The aim of this task is to analyse and evaluate indoor radon surveys in order
- to identify the rationale and methodologies used,
- to identify the extent and possible sources of inconsistencies in the results of indoor radon surveys and
- to propose approaches to reduce inconsistencies and improve harmonisation of indoor
radon data.
There are differences in radon surveys both between countries and within countries (e.g. due to surveys performed in different periods of the year, short-term and long-term measurements or surveys serving different objectives). A radon survey does not merely consist of measurements, although correct measurement methodology is a prerequisite. Instead, a survey is a chain of conceptual and experimental steps from the survey design (corresponding to a given survey policy) through sampling, measurements to evaluation and interpretation that results in an output. Each step has its particular quality assurance (QA) features.
Methodologies can be equivalent in terms of QA compliance, yet their results may be inconsistent due to different preliminary boundary conditions. Moreover, a survey has objectives which are related to the needs and possibilities of society and its design and implementation is subject to these.
Existing indoor Rn surveys in Europe will be reviewed and missing information obtained where possible. The conceptual preliminaries about radon surveys will be analysed, and an overview on Rn policies and methodologies related to different levels of the “survey chain” will be developed. The extent and sources of inconsistency between indoor radon surveys will be identified and described. Possibilities of harmonisation will be explored and proposed.
