Learning Radon

Reduce radon risk through knowledge and training.

Know more about radon Training of professionals

Radon

Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas which comes from rocks and soils and its concentration inside buildings depends mainly on geogenic characteristics, the type of construction and the use of the building.

Inhaled radon is the largest source of exposure to ionizing radiation for the world population, contributing more than 40% to the effective dose (UNSCEAR, 2008).

Prolonged exposure to radon inside buildings is one of the main causes of lung cancer. Smokers and ex-smokers are at increased risk from the combined action of tobacco and radon. There is no consistent evidence of a link between radon exposure and other cancers or conditions.

How to measure

Radon maps are an indicator of the level of radon susceptibility inside buildings, however the only way to know the concentration is to measure it.

Radon measurement in buildings is easy to perform. Passive detectors are small plastic devices that don’t need energy to work and are the most reliable and inexpensive way to measure indoor radon.

Procedure for dwellings

Procedure for workplaces

Contact a company who delivers radon testing services.

When you receive the detector(s), place them in the room where you spend most time (bedroom or living room)

The detector(s) must remain in the same place for at least three months, after that time it is returned to the company for analysis.

Company will provide you with the result.

Please be aware that there may be special instructions issued by competent authorities on how to test for radon in the workplace.

You should contact a company that provides measurements accredited according to ISO 17025.

Workplaces should be monitored according to the occupancy of the rooms by the employees.

The number of detectors to be used depends on the area of the rooms and on which floor of the building the rooms are located.

Companies should provide the necessary information for the calculation and placement of detectors.

How to mitigate

Radon is everywhere, outside and inside buildings. All buildings contain radon, but concentrations are generally low.

In cases of high levels of radon it is possible to reduce exposure inside buildings through corrective or remedial measures for existing buildings. Preventive measures should be installed at the construction stage of new buildings located in radon prone areas.