Environmental Health in Israel | 2014

of radon, based on measurements of radon gas concentrations in buildings. The last survey, published in 2002 was conducted in "residential secure spaces" in a nation-wide sample and in bomb shelters along the northern border. The survey found that the level of impermeability of residential secure spaces led to high short-term measurements. However, the MoEP concluded that since individuals are not expected to spend more than six consecutive hours in these residential secure spaces under normal conditions, radon levels do not exceed the recommended action level of 200 becquerels per cubic meter. Due to concerns about excessive air pollution adjacent to bus platforms at the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem, the MoEP has been continuously monitoring daily levels of nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine respirable particles (PM 2.5 ). The results indicate nitrogen dioxide levels in excess of warning values and high short-term concentrations of fine respirable particles, most of which were diesel particles that are known to be carcinogenic. It is important to note that bus platforms are not within a closed building and therefore do not meet the strict definition of indoor air, nevertheless emissions from the buses may impact IAQ within the bus station. With the exception of the Jerusalem Central Bus Station, levels of indoor air contaminants in Israel are not regularly measured. The MoEP measured values of nitrogen oxides in two educational institutions in central Israel over the course of three months (January through March 2008). The concentrations measured within the buildings were similar to those tested in the outside environment. While no exceedances were reported for daily average environmental values, the study did find about 10 exceedances of the half-hour environmental value within the buildings. In certain areas where the soil is contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds, sporadic tests are conducted to measure concentrations of chlorinated organic compounds inside buildings. Due to concerns that penetration of hazardous ground gases is polluting the air in underground spaces in the Tel Aviv area, the local authority for environmental quality has conducted measurements of chlorinated and volatile organic hydrocarbons. The pollutants found in underground spaces include: chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and vinyl chloride. Based on the findings in a school in the Tel Aviv area, the MoEP required the Tel Aviv Municipality to adopt various preventive measures to reduce exposure of students to indoor pollutants and recommended continued follow-up. Research on Indoor Air Quality in Israel  In recent years, there have been no epidemiological studies in Israel investigating the connection between IAQ and morbidity.  Researchers at the Technion Center of Excellence in Exposure Science and Environmental Health (TCEEH) are studying the behavior of nicotine in the indoor environment and the presence of flame retardant materials in dust inside cars. - 21 - Indoor Air Quality