After a profound analysis of scientific evidence in recent years, it has been found that the risk to human health when exposed to radon is 2 times greater than previously thought.
On this basis, the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) changed the value for the reference level of radon in homes from 600 Bq/m3 to 300 Bq/m3. This represents a significant step forward in the development of a coherent radiation protection system.
The new Directive explicitly sets out the control of the living environment related to the safety of the population and its risk groups. For the first time, it brings together all radiation sources, including the control of natural radionuclides, including the control of radon radiation in residential and public buildings as well as in the workplace.
The Directive follows the recommendations of international standards for radiation protection in requiring member states to develop National Action Plans to address long-term radon exposure risks. One of the key requirements is to identify areas where the concentration of radon (in average annual values) in a significant number of buildings is expected to exceed the relevant national reference level.