FOREWORD. Paris, 15 November The Director of Housing, Urban Planning and Landscape. The Director General of Health.

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1 national ACTION PLAN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RADON-RELATED RISKS This report has been prepared by the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in collaboration with members of the Monitoring Committee of the National Action Plan: The Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Housing, The Ministry of Labour, The Regional Health Agencies, The Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, The Institute for Health Monitoring, The Scientific and Technical Centre for Constructions, The Regional Council of Limousin.

2 FOREWORD The management of radon related risks is a national priority. This is evidenced by the many plans in which the issue has been included: the first and second PNSE environmental health plans ( and ); the second Cancer Plan ( ); the Health and Work Plan ( ) which also includes the management of this risk within the general framework monitoring exposure of workers. Under the first PNSE, a first national action plan for managing radon-related risk was developed by the ASN, in 2005, in collaboration with the Housing, Urban Planning and Landscapes Directorate (DHUP), the Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), the Institute of Health Monitoring (InVS) and the Scientific and Technical Centre for buildings (CSTB). This allowed firstly, important radon related risk prevention actions to be carried out and secondly close collaboration between the various actors involved in the radon issue. The review of this plan is available on the ASN s website ( This dynamic must be continued and expanded in the second national action plan for managing radon-related risks. Developed in collaboration between the ASN, the Ministries of Health, Construction and Labour and partner organisations (IRSN, InVS, CSTB and the Limousin Regional Council), this new plan includes as its first priority the reduction of exposure in existing housing and new rules of construction in new buildings to ensure a low level of human exposure. The success of this national action plan requires the support and cooperation of various national and local stakeholders involved in this issue. Therefore, for many of the actions planned in this second plan, a decision was made to build on regional initiatives, especially those taken as part of the creation of regional environmental health plans (PRSE), thus allowing the skills of existing local actors to be strengthened, new partners to be identified and the sharing of these skills to be promoted. Paris, 15 November 2011 The Director General of Health The Director of Housing, Urban Planning and Landscape Jean-Yves Grall Étienne CREPON The Director General of Labour The Director General of the Nuclear Safety Authority Jean-Denis COMBREXELLE Jean-Christophe NIEL National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 1

3 National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

4 CONTENTS Presentation A- Background... p. 4 B- The review of the national action plan p. 6 C- The second national action plan The major focuses of the second plan p. 7 The 8 key measures of the plan p. 7 D- The governance of the national action plan p. 8 Summary tables of the action sheets Focus 1 p. 10 Focus 2 p. 10 Focus 3 p. 10 Focus 4 p. 11 Focus 5 p. 11 The plan s action sheets p Acronyms, abbreviations and names p National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 3

5 Presentation A- Background Radon is an odourless, colourless and inert radioactive gas which emits alpha particles. Naturally found everywhere in the soil and atmosphere, it is the main component of natural radioactivity in the environment. Radon comes from the transformation of radium from uranium and thorium, radioactive elements present in granitic and volcanic rocks. It then migrates into the atmosphere through pores in the soil and cracks in rocks and from some building materials. Radon can also come from the natural degassing of water. Radon decays to form solid particles, which are themselves radioactive. These particles emit alpha and beta radiation. In open spaces, radon is diluted in the air and dissipates more or less quickly depending on weather conditions. In enclosed spaces, radon can concentrate in amounts that are tens of times more than in the open air. Concentrations also vary depending on construction features, ventilation and occupants lifestyle. For the population of France, exposure to radon is, before medical exposure, the primary source of exposure to ionising radiation. Radon is a proven lung carcinogen for humans (classified in Group I in the International Agency for Research on Cancer s classification (IARC)). According to estimates by the Institute of Health Monitoring (InVS), between 1,234 and 2,913 deaths from lung cancer are attributable each year to domestic radon exposure in France, i.e. between 5% and 12% of lung cancer deaths observed in France 1. These figures should be compared with the estimates made for other risk factors. Thus, for 1999, it was estimated that between 2,086 and 4,172 lung cancer deaths were attributable to occupational exposure to asbestos 2. If one considers melanomas, InVS projections estimate at 8,255 the number of new cases diagnosed in 2010 and around 1,570 deaths 3 with the IARC assessing at nearly 70% the proportion attributable to exposure to the sun 4. In France, the regulations regarding the management of radon-related risks that began to be implemented in 2002, have gradually been extended into new areas. Since 2004, the regulations, in particular the Order of 22 July 2004 on the management of radon-related risks in places open to the public, set out the provisions for its management in educational establishments, including dormitory accommodation, for health and social establishments and for spas and prisons. The owners of such establishments must, when they are located in one of the 31 priority départements 5, take measurements of radon activity concentration and, where appropriate, implement measures to reduce exposure. Measurements of radon activity concentration are performed by the IRSN or organisations approved by the ASN, according to the AFNOR standards set by ASN decision 2009-DC-135 of 7 April Catelinois O. et al., Assessment of the health impact of domestic radon exposure in France, BEH Imbernon E, Estimated number of cancers attributable to occupational factors, InVS Hospices Civils de Lyon et al., Projections of the incidence and mortality by cancer in France in 2010, technical report IARC Working group reports, Attributable causes of cancer in France in the year 2000, Administrative regions headed by a préfet National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

