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Protocol for assessing and managing radon gas exposure risks in caves: A case study of Altamira and Paleolithic cave art of Northern Spain World Heritage Site

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dc.contributor.authorSánchez Moral, Sergio
dc.contributor.authorLario Gómez, Javier
dc.contributor.authorCuezva, Soledad
dc.contributor.authorCañaveras, Juan Carlos
dc.contributor.authorMartín Pozas, Tamara
dc.contributor.authorFernández Cortés, Angel
dc.date.accessioned2025-11-06T11:19:09Z
dc.date.available2025-11-06T11:19:09Z
dc.date.issued2025-11-01
dc.descriptionThe registered version of this article, first published in “International Journal of Speleology , vol. 54, 2025", is available online at the publisher's website: Union Internationale de Spéléologie, https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.ijs2570
dc.descriptionLa versión registrada de este artículo, publicado por primera vez en “International Journal of Speleology , vol. 54, 2025", está disponible en línea en el sitio web del editor: Union Internationale de Spéléologie, https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.ijs2570
dc.description.abstractExposure to radon and its progeny poses a significant health risk for workers in tourist caves. Implementing protective measures is challenging due to increasingly strict gas concentration and dose limits in new regulations. This study evaluates the annual effective radiation doses received by workers and researchers, considering seasonal and spatial radon variability. Radon levels, temperature, and ventilation patterns were continuously monitored for at least one year in each cave. Results show significant radon fluctuations influenced by seasonal ventilation regimes driven by thermal gradients between the cave and external atmosphere. Using International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines, the study calculates the maximum allowable working hours to comply with European and Spanish regulations, which set an annual dose limit of 20 mSv for occupational exposure. Findings emphasize the necessity of continuous radon monitoring and tailored management strategies, such as adjusting work schedules and restricting access during high-radon periods. Additionally, the study highlights the limitations of passive radon detectors, which tend to underestimate actual radon levels compared to continuous monitoring. This research provides a protocol for managing radon exposure in culturally significant caves while ensuring worker and visitor safety. The methodology includes initial spatial dosimetry, continuous monitoring, and safe working hour recommendations based on monthly radon levels. Monitoring should also consider parameters like temperature, humidity, and CO2 to understand ventilation dynamics. These measures are essential for compliance with radioprotection standards while preserving the integrity of these unique cultural and historical sites.en
dc.description.versionversión publicada
dc.identifier.citationSánchez-Moral, S., Lario, J., Cuezva, S., Cañaveras, J.C., Martín-Pozas T., Fernández-Cortés A., 2025. Protocol for assessing and managing radon gas exposure risks in caves: A case study of Altamira and Paleolithic cave art of Northern Spain World Heritage Site. International Journal of Speleology, 54(3), ijs2570. https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.ijs2570
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.ijs2570
dc.identifier.issn0392-6672 | 1827-806X
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14468/30790
dc.journal.issue3
dc.journal.titleInternational Journal of Speleology
dc.journal.volume54
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUnion Internationale de Spéléologie
dc.relation.centerFacultad de Ciencias
dc.relation.departmentCiencias Analíticas
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.es
dc.subject2506 Geología
dc.subject.keywordsRadon gasen
dc.subject.keywordsUNESCO World Heritageen
dc.subject.keywordsradioprotectionen
dc.subject.keywordsoccupational exposureen
dc.subject.keywordsshow cavesen
dc.titleProtocol for assessing and managing radon gas exposure risks in caves: A case study of Altamira and Paleolithic cave art of Northern Spain World Heritage Siteen
dc.typeartículoes
dc.typejournal articleen
dspace.entity.typePublication
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relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery2f4b8f5c-b4e0-4ed9-a55b-3d876e694b19
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