The aims of this work package are a) to collect and analyse meta-information on radon surveys performed and existing radon databases in European countries, b) to evaluate if the data and methodologies are comparable and c) how they could be harmonized in case of methodical inconsistency. Moreover it will evaluate which data are useful for different purposes such as the evaluation of workplaces, preventive measures, estimation population dose caused by radon etc. The collection of methodologies and evaluation of comparability will give guidance for technical and political decisions in implementing the European-Basic Safety Standards (EU-BSS) in the Member States (especially in the ones, who are at the beginning of their radon program) as well as on a European level (e.g. European Atlas of Natural Radiation). Currently the EU-BSS are being transposed into national law and hence the timing is opportune to provide assistance and discuss on a scientifically high-level, international platform how this is best done in a quality assured and harmonised way. Radon surveys and radon measurements are carried out quite differently in European countries, dependent on political decisions, aim of the survey, availability of resources and infrastructure. For reasons to be discussed methodologies are different and may lead to inconsistencies, i.e. different values of the nominally same quantity. This may lead to communication problems between stakeholders and impair credibility, and as further consequence reduce efficiency of measures taken as part of Radon Action Plans as required by the EU-BSS. New standards, guidelines and protocols can help to steer political and technical decisions with respect to the design of new radon surveys and measurements in harmonized directions (via ISO standards, EC guidelines etc.).
It will be not realizable nor indeed reasonable, that a European effort of harmonization of radon data and surveys will be done from scratch, meaning that all countries will start new surveys or measurements or change their mapping strategies according to a guideline or a defined standard. Harmonization of radon protection on a European level does not mean to force all member states to use the same methodologies for surveys, mapping, radon awareness, preventive measures etc.; instead, all European citizens should be protected against exposure to Rn sufficiently and as reasonably feasible through a quality assured Rn policy, independent which EU country they live in. Therefore it is necessary to have a picture of the radon situation in Europe, and harmonize the radon protection standards of the public.
Task 3.1: Radon Indoor surveys in Europe: description and comparison
Task 3.2: Geogenic radon surveys in Europe: description and comparison
