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#Protocols for #radon #testing

Jose Luis Gutierrez Villanueva
Jose Luis Gutierrez Villanueva

This document discusses protocols for radon testing in Europe. It begins by covering the fundamentals of radon gas and new European legislation establishing a reference level of 300 Bq/m3 for radon. It then examines existing radon measurement protocols for dwellings, workplaces, and public buildings in several European countries. Minimum guidelines for assessing radon exposure in workplaces are also presented. Finally, it concludes that most European countries have adopted or will adopt 300 Bq/m3 as the reference level and emphasizes the continued importance of radon measurement and assessment.

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Protocols for radon testing J.L. Gutierrez-Villanueva Radonova laboratories AB, Uppsala (Sweden) Protocols for radon testing J.L. Gutierrez-Villanueva Radonova laboratories AB, Uppsala (Sweden)
1. RADON GAS: Fundamentals
Radon is . No more repetitions on what radon is. We all know
EUROPEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER ways to reduce your cancer risk12 1 Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco. 2 Make your home smoke free. Support smoke-free policies in your workplace. 3 Take action to be a healthy body weight. 4 Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting. 5 Have a healthy diet: Eat plenty of whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits. Limit high-calorie foods (foods high in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary drinks. Avoid processed meat; limit red meat and foods high in salt. 6 If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake. Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention. 7 Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds. 8 In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions. 9 Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home. Take action to reduce high radon levels. 10 For women: Breastfeeding reduces cancer risk. If you can, breastfeed your baby. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of certain cancers. Limit use of HRT. 11 Ensure your children take part in vaccination programmes for: Hepatitis B (for newborns) Human papillomavirus (HPV) (for girls). 12 Take part in organized cancer screening programmes for: Bowel cancer (men and women) Breast cancer (women) Cervical cancer (women). The European Code Against Cancer focuses on actions that individual citizens can take to help prevent cancer. Successful cancer prevention requires these individual actions to be supported by governmental policies and actions. Find out more about the European Code Against Cancer at: http://cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr This project is co-financed by the European Union and coordinated by the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
2. New legislation
#Protocols for #radon #testing
THE NEW DIRECTIVE EURATOM BASIC SAFEY STANDARDS This document introduces radon gas into the system of radiological protection for the first time The council of European Union issued the final document in January 2014 It aims to offer better protection for both: public and workplaces Radon reference levels: 300 Bq m3 Occupational exposure arrangements in workplaces > 6 mSv y1: Situation to be managed as a planned exposure situation 6 mSv y1: Exposures need to be kept under review Establishment of a national radon action plan
THE NEW DIRECTIVE EURATOM BASIC SAFEY STANDARDS: NAP (National Action Plan) List of 14 items to be covered: Estimation of indoor radon concentrations (indoor radon surveys, radon in soil gas surveys) Criteria to identify areas with high radon exposure Reference levels: dwellings and workplaces To assign responsibilities in the administration Strategies to reduce radon exposure: prevention, remedial actions Revisions and updates of the action plan Strategy to communicate radon risk Guidance on methods Financial support
3. Radon measurement protocols in Europe
Radon in Europe But be very careful when using maps
Radon in Europe Measurements density is VERY important !!
Planned, or recently new radon reference levels: Germany 300 Bq/m3 Finland from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (existing buildings), new buildings still 200 Bq/m3 UK 300 Bq/m3 in workplaces Belgium from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 Austria from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (new buildings 200 Bq/m3 ) Czech Republic from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (new buildings 200 Bq/m3 ) Spain 300 Bq/m3 (previous 600 Bq/m3 in workplaces) France from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 Switzerland from an action level of 1000 Bq/m3 to a reference level of 300 Bq/m3 Reference levels
