Bioburden and Radon in Indoor Spas Air Project - BRISA

Abstract

Hydrogeological and geothermal resources are a significant part of the Portuguese natural resources. Portugal is one of the world's richest countries in mineral and spring waters where the tradition of hydrotherapy dates back at least to the Romans, who had the habit of taking hot medicinal waters. Mineral and spring water exploration either for thermal baths or for bottled water are highly related to the hydrogeology. Some thermal waters have often shown to be enriched in dissolved radon, which can also accumulate in the air during therapy treatments. In these situations, radon can enter into the human body through the exposure to these media, drinking-cure, thermal spa-cure or dry spa, and inhalation therapy. Additionally, there is a gap of information regarding microbial contamination in these indoor environments, although it can influence the health of users and staff who attend them. The project aims to study the exposure of bathers and workers to bioburden (comprising fungi and bacteria) and radiation burden in different thermal spas in Portugal.