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Current information about radon protection
01 April 2015
Dürrenhofstr. 4
90402 Nürnberg
T: +49 (0)911 94637-73 F: +49 (0)911 94637-76
[email protected]
www.anthesisgroup.com
Protection against radon exposure is mandatory as of 2018
Anthesis UMR supports the city of Pforzheim in its pioneering role
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is found in rocks and soils and can spread through the air or dissolved in water. The
odourless and tasteless gas is the main source of natural radioactive radiation exposure for people in Europe.
If radon is inhaled over long periods of
time it may trigger lung cancer as after
inhalation it decays to solid materials
such as lead. Thus, radon is the second
leading cause of lung cancer (next to
smoking) in most countries of the
world.
Source: BfS 2012
Radon only becomes a health risk to
people if the gas can penetrate into
unsealed parts of buildings having soil
contact (e.g. cellars) and then
accumulate indoors.
In order to protect tenants and other
users of buildings from high radon
levels in the future, the EU Council
Directive 2013/59/EURATOM “laying
down basic safety standards for protection against (...) ionising radiation” was entered into force in 2014. The radon
protection measures laid down therein must be taken over into national law by 6 February 2018. From this date, annual
radon mean levels exceeding 300 becquerels / m³ which are measured indoors or at places of work will result in
obligatory counteractive measures.
Through the EU directive, radon protection will also become an integral part of building regulations, and in the future
new questions will arise regarding the liability of building owners or landlords.
Anthesis UMR supports both public and private sector clients as an experienced partner to identify radon risks
confidentially and at an early stage (even before the issue is publicly discussed) as well as to derive recommendations for
remedial measures necessary.
Professional control measurements and expert advice by certified radon professionals give security. As necessary
information strategies and protection measures can be defined and implemented in trustful cooperation with the persons
responsible.
Images on the left:
Proven-in-use
devices for timeresolved short-time
measurement (with
measuring curves)
and for low-cost
long-term measurement (for averages)
of radon levels.
UMR Gesellschaft für Umweltmanagement und Risiko-Service mbH, VAT no. DE221560234
Headquarters: Dürrenhofstrasse 4, 90402 Nuremberg, Germany; Company Registration HRB 19538
Managing Director: Dr. Jörg Bentlage, MBA
Case study Pforzheim - a city on the safe side
Pforzheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg) is the first city in southern Germany which has carried out a precautionary
investigation of radon for their entire urban area. Anthesis UMR was tasked with the investigation.
Source: Anthesis UMR
The facility management of the city of
Pforzheim engaged us to perform
radon-long-term measurements in over
200 (mostly older) public buildings
during the years 2012-2014.
The radon risk situation of the buildings
along with necessary remedial needs
and limitations of use were assessed
confidentially and appropriately.
Radon levels from 16 to 3,300
becquerels / m³ were measured. With
moderate 215 becquerels / m³, the
average value of the measurements
was significantly under the future EU
reference value of 300 becquerels /m³.
In seven buildings the dosimeters determined increased radon levels of
over 1,000 becquerels / m³ (Photo: a typical measurement site in a
basement) which require prompt remedial measures. These measures
are already being implemented.
Following the investigation, users of buildings with elevated radon
levels as well as the city´s construction management were informed by
us on-site about the topic of radon and the need for action for the
affected buildings.
Our radon professionals have been specifically trained at the
Bavarian State Office for environment (LfU) for undertaking these
investigations.
Source: Anthesis UMR
The precautionary investigation of radon in public buildings of the city
of Pforzheim was considered a great success by all stakeholders, in
particular the facility management.
Pforzheim is therefore perfectly prepared for the changes in the
German radiation protection act.
The facility management of the city of Pforzheim has provided for its
citizens at an early stage and can now realistically estimate the radon
risk in the relevant buildings of the city. The investigation provides
higher security for costs both in terms of rehabilitation needs, as well
as potential future liability risks.
We would appreciate very much preparing a proposal for a precautionary investigation of radon also for you. That
proposal will take into account the specific requirements of your location and your property portfolio.
Please just give us a call at Anthesis UMR (+49-911-9563773) or write an e-mail to [email protected].
UMR Gesellschaft für Umweltmanagement und Risiko-Service mbH, VAT no. DE221560234
Headquarters: Dürrenhofstrasse 4, 90402 Nuremberg, Germany; Company Registration HRB 19538
Managing Director: Dr. Jörg Bentlage, MBA