Reference levels Private dwellings In private dwellings, actions will not be mandatory if the reference level is exceeded. However, the highest radon exposure usually occur in private dwellings. Public buildings and multi-family houses Authorities can require measurements and mitigation.
Reference levels Work places 則 Authorities can require measurements and actions. 則 The implementation of the new BSS will make new regulations concerning workplaces. 則 If radon dose from radon exposure will exceed 6 mSv, the situation should be handled as a planned exposure situation.
A reference level could be exceeded if it is not possible to get below it. However, actions must be made if it is not possible to get below a reference levels. For radon, the reference level should not be higher than 300 Bq/m3 (both dwellings and workplaces) Some European countries already have reference levels below 300 Bq/m3 (Sweden 200 Bq/m3 , UK 200 Bq/m3 in dwellings, Ireland 200 Bq/m3 , Norway action level 200 Bq/m3 - reference level 100 Bq/m3) Reference levels
Requirement of ISO 17025 accreditation for official approved measurements. In Sweden, accredited measurements is required if radon mitigation grant should be obtained. UK: measurement services must be validated by PHE Finland: measurement services must be approved by STUK, requirements to provide calibration data. US & Canada: detectors and devices must be approved and listed, measurement services must be approved by AARST or CARST Switzerland: Measurement services must be approved. Required intercomparison tests every second year. Regulations for radon measurement providers
Measurements during the heating season (Scandinavia, Switzerland) Seasonal correction factors (UK, Norway, Ireland) At least two detectors (Sweden, UK) Placement in living areas In multifamily houses, more flats on the lowest floor but some measurements on every floor Measurement protocols for dwellings
In workplaces, schools and public buildings the radon levels are usually lower when the areas are occupied (better ventilation during that time). A first screening long-term measurement should be performed If the screening measurement is above the action level, a follow-up measurement for a shorter time could be useful to determine what the radon levels are during working hours. A follow-up measurement could be performed with a continuous monitor (CRM) or a passive detector which can be turned on and off. From the follow-up measurement a working level/total level factor can be obtained with which the result from the first screening measurement is multiplied (Norway/Canada) If the total level result from the follow-up measurement agree with the screening measurement, the working level result can be used (Sweden) There are different requirements in different countries concerning have many measurements (detectors) must be performed in a workplace Measurement protocols for workplaces/public buildings
The measurements should be performed as long-term measurements meaning a measurement period of at least three months The measurements should be analyzed by a laboratory which is accredited to the ISO 17025 or NELAC standards. Rooms/areas which are occupied on a regular basis for more than 4 hours a day. All underground/basement rooms/areas and other rooms, where there is a significant risk of major radon entry, which could be used by individuals for more than 50 hours per year (about one hour per week). Basement and ground floor: Measure in all rooms/areas which fulfill the criteria above. For larger rooms and spaces, place at least on detector per 150 m族. On higher floors: At least two detectors per floor and at least one detector per 250 m族. Industrial radon measurement guideline for workplaces (IRMA 0791-30)
4. Conclusions
1.- New scenario after implementation of EURATOM BSS in Europe 3.- The following countries have a protocol to describe how to measure radon (WPs): Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Norway, UK, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland 2.- Most countries have adopted or will adopt 300 Bq m-3 as RL 4.- Minimum requirements to assess radon exposure at work place: Industrial radon measurement guideline for workplaces (IRMA 0791-30) 5.- MEASURE, MEASURE AND MEASURE
Jos辿 - Luis Guti辿rrez Villanueva PhD. Specialist radon measurement advisor E-mail: joseluis.gutierrez@radonova.com Phone: +46709368312 Thank you very much for your patience

