[Radon in workplaces, a review]

Radon is a chemical radioactive element. It occurs naturally as the decay product of radium; it's responsible for the majority of the mean public exposure to ionizing radiation. It is often the single largest contributor to an individual's background radiation dose, and is the most variable from location to location. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined areas such as attics, and basements. Breathing in radon is a cause of lung cancer. In Italy, high levels of radon should be found in underground spaces such as wineries, historical buildings, hot springs or mushrooms farms, and it's a hazard all this workplaces. To ensure the health and safety of employees and others who have access to their work environment, the occupational physician can program inexpensive surveys (with dosemeters) and develop an information plan.