Radon and building safety: conference at the University of Insubria on 27 November to support the update of Lombardy Region guidelines

On Friday, 27 November, starting at 8:30 am, the University of Insubria's «Granero-Porati» Aula Magna, located at Via Dunant 3 in Varese, will host the conference «Radon – Preparatory Studies for the Update of Lombardy Region Guidelines», a day of scientific and technical discussions dedicated to mitigating the risks associated with radon exposure in indoor environments.

The event aims to review current scientific knowledge, regulatory requirements and available solutions for reducing exposure to this naturally occurring radioactive gas, which can accumulate inside buildings and pose a risk to human health. Particular attention will be paid to innovative developments, practical mitigation techniques and the results of mitigation projects already implemented in Italy and the Canton of Ticino, with the aim of contributing to the update of regional guidelines.

The programme will bring together representatives from academia, public institutions, regulatory and prevention authorities, technical professions and social partners, encouraging dialogue between scientific research, practical applications and public health protection policies.

The event will begin at 8:30 am with participant registration, followed at 9:00 am by institutional greetings from the Rector of the University of Insubria, the President of Lombardy Region, the Director of the University's Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, the Director General of ATS Insubria and the Director General of the Welfare Directorate of Lombardy Region.

The morning session, chaired by engineer Giuseppe Giannelli from INAIL's Como Territorial Operational Unit, will begin at 9:40 am with an introduction by Professor Fabio Conti of the University of Insubria.

At 9:50 am, Dr Roberta Corrao of ATS Insubria will explain the characteristics of radon, while at 10:10 am Professor Domenico Cavallo of the University of Insubria will examine the health risks associated with exposure.

At 10:30 am, the focus will shift to radon mapping in Lombardy, with an update on ongoing initiatives under Legislative Decree 101/2020 and an examination of the contribution of digital mapping to public awareness and health prevention. Speakers will include Dr Rosella Rusconi of ARPA Lombardia and Dr Daniela Aimetti of ATS Insubria – Lombardy Region.

From 10:50 am, the conference will address one of its most practical topics: how to reduce radon exposure in buildings. Drawing on the results of a survey of projects carried out in Italy and the Canton of Ticino, representatives of the designers involved in the research will present structural techniques, building systems solutions and associated costs. Their contributions will provide practical experience and documentation to help identify effective and feasible mitigation measures.

Following the lunch break scheduled for 1:00 pm, the afternoon session, chaired by Professor Fabio Conti, will resume at 2:00 pm with a discussion of the radon situation in Italy, based on ISIN data presented by Dr Roberta Corrao of ATS Insubria, and in the Canton of Ticino, with a contribution from Professor Luca Pampuri of SUPSI in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

At 2:20 pm, engineer Andrea Paladini of ATS Brescia will present awareness-raising initiatives concerning radon, while at 2:40 pm the discussion will turn to workplace safety, with contributions from representatives of employers' organisations and trade unions.

At 3:15 pm, the focus will be on the role of Lombardy Region and local authorities in radon risk prevention and management. Scheduled speakers include Dr Danilo Cereda or architect Salvatore Caruso from the Welfare Directorate of Lombardy Region, together with a representative of ANCI Lombardia.

The conference will continue at 3:45 pm with a question-and-answer session and an opportunity for discussion with the audience. At 4:20 pm, concluding remarks will be delivered by Dr Caterina Cecchino of ATS Insubria. At 4:40 pm, participants will complete the final learning assessment test and satisfaction questionnaire, followed by the closing of the event.

The conference is held under the patronage of the University of Insubria, INAIL – Varese Office, ATS Insubria, the Order of Engineers of the Province of Varese, the Order of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservators of the Province of Varese, and the College of Surveyors and Graduate Surveyors of the Province of Varese.

Participation is free of charge, and continuing professional development credits will be awarded. For Radon Remediation Experts, pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 203 of 25 November 2022, Article 51, paragraph 1, passing the final assessment test entitles participants to four hours of mandatory continuing professional development within the three-year training period.

Surveyors registered with the College of Surveyors and Graduate Surveyors of the Province of Varese will receive 6 continuing professional development credits for attending the event.

For further information, please contact Professor Fabio Conti at fabio.conti@uninsubria.it.