Radon migration into different building types at medium and low south-eastern flank of Mt Etna (Sicily): connection with the volcanic activity

Indoor Radon concentrations have been carried out simultaneously at the villages of S. Venerina and Acireale, which are located on the south-eastern flank of Mt. Etna volcano. Both investigation sites are partially affected by the same fault system, which plays an important role in the dynamics of the volcano, especially before and during eruptive periods. Measurements were performed in the period from January 2006 until April 2006, just prior to an eruption which took place on 14th July 2006. Indoor Radon monitoring at S. Venerina, was carried out at two buildings located nearby, characterized by a different type of construction. These buildings were chosen because they can be considered as representative of both the historical centre and the new neighbourhoods of the village. At the same time, a Radon active monitor was operating in-soil near the two aforesaid edifices. Cross-correlation analysis between the in-soil one with both the indoor S. Venerina Radon series indicated different temporal correlation, probably due to the different types of building foundations and constructive materials of their walls, both causing the different indoor accumulation. S. Venerina’s indoor Radon values taken at the new building showed similar trends and the same anomalies as the ones recorded at Acireale. The simultaneous increase in indoor Radon concentration was observed at both sites from the last ten days of March, when a significant increase in the CO₂ efflux was recorded. Increases in volcanogenic gases occurred very probably throughout an inflating state of the volcano during the pre-eruptive period, which caused the wide opening of the fractures. Lastly, variations in indoor Radon concentrations observed before an eruption, indicate the suitability of the investigated sites for in-soil Radon monitoring at a low altitude of the south-eastern flank of Mt. Etna. Moreover, in this place repeated and long period Radon indoor measurements should be carried out due to high potential indoor accumulation which depends from the volcanic activity, as this could constitute a serious danger to public health.