U.S. NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, NAPLES, Italy – As part of the Navy Radon Assessment and Mitigation Program (NAVRAMP), U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, began retrieving radon detectors on Sep. 22, 2025, following a year-long test to determine indoor radon gas concentrations.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally from rocks and soils. It is present in outdoor air but may collect in basements or ground level spaces.
A team of contractors from Nicklaus Engineer, Inc began collecting the radon detectors from Navy facilities located on-base. Radon detectors have been placed in basements and ground-level indoor spaces inhabited at least four hours daily.
The radon detectors, called alpha-track detectors, were placed in August 2024. Indoor environments are commonly studied to determine whether radon is present at high concentrations.
Long-term exposure to radon gas at high concentrations can potentially impact health over time. Testing is the only way to determine indoor radon concentrations.
“If we find an issue in any of our spaces, we will work to correct it as soon as possible,” said John Ladd, NSA Naples environmental director. “Elevated indoor radon levels may easily be mitigated by adjusting ventilation to spaces or upgrading building foundations.”
Results from the study are not expected to be available until February 2026. NSA Naples will publish the results.
Non-Residential Navy facilities in NSA Naples were last tested in 2013-2015, but since 2015, base infrastructure has changed and new buildings that have been built. Residential buildings at NSA Naples were lasted tested in 2022-2023.
NSA Naples is classified as a Radon Potential Category (RPC) 1 installation under the NAVRAMP program due to the potential for elevated radon levels exceeding the minimum threshold of 4.0 pCi/L in at least one building. Note that RPC1 is assigned even if a single building on the installation is found to be above 4.0 pCi/L.
Despite the RPC1 classification, NSA Naples adheres to NAVRAMP testing and mitigation policies. Government-owned/controlled units, including off-base government-leased units, are subject to these policies and are either already tested, being mitigated, or currently being tested.
NSA Naples is an operational base, home to over 50 commands and 8,500 personnel, providing crucial support for U.S. and allied forces across Europe, Africa, and the Central Command's areas of responsibility. From air and port operations to force protection and logistics, the base ensures combat readiness while prioritizing the well-being of service members and their families.
For more information about NSA Naples, visit our website: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Naples/
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