The BfS investigates the radon situation at workplaces

A study by the BfS is supposed to record the radon concentration at various workplaces.

At work, you can come into contact with a wide variety of pollutants. A little-known indoor pollutant is the radioactive gas radon. Radon occurs in the soil throughout Germany and can accumulate in buildings. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

In order to gain a better overview of the radon situation at workplaces in Germany, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has radon measurements carried out at workplaces as part of a study. Employers who are not legally obliged to measure radon according to the Radiation Protection Act and who have workplaces in basements or ground floors are eligible to participate.

Since the beginning of 2021, employers in radon precautionary areas have been obliged to have the radon concentration determined at workplaces in basements and ground floors and to take measures to protect employees if the values exceed the legal reference value. The results of these radon measurements are available to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection in anonymised form for research purposes.

Further developing radon protection

President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini

"Together with the measurement data from the radon precautionary areas, the data from the current study allow us to better record the radon situation at workplaces in Germany", says BfS President Inge Paulini. "This will help us to develop recommendations for the further development of legislation to protect the population against radon and could provide evidence of industries where there is a previously unknown increased risk of radon."

"We can achieve this goal only if many employers get involved in our research and in the health protection of their employees and participate in the study", says Paulini.

Employers receive measurement results

Radon measuring device

At least 2,000 measurements – proportionally divided amongst various sectors and regions – are to take place. The radon concentration can usually be determined at up to two workplaces per company. For this purpose, small, inconspicuous measuring devices are issued. These devices remain at the workplace for one year and are then returned to the project team for evaluation. The measurement results are then made available to the employers.

Beitrag zum Gesundheitsschutz der Beschäftigten

"By participating in the study, employers can fulfil their duty of care for their employees and get initial indications as to whether radon could be an issue for them", says Paulini.

She points out that a measurement could also result in obligations. "In most cases, the measurements will give the all-clear. However, if a measurement result is above the legal reference value of 300 becquerels of radon per cubic metre of indoor air, employers must take the appropriate measures against radon. This also makes sense for the well-being of the workers."