In Germany radon exposure at certain workplaces has been regulated by the Radiation Protection Ordinance since 2001. However in Bavaria studies have been conducted since 1996. The radon exposure of all staff concerned was estimated and thereby several companies were identified where the exposure exceeded 6 mSv per year. Since then the exposure of the staff has been continuously monitored in these companies. Remediation measures specifically adjusted to local conditions led to a reduction of the exposure in many of these companies. Therefore only in 11 of the original 81 companies exposures of more than 6 mSv/a persist until today. As the Bavarian Environment Agency (LfU) oversaw the measurements and remediation measures there exists profound knowledge within the LfU of the local conditions mainly in water supply facilities as well as of the various remediation measures and their success. Furthermore, a few investigations concerning radon are carried out at workplaces not regulated by the Radiation Protection Ordinance. As an example we present a town hall where the measured radon concentrations led to a heated public dispute. Here the LfU successfully communicated factual information and the evaluation of the radon situation with regard to international recommendations.

Direct link: http://www.nuclear-engineering-journal.com/KT110265