Implementation of dose calculation methods for NORM by-products in building materials in the circular economy framework

Introduction: Risk assessment of exposure to indoor pollutants plays an increasingly important role in human protection, and one of the main sources of indoor pollutants is building materials (BMs). In addition, production processes, including those related to BMs, are also involved in economic transition: the use of by-products from other industrial sectors as raw materials for the production processes in compliance with environmental sustainability is evaluated.Methods: In this work, we evaluate not only the radiation protection of BMs but also the possibility of adopting the circular economy principles. The two main objectives of this study were 1) radiometric characterization and calculation of Index I of pozzolan from Altavilla Irpina (Avellino) in Italy, used as a natural igneous additive for concrete, using gamma spectroscopy, and 2) comparison of different methodologies for calculating the annual effective dose of BMs (CEN/TR 17113:2017, RESRAD-BUILD software, and a previously developed experimental method). The same approach was extended to the possibility of reusing fly ash—a naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) by-product of coal combustion in thermal power plants—for the production of concrete.Results and Discussion: The study aligns with the principles linked to the circular economy to extend the life cycle of materials by reducing the need for natural resources, suggesting a possible positive compromise between radioprotection and preservation of environmental heritage

Italian National Radon Action Plan: New Challenges for Risk Assessment

Radon gas is one of the chemical pollutants with one of the most significant physical effects due to its impact on human health: it is a radioactive noble gas which, if inhaled, can stochastically induce lung cancer. For this reason, it is classified as a category A substance and is the second cause of cancer after tobacco smoking. The monitoring and management of indoor radon is based on international recommendations but also national regulations, which, in recent years, have been updated by lowering the reference levels. In this work, some radon activity concentration data were evaluated by comparing the criteria of old and new legislation to highlight how the radiation protection approach has completely changed. Specifically, this study focuses on measurements in Campania, which, due to its originally volcanic geological structure, requires crucial attention in the context of radon risk assessment, given the considerable number of dwellings built in tuff. This initial data processing enabled the identification of potential high-priority radon risk areas, serving as an important reference point for the extension of the monitoring activities in Campania

Preoperative basal computed tomography.

<p>The involvement of the psoas muscle and retroperitoneum from the Morrison's pouch up to the right iliac fossa and to the iliac region is evident (I, II). The same CT scan shows the involvement of the right thigh with the cysts localized deeply and behind the muscular aponeurotic plane of the femoral quadriceps and abductor muscles up to the knee (III, IV).</p

Postoperative computed tomography showing the outcome of the treatment.

<p>The psoas muscle has been spared despite the resection of the cysts (I, II); the right thigh is free of cysts with the conservation of the muscular structures (III, IV).</p

Fractures around Trochanteric Nails: The “Vergilius Classification System”

Introduction. The fractures that occurred around trochanteric nails (perinail fractures, PNFs) are becoming a huge challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Although presenting some specific critical issues (i.e., patients’ outcomes and treatment strategies), these fractures are commonly described within peri-implant ones and their treatment was based on periprosthetic fracture recommendations. The knowledge gap about PNFs leads us to convene a research group with the aim to propose a specific classification system to guide the orthopaedic surgeon in the management of these fractures. Materials and Methods. A steering committee, identified by two Italian associations of orthopaedic surgeons, conducted a comprehensive literature review on PNFs to identify the unmet needs about this topic. Subsequently, a panel of experts was involved in a consensus meeting proposing a specific classification system and formulated treatment statements for PNFs. Results and Discussion. The research group considered four PNF main characteristics for the classification proposal: (1) fracture localization, (2) fracture morphology, (3) fracture fragmentation, and (3) healing status of the previous fracture. An alphanumeric code was included to identify each characteristic, allowing to describe up to 54 categories of PNFs, using a 3- to 4-digit code. The proposal of the consensus-based classification reporting the most relevant aspects for PNF treatment might be a useful tool to guide the orthopaedic surgeon in the appropriate management of these fractures