nuclei are unstable, and therefore they transform into other isotopes in order to reach stability.

Which are the different sources of radioactivity?

Radioisotopes may originate from natural sources, such as those found in the minerals that form rocks and soils and are subsequently transferred to food and water (e.g., ²³⁸U, ²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra ); or from artificial sources associated with nuclear medicine, nuclear weapons, and nuclear power plants (e.g., ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³¹I ). Natural sources contribute the largest share of the annual effective dose received by human populations. Among these natural sources, radon gas accounts for approximately 50% of the total exposure.

How do I know if I am exposed to natural radioactivity?

All people are naturally exposed to environmental radiation. Although the most accurate way to determine the level of exposure is through direct measurements in soils and indoor air, such measurements cannot always be performed. Therefore, maps and predictive models are often used to identify areas with a higher potential for exposure. For example, geological information alone can provide qualitative insights into the likely degree of exposure in a given area.

How can I measure radon in my home?

Radon can be measured using specialized monitoring devices. These may be portable instruments that provide near-instantaneous readings or passive detectors that monitor radon levels over a specified period of time. In general, accurate measurement and interpretation require trained specialists and accredited laboratories. In many countries, governments support radon monitoring programs or provide radon potential maps based on measurement data to aid prevention efforts. In Argentina, the Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (Nuclear Regulatory Authority) conducts systematic radon monitoring in nuclear power plants, former uranium mining and milling complexes, and nearby facilities. Rad.Ar, through mixed funding sources, measures residential radon levels in different regions of the country.

Can any home contain high radon concentrations?

Indoor radon concentration is the result of a balance between the amount of radon entering a dwelling and the amount leaving it. Radon entry is primarily controlled by geology, that is, by the composition of the soils and rocks underlying the building. However, it is also influenced by the characteristics of the dwelling itself. Factors such as the type and condition of foundations, slabs, floors, baseboards, and indoor pressure and temperature conditions can either facilitate or hinder the movement of soil gases into the building.
At the same time, the characteristics of the dwelling (e.g., the type of openings and ventilation systems) and the habits of its occupants (e.g., ventilation practices) are the main factors controlling radon removal. Consequently, a house may be located in an area where soils naturally release large amounts of radon, yet indoor concentrations may remain low if the interface between the ground and the building is well sealed and ventilation is efficient. Conversely, homes with basements, cracks, poor insulation, and insufficient ventilation may exhibit elevated indoor radon concentrations even when the entering rate is low.

What should I do If my home has high radon concentrations?

Mitigation measures should be implemented. The appropriate actions depend on the radon concentrations detected in each case. If levels are only slightly above those recommended by international organizations, improving natural cross-ventilation on a daily basis may be sufficient. However, if radon concentrations greatly exceed recommended reference levels, more complex mitigation strategies may be required, such as the installation of controlled air-extraction systems and/or sub-slab depressurization and venting systems. Sealing cracks in floors and walls can also contribute significantly to reducing indoor radon concentrations.
Prevention is often more cost-effective than mitigation. Therefore, if a dwelling is to be built in an area with high radon potential, incorporating radon-resistant construction measures from the outset is the best option.

Can I ingest radon through water or food?

Yes, radon can be ingested through water, but ingestion through food has not been reported since radon is a gas with a short half-life (3.8 days), thus it is unlikely to remain trapped in solids or liquids for extended periods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unlike radon in indoor air, there is currently no conclusive evidence demonstrating that ingesting radon in drinking water poses a significant health risk. Rather, the WHO and other studies indicate that the main concern associated with water containing high radon concentrations remains inhalation exposure. This occurs when dissolved radon is released from tap water into indoor air during household activities such as showering, cooking, or washing, particularly when the water originates directly from groundwater sources without a storage tank.
Although there is still no international consensus and the available evidence remains limited, it has been suggested that when drinking water contains radon concentrations exceeding 1,000 Bq/L (equivalent to 10⁶ Bq/m³), it is reasonable to consider treatment measures aimed at removing the gas prior to consumption. Such mitigation strategies typically involve the use of storage tanks combined with aeration techniques, including cascade aeration, spray aeration, or air-bubbling systems. These methods can achieve nearly complete radon removal (80–99% efficiency). Water treatment should be complemented by adequate household ventilation measures to prevent the accumulation of radon in indoor air.

Why is radioactivity harmful to human health?

Radioactivity involves the emission of ionizing radiation, a form of energy capable of altering the matter with which it interacts. When an individual is exposed to relatively high levels of radioactivity (excluding acute exposure) over a prolonged period, immune system responses may be affected, and inflammatory processes may occur at the tissue or organ level. In addition, ionizing radiation can induce oxidative stress at the cellular level and damage DNA or interfere with its repair mechanisms. Together, these effects increase the likelihood of malignant cell formation, which may lead to diseases such as cancer, as well as other conditions including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.

Will I develop cancer if I am exposed to radioactivity?

Not necessarily. Prolonged exposure to high levels of natural radioactivity (excluding acute exposure) is a risk factor that increases the probability of developing cancer, much like tobacco smoking. However, increased risk does not mean that the disease will inevitably occur. Cancer is a multifactorial disease, meaning that its development is influenced by multiple interacting factors of different origins, including genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and lifestyle, among others.

For residential radon, what constitutes “high” exposure and “long-term” exposure?

Although organizations such as the WHO and the ICRP (see links of interest) have established reference levels of concentrations above which mitigation actions are recommended, there is no known completely safe threshold for radon exposure. In general, indoor radon concentrations should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. The WHO and the ICRP recommend taking action when indoor radon concentrations exceed 100 Bq/m³ and 300 Bq/m³, respectively, as levels above these values are associated with an increased health risk. These reference concentrations are based on an assumed occupancy of approximately 19 hours per day in the measured indoor environment and are intended to reflect exposure sustained over many years.

Publications

Radón y carcinogénesis ambiental

Oriolo, S., Ozán, I., Maffini, N., Cantera, C., Ceretani, A., Esteban, F., Martin, C., Vera, V., Rubio, A. 2026

Anales de la Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales 77:235-252.

A-type granitoids as a major source of indoor radon and gamma radiation: Insights from the Punilla valley (Argentina)

Oriolo, S., Maffini, N., Ozán, I., Cantera, C., Sívori, M., Esteban, F., Ostera, H. 2026.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 296, 107992.

Multi-exposure environmental mapping and scale effects in lung cancer risk assessment: An ecological synthesis from central Argentina

Martin, C., Verónica, V., Sierra, J., Maffini, N., Fraschetti, P., Theaux, J., Oriolo, S., Brocca, C., Ozán, I. 2026.

American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Abstracts. Chicago, USA.