Medical Survey of the Staff Working in Škocjan Caves

A five-year study at Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, reveals that prolonged exposure to radon radiation and other microclimatic factors—such as temperature, humidity, and air flow—can induce physiological changes in cave workers. The research, conducted by the Institute for Occupational Safety, Ljubljana, combines continuous radon monitoring with precise tracking of staff time spent underground, enabling accurate estimation of annual radiation doses. To mitigate health risks, the study implements regular medical surveys, including blood tests, as mandated by national regulations. These measures aim to prevent potential health issues while providing insights into the broader impacts of cave microclimates on human physiology.

Debevec Gerjevič, V. (2016). Medical Survey of the Staff Working in Škocjan Caves. Acta Carsologica, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v31i1.406