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RADON

Plan of Measures for Protecting Against Radon Exposure in Romania

What is RADON?
RADON is a natural gas present everywhere in the soil, emitted from the decay of uranium, which is itself found in geological substrates. This natural radiation is not an issue outdoors, as radon dissipates into the atmosphere. However, indoors, radon can accumulate to high concentrations, with the primary source being the ground on which the building is constructed, and a secondary contribution coming from construction materials.

RADON is the main indoor air pollutant and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause among smokers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radon as the primary environmental carcinogen for humans. Romania ranks third in Europe for indoor air pollution with radon, after the Czech Republic and Estonia.

What are the sources of RADON?

A. The soil beneath the building:

  • ]Gaps in walls in direct contact with the ground
  • ]Floors (porosity, cracks, and joints)
  • ]Basement walls in contact with the ground
  • ]Spaces around pipes

B. Construction materials:

  • ]Emissions from construction materials

C. Outdoor air:

  • ]Infiltrations around windows/doors
  • ]Infiltrations through the building's ventilation system

Who must implement RADON protection measures?

In Romania, the obligation to measure and mitigate radon concentrations applies, in accordance with current regulations, to the following types of buildings:

    • ]Public-access buildings
    • ]Public buildings hosting a broader public than their direct users (town halls, prefectures, police headquarters, schools, daycare centers, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, sports clubs, theaters, cinemas, etc.)
    • ]Workplaces located underground or on the ground floor (metro stations, relaxation centers, salt mines, water treatment facilities, raw material extraction sites, warehouses, archives, libraries, laboratories, etc.) (according to Article 23 of the Order of the President of CNCAN No. 153/27.07.2023, published in MO No. 729/08.08.2023).

    Additionally, new buildings must include preventive measures against radon infiltration by determining the radon index of the site. This index is established by measuring radon in the gas sampled from the soil and assessing the soil’s gas permeability (according to Article 21 of the Order of the President of CNCAN No. 153/27.07.2023, published in MO No. 729/08.08.2023).

    How can our experts assist you?

    In this context, our experts can support you by:

      • Analyzing building compliance with mandatory radon measurement plans
      • Providing comprehensive services for radon measurement in air, water, and soil
      • Installing specialized sensors for various types of measurements
      • Conducting initial detection (screening) measurements
      • Performing detailed control and diagnostic measurements
      • Interpreting collected data (in collaboration with CNCAN-accredited laboratories only)
      • Developing remediation plans, if necessary
      • Assisting in the implementation of remediation measures
      • Conducting post-remediation control measurements to verify the effectiveness of applied measures

      In conclusion, we emphasize that these measurements are mandatory for all high-occupancy public buildings in Romania, such as administrative offices, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, dormitories, daycare centers, universities, workplaces, or any other public-access buildings or similar use, as stipulated by the applicable regulations.