6 ASN and the General Labour Directorate (DGT) then focused on developing regulations for managing radonrelated risks in respect of workers. Indeed, Decree No of 5 November 2007, relating to the protection of workers against the hazards of ionising radiation and amending the Labour Code, introduced various modifications to existing rules to protect workers against naturally occurring ionising radiation. Thus, Article R of the Labour Code, requires that, in the workplaces (underground places where an activity set out in the order dated 7 August 2008 is exercised) of the 31 priority départements, the employer should carry out measurements of the radon activity concentration by an approved organisation referred to in Article R of the Public Health Code or by the IRSN. The regulatory system has been fully operational since late 2009, with the approuval of organisations responsible for measurements in the workplace. Law No of 21 July 2009, regarding the reform of the hospital with respect to patients, health and the territories, has completed the statutory provisions of the Public Health Code for managing radon-related risks by extending the measurement requirement of the radon activity and its progeny concentration to building categories defined by decree, to allow an extension of the regulatory framework, in particular, to residential buildings. The decree implementing the law, under preparation, will, in particular, specify the maximum level of radon activity concentration above which it is necessary to reduce radon exposure, and the categories of buildings covered by these new provisions. Internationally, the Handbook on Indoor Radon - a public health perspective elaborated by the World Health Organization, published in September 2009, recommends a benchmark reference level between 100 and 300 Bq m -3, given the specific situations of each country. The recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) converge on this maximum level of 300 Bq.m -3. On the issue of thresholds, the Member States of the European Union have different positions. Some countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are pushing for values below 300 Bq m -3 while the Czech Republic and Poland wish to preserve the current value of 400 Bq m -3. Beyond the EU, this divergence also exists and managing radon-related risks is not necessarily a priority for emerging countries. The European Commission should, however, confirm this evolution in the draft Euratom directive (Basic Standards). Moreover, it is likely that the value of 200 Bq m -3 will be included in the draft Euratom directive as a target for new buildings National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 5

7 Presentation B- The review of the national action plan Management of radon-related risk was the subject of action 17 of the first National Health - Environment Plan - (PNSE ), published by the Government in June 2004 and mentioned in the report annexed to the Law of 9 August 2004 relating to public health policy. The PNSE s policy committee had identified eight priority issues, the second of which was to prevent cancers in relation to environmental exposure, with radon among the main factors of exposure to be tackled. Moreover, radon was part of the public health goals regarding environmental health adopted by Law No of 9 August 2004 relating to public health policy. 19 aimed to reduce exposure to radon in all educational establishments and all health and social establishments to under 400 Bq.m -3. In order to structure action 17 of the PNSE 1 and goal 19 of the Public Health Act of 2004, a national action plan was developed by the ASN in 2005 in collaboration with the Housing, Urban Planning and Landscapes Directorate (DHUP), the Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), the Institute of Health Monitoring (InVS) and the Scientific and Technical Centre for building (CSTB). A detailed review of the 26 priority actions of this plan was the subject of an ASN report published in This review is available on the ASN website ( This review highlights, in particular, the following points: 1 For places open to the public, the regulatory system is operational and all of the accompanying and monitoring actions provided in the framework of the national action plan have strengthened the system over time. The monitoring carried out shows that the percentage of institutions screened with a detected level greater than 400 Bq.m -3 among the institutions of the 31 priority départements remains constant each year. The review of the measurement programme shows that of the 7,356 institutions controlled, for around 84.8% of them, the activity concentration values are below the action level of 400-Bq.m -3. For the others, i.e. 15.2% of the institutions, it will be necessary to implement actions to reduce human exposure to radon or to carry out remedial work. However, there is no information for assessing the level reached in respect of goal 19 in the context of the public health law of 9 August 2004 to reduce exposure to radon in all educational establishments and in all health and social establishments below 400 Bq m -3. Information relating to the implementation of the remedial work and the effectiveness of these is not always transmitted to the services responsible for the controls. 2 In the workplace, regulations have been established and the system has been fully operational since late 2009 with the approval of the organisations responsible for measurements in underground places. 3 For individual housing, the goals of the national action plan were to study the feasibility of establishing future regulations. Reviews of the actions performed as part of the Limousin region s experimental programme as well as those of the Community of conurbations of Pays de Montbéliard should soon provide us with the elements needed to define a national policy to accompany new regulations in dwellings. Finally, it should be noted that screening programmes have been organised locally but no nationwide programme has been organised in dwellings as part of this plan. 4 For new buildings, the actions performed by the CSTB with respect to building rules, funded by the ASN and the DHUP, should soon allow regulatory provisions regarding the prevention of radon to be included in the building code. 5 Quantitative assessments of the health risks in respect of radon conducted in several regions have provided evidence on the factors of radon in dwellings. 6 Review of the National Action Plan for the Management Of Radon-Related Risks, ASN, National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

8 C- The second national action plan Although the implementation of measures for managing radon-related risks in buildings open to the public and workplaces is well under way, following the national action plan , the issue of exposure in dwellings must be given special attention. This priority was reaffirmed in the PNSE 2 whose action 40 provides for the reduction of radon exposure in dwellings and the preparation of a new national action plan. This new plan will allow, in particular, the establishment of a new mapping of radon-prone areas, an action undertaken in the first national action plan. For its part, the second cancer plan aims more specifically to communicate about the risk, since provision 12-6 provides for the establishment of a communication plan to improve aware by the population about the risks associated with radon. The main focuses of the second plan 1 Establish a policy for managing the risk associated with radon in existing buildings for residential use (sheets 1 to 7). 2 Establish regulations for new buildings for residential use (sheets 8-10). 3 Monitor the regulations regarding places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers (sheets 11-14). 4 Develop and implement new management tools and an operational system for conducting diagnoses of buildings and construction work carried out by building sector professionals (sheets 15-24). 5 Coordinate policy in relation to studies and research (sheets 25-30). The 8 key measures of the plan. 1 Prepare the regulatory texts setting out the provisions for the application of Article L of the CSP as amended in accordance with the HPST Law (Action Sheet No. 2). 2 Set up a test system for accompanying the new regulations in three pilot areas (Action Sheet 3). 3 Establish a certification system for the technical diagnosticians of buildings (Action Sheet No. 20). 4 Establish regulatory tools relating to the construction regulations for new buildings (Action Sheet No. 8). 5 Establish a new mapping of risk areas (Action Sheet No. 16). 6 Complete the standardisation of measurement methods (Action Sheets No. 18 and No. 19). 7 Study the feasibility of a fast measurement for assessing the potential entry of radon in dwellings (Action Sheet No. 27). 8 Prepare a decision-making guide for local authorities for managing radon-related risks (Action Sheet No. 5) National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 7

9 Presentation D- The governance of the national action plan The monitoring committee set up for the first action plan will be broadened with the inclusion of building sector professionals, associations and an internationally qualified person. This committee will be comprised of representatives from the Ministries of Health, Construction and Labour, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), Infrastructure and Equipment Centres (CETE), the Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), the Institute of Health Monitoring (InVS), the Scientific and Technical Centre for Buildings, (CSTB), building sector professionals, professionals for the measurement of radon activity concentration, associations and an internationally qualified person. The monitoring committee will meet at least twice a year. This committee will have the right to modify the actions as they progress and in the light of new knowledge. Besides monitoring the national action plan, the monitoring committee will act as a think-tank for continuous reflection on managing radon-related risks. An interim review of the national action plan will be conducted in late National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

10 SUMMARY TABLES OF THE ACTION SHEETS National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 9

11 FOCUS 1 Establish a policy for managing the risk associated with radon in existing buildings for residential use. Actions Action Sheet No. Produce a review of the programme for measurements and remedial work in dwellings in the Limousin 1 Prepare the regulatory texts setting out the provisions for the application of Article L of the CSP as amended in accordance with the HPST Law 2 Set up a test system for accompanying the new regulations in three pilot areas 3 Prepare radon kits for carrying out measurements in dwellings 4 Prepare a decision-making guide for local authorities for managing radon-related risks 5 Organise the validation of the new measuring devices 6 Conduct an assessment of the dwellings, radon and mine tailings issue 7 >> FOCUS 2 Establish regulations for new buildings. Actions Action Sheet No. Establish regulatory tools relating to the construction regulations for new buildings 8 Establish a system for supporting these regulations 9 Establish tools for evaluating preventive systems against radon in new buildings 10 >> FOCUS 3 Monitor the regulations regarding places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers. Actions Update the framework agreement relating to collaboration between the DGS and the ASN and develop a standard agreement for collaboration between ARS and ASN divisions Action Sheet No. 11 Continue the control of organisations approved for measuring radon activity concentration 12 Integrate radon into inspections carried out by the ARS or by labour inspectors 13 Adapt remedial methods to specific workplaces National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

12 FOCUS 4 Develop and implement new management tools and an operational system for conducting diagnoses of buildings and construction work carried out by building sector professionals. Actions Action Sheet No. Finalise the study relating to the mapping of the radon exhalation potential 15 Establish the new mapping of the radon-prone areas 16 Standardise the existing measurement methodology guides for specific places 17 Finalise the new building diagnosis standard 18 Finalise the transposition of the AFNOR standards relating to the measurement of radon activity concentration in air and water to international ISO standards Establish a certification system for the technical diagnosticians of buildings (building code provision L of the CCH) Adapt remedial solutions to the specific features of individual and collective residential buildings 21 Ensure the consistency between energy saving work and improving indoor air quality (including radon) 22 Create an educational toolkit aimed at professionals of the building sector 23 Assess the possibility of consolidating all the data relating to radon measurements (LOP, residential buildings and workplaces) 24 >> FOCUS 5 Coordinate policy for studies and research. Actions Action Sheet No. Write a guide to make quantitative health risk assessments (EQRS) at the regional level 25 Introduce radon measuring in the monitoring of water quality for human consumption 26 Study the feasibility of taking early action to assess the potential for accumulation of radon in dwellings 27 Study the impact of building typologies on the entry of radon into buildings 28 Establish international scientific monitoring (participation by the IRSN in international studies) 29 Check the compliance of the national action plan with the new future Euratom Directive National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 11

13 National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

14 THE PLAN S ACTION SHEETS National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 13

15 ACTION SHEET No. 1 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Produce a review of the programme for measurements and remedial work in dwellings in the Limousin. (action of the 2005/2008 plan) Carry out a review of the programme thus allowing the findings to be integrated into the system for accompanying the new provisions relating to radon in dwellings. Prepare Action 5 Production of a guide for local authorities. A working group was formed by the ASN grouping national actors and local actors from the Limousin region. Reducing exposure to radon in buildings for residential use and the assurance of improved risk assessment had indeed been selected as a priority action in its Environmental Health Regional Plan by the Limousin region. This action had also been confirmed as part of the regional health policy, adopted by the Regional Council on 18 January Limousin region / ASN. Limousin region, Limoges University, PNR, CEMRAD/Pe@rl, LIMAIR, PFT Bât, ARS Limousin, IRSN, CSTB, ASN. Four goals were defined for this project: contribute to the assessment of the radon exposure risk in private housing, understand the reactions of local actors, study the feasibility of managing radon-related risks as part of real estate transactions and renovations, and the feasibility of different levels of possible actions (local initiatives; information given to the purchaser of a dwelling located in a radon-prone area as part of the technical diagnostics of dwellings; obligations of landlords in a radon risk area; obligations for all owners in a radon-prone area), finally, assess the needs for remedial work and put forward technical and financial solutions. An Experimental programme for reducing the radon risk in dwellings in the Limousin had been prepared by the working group. A financing plan for this experimental programme broken down by the various actions had been completed and a framework agreement had been signed between the financial backers and key stakeholders of the programme (ASN, the Limousin Regional Council, State, University of Limoges, PNR of Millevaches). Last meeting of the Regional Working Group: 21 September Action funding A review of the programme is scheduled for the first half of Programme funding planned as part of the framework agreement of 18 January National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

16 ACTION SHEET No. 