Skip to content
Duotrak
Duotrak

Blog post -

A Guide to Understanding Radon Dosimetry

This is a brief introduction to radon dosimetry which describes what it is and when and how to use it. It has been put together with the help of Radonova's radon laboratory experts. Feel free to contact them if you have any questions or want more detailed information.

What is the difference between conventional radon measurement and using a radon dosimeter?

Normally, when measuring for radon, radon levels in a room are analysed using a radon detector or radon instrument, with the results then compared to a national reference value. The higher the radon content, the greater the risk of getting lung cancer. However, it is not only the radon content level that determines the health risk. Exposure to radon over a long period of time is also a contributing factor. To evaluate long term radon exposure use a radon dosimeter.

By using this continuous technique you are able to calculate the level of radon an individual is exposed to over a set period of time. Of course, the applicable limit values will vary depending on the type of room you work in. There is a difference, for example, if you work above or below ground. In addition, limits vary from country to country. If you want to know more about what the limit values are in your country, contact Radonova's experts.

When should I use radon dosimetry?

Radon dosimetry is mainly used in mines and in underground facilities, where radon levels are often high. This is because radon gas is a decomposition product of uranium that is commonly found in the earth's crust. Therefore, radon content is significantly higher in and below ground level, when compared to the air above ground. Radon dosimetry can also be used in other workplaces where high levels of radon content have been identified and perhaps there may not be an easy way of implementing radon reduction measures. Before commencing a radon dosimetry project for individual employees, it is highly recommended to conduct a radon measurement of the workplace.

How does radon dosimetry work?

It is easy to get started with radon dosimetry. The world's leading radon laboratory Radonova provides a product where you receive a quarterly report that indicates individual radon exposure. The results from the report can then be compared with hygienic limit values, and measures can be taken to reduce individual exposure to radon. For example, it can be as simple as reducing the time spent in certain areas that have demonstrated elevated radon levels. After a year, you also receive a summary of the annual exposure, which must then be sent to the national radiation protection authority.

Radon dosimetry in practice

Organizations and workplaces that decide to use radon dosimetry initially need to state how many workers are to be measured. Radonova will then send out dosimeters that are track film radon detectors that will need to be worn by a percentage of employees. These are normally attached to work clothes. At the end of the working day, each individual leaves the dosimeter in a changing room or storage facility. The employee will also need to document how long it has been worn. At the start of the next day, you put the dosimeter back on. This analysis needs to take place over a quarter, then the dosimeter is sent back to Radonova for measurement. Radonova will then issue new dosimeters for each employee. A report will be released within two weeks, it will contain both the exposure for the quarter and the year's accumulated exposure. These results will be compared to national limit values for each country.

The importance of background radon and area measurement

In relation to the use of radon dosimetry, a background measurement must also take place where the dosimeter is stored during non-working hours. It could be, for example, a dressing room, a car, or the home. The exposure measured by the background radon detector is subtracted from the exposure measured with the dosimeter. By doing this, the laboratory can calculate the actual exposure an individual is subjected to during working hours. Note, the background detector should always be stored in a room with a low radon level, it should never be above 50 Bq/m³. Therefore, to gain an accurate measurement it is crucial to determine radon concentration levels in the area where you store background radon detectors.

It is also recommended that area radon measurements are conducted continuously in the locations where employees work. By obtaining this data, it is easier to introduce measures to reduce exposure at an individual level. Area measurements should take place over the same measurement period as personal dosimetry. If you want to know more about background detectors and area measurements, please contact Radonova and we will be happy to provide more detail.

Related links

Topics

Categories

Contacts

Related content

  • Photo courtesy of Fredric Alm.

    Personal radon dosimeters give LKAB full control over radon exposure levels

    The international high-tech mining and mineral company LKAB always prioritises sustainability and safety in the workplace. This includes ensuring that the working environment does not expose staff to radon gas levels above the applicable limit values.
    We met LKAB's work environment technician Johan Sjöström, who tells us how the company has used Radonova's personal radon dosimeters over the pa

  • Karl Nilsson, CEO Radonova Laboratories

    Global study confirms the harmful effects of radon

    A study based on data from 66 countries and presented in Environmental Health Studies (EHP) confirms that there is a clear link between exposure to radon and the risk of lung cancer. Updated data from 2012 show that around 226,000 people died that year from radon-related lung cancer. That means that about three per cent of all those who die from some form of cancer do so because of radon.

  • If a measured annual average value is above the limit value, implement radon-reducing procedures.

    Should I be worried about temporarily high radon levels?


    Radon levels in a house can vary considerably over 24 hours, and will be different depending on the day you take the measurement. However, if you consider the possibility of being exposed to elevated radon levels over a 10 to 20 year period, then the risk of developing lung cancer increases. Therefore, don’t worry about temporarily elevated radon levels just being above the limit value of 2

  • How to measure for radon in workplaces

    Frequently asked questions about radon measurement in workplaces

    We thought it would be helpful to answer some of the most common questions asked about radon measurement in workplaces.
    Radon and health risks
    Radon is a decomposition product from uranium found in our bedrock. Because it is gas, it can leak into buildings through the ground. Depending on the building's construction and ventilation system design, elevated levels of radon can be created in in

  • Radonova Laboratories

    Five steps which guarantee a quality assured radon measurement

    Since the company’s inception, Radonova has prided itself on its industry leading quality procedures and processes in terms of radon measurement. Our measurement ethos and methodologies are globally recognised and importantly adjusted for the individual requirements of every country. To date, we have delivered radon measurements to over 50 countries. Due to our efficient processes and high degree

  • The definition of an accredited radon measurement is a measurement obtained using radon detectors from a laboratory which is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and follows the instructions that accompany the detectors.

    Accreditation guarantees accurate radon measurement

    Accreditation guarantees the quality of a radon measurement, in part because the laboratory's measurement processes are regularly checked by independent organizations. The definition of an accredited radon measurement is a measurement obtained using radon detectors from a laboratory which is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and follows the instructions that accompany the detectors.

  • How many radon detectors are needed to measure a workplace?

    How many radon detectors are needed to measure a workplace?

    Since the EU's new radiation protection directive (2013/59/Euratom) came into force in 2018, it is mandatory that employers should be aware of radon levels in the workplace. The new directive has entailed new national laws in member states, which has resulted in an increasing number of workplaces measuring radon levels.

  • Radon as a health risk is a global problem that each year is estimated to cause around 230,000 cases of lung cancer.

    Radon as a health risk – WHO report

    The WHO’s latest report ‘Guidelines on Housing and Health’ describes how people’s housing and health are affected by a variety of factors. The report describes radon, among other factors, as a health risk. The report draws attention to the fact that radon should be regarded as a carcinogen on a par with tobacco smoke.

  • Radon is everywhere, including workplaces.

    Guide to radon monitoring in the workplace

    To make efficient use of time and arrive at a correct measurement, the person monitoring a workplace should make the following demands of the laboratory where the radon detectors were bought. This applies whether you do the job yourself or use an external consultant. Measurements should be taken with radon detectors from an accredited radon laboratory.

  • Radonova and academia

    Academic world plays a crucial role in radon research and development

    In such a specific sector such as radon and radon measurement, global knowledge exchange often becomes a decisive success factor. It is also one of the reasons why Radonova has chosen to take an active role in academia. When studies and experiences are shared, environments are created which are more conducive to collaboration and working more effectively to reduce the negative effects of radon on