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#Protocols for #radon #testing

  • 1. Protocols for radon testing J.L. Gutierrez-Villanueva Radonova laboratories AB, Uppsala (Sweden) Protocols for radon testing J.L. Gutierrez-Villanueva Radonova laboratories AB, Uppsala (Sweden)
  • 2. 1. RADON GAS: Fundamentals
  • 3. Radon is . No more repetitions on what radon is. We all know
  • 4. EUROPEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER ways to reduce your cancer risk12 1 Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco. 2 Make your home smoke free. Support smoke-free policies in your workplace. 3 Take action to be a healthy body weight. 4 Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting. 5 Have a healthy diet: Eat plenty of whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits. Limit high-calorie foods (foods high in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary drinks. Avoid processed meat; limit red meat and foods high in salt. 6 If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake. Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention. 7 Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds. 8 In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions. 9 Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home. Take action to reduce high radon levels. 10 For women: Breastfeeding reduces cancer risk. If you can, breastfeed your baby. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of certain cancers. Limit use of HRT. 11 Ensure your children take part in vaccination programmes for: Hepatitis B (for newborns) Human papillomavirus (HPV) (for girls). 12 Take part in organized cancer screening programmes for: Bowel cancer (men and women) Breast cancer (women) Cervical cancer (women). The European Code Against Cancer focuses on actions that individual citizens can take to help prevent cancer. Successful cancer prevention requires these individual actions to be supported by governmental policies and actions. Find out more about the European Code Against Cancer at: http://cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr This project is co-financed by the European Union and coordinated by the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
  • 7. THE NEW DIRECTIVE EURATOM BASIC SAFEY STANDARDS This document introduces radon gas into the system of radiological protection for the first time The council of European Union issued the final document in January 2014 It aims to offer better protection for both: public and workplaces Radon reference levels: 300 Bq m3 Occupational exposure arrangements in workplaces > 6 mSv y1: Situation to be managed as a planned exposure situation 6 mSv y1: Exposures need to be kept under review Establishment of a national radon action plan
  • 8. THE NEW DIRECTIVE EURATOM BASIC SAFEY STANDARDS: NAP (National Action Plan) List of 14 items to be covered: Estimation of indoor radon concentrations (indoor radon surveys, radon in soil gas surveys) Criteria to identify areas with high radon exposure Reference levels: dwellings and workplaces To assign responsibilities in the administration Strategies to reduce radon exposure: prevention, remedial actions Revisions and updates of the action plan Strategy to communicate radon risk Guidance on methods Financial support
  • 9. 3. Radon measurement protocols in Europe
  • 10. Radon in Europe But be very careful when using maps
  • 11. Radon in Europe Measurements density is VERY important !!
  • 12. Planned, or recently new radon reference levels: Germany 300 Bq/m3 Finland from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (existing buildings), new buildings still 200 Bq/m3 UK 300 Bq/m3 in workplaces Belgium from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 Austria from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (new buildings 200 Bq/m3 ) Czech Republic from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 (new buildings 200 Bq/m3 ) Spain 300 Bq/m3 (previous 600 Bq/m3 in workplaces) France from 400 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3 Switzerland from an action level of 1000 Bq/m3 to a reference level of 300 Bq/m3 Reference levels
  • 13. Reference levels Private dwellings In private dwellings, actions will not be mandatory if the reference level is exceeded. However, the highest radon exposure usually occur in private dwellings. Public buildings and multi-family houses Authorities can require measurements and mitigation.
  • 14. Reference levels Work places 則 Authorities can require measurements and actions. 則 The implementation of the new BSS will make new regulations concerning workplaces. 則 If radon dose from radon exposure will exceed 6 mSv, the situation should be handled as a planned exposure situation.
  • 15. A reference level could be exceeded if it is not possible to get below it. However, actions must be made if it is not possible to get below a reference levels. For radon, the reference level should not be higher than 300 Bq/m3 (both dwellings and workplaces) Some European countries already have reference levels below 300 Bq/m3 (Sweden 200 Bq/m3 , UK 200 Bq/m3 in dwellings, Ireland 200 Bq/m3 , Norway action level 200 Bq/m3 - reference level 100 Bq/m3) Reference levels
  • 16. Requirement of ISO 17025 accreditation for official approved measurements. In Sweden, accredited measurements is required if radon mitigation grant should be obtained. UK: measurement services must be validated by PHE Finland: measurement services must be approved by STUK, requirements to provide calibration data. US & Canada: detectors and devices must be approved and listed, measurement services must be approved by AARST or CARST Switzerland: Measurement services must be approved. Required intercomparison tests every second year. Regulations for radon measurement providers
  • 17. Measurements during the heating season (Scandinavia, Switzerland) Seasonal correction factors (UK, Norway, Ireland) At least two detectors (Sweden, UK) Placement in living areas In multifamily houses, more flats on the lowest floor but some measurements on every floor Measurement protocols for dwellings
  • 18. In workplaces, schools and public buildings the radon levels are usually lower when the areas are occupied (better ventilation during that time). A first screening long-term measurement should be performed If the screening measurement is above the action level, a follow-up measurement for a shorter time could be useful to determine what the radon levels are during working hours. A follow-up measurement could be performed with a continuous monitor (CRM) or a passive detector which can be turned on and off. From the follow-up measurement a working level/total level factor can be obtained with which the result from the first screening measurement is multiplied (Norway/Canada) If the total level result from the follow-up measurement agree with the screening measurement, the working level result can be used (Sweden) There are different requirements in different countries concerning have many measurements (detectors) must be performed in a workplace Measurement protocols for workplaces/public buildings
  • 19. The measurements should be performed as long-term measurements meaning a measurement period of at least three months The measurements should be analyzed by a laboratory which is accredited to the ISO 17025 or NELAC standards. Rooms/areas which are occupied on a regular basis for more than 4 hours a day. All underground/basement rooms/areas and other rooms, where there is a significant risk of major radon entry, which could be used by individuals for more than 50 hours per year (about one hour per week). Basement and ground floor: Measure in all rooms/areas which fulfill the criteria above. For larger rooms and spaces, place at least on detector per 150 m族. On higher floors: At least two detectors per floor and at least one detector per 250 m族. Industrial radon measurement guideline for workplaces (IRMA 0791-30)
  • 21. 1.- New scenario after implementation of EURATOM BSS in Europe 3.- The following countries have a protocol to describe how to measure radon (WPs): Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Norway, UK, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland 2.- Most countries have adopted or will adopt 300 Bq m-3 as RL 4.- Minimum requirements to assess radon exposure at work place: Industrial radon measurement guideline for workplaces (IRMA 0791-30) 5.- MEASURE, MEASURE AND MEASURE
  • 22. Jos辿 - Luis Guti辿rrez Villanueva PhD. Specialist radon measurement advisor E-mail: joseluis.gutierrez@radonova.com Phone: +46709368312 Thank you very much for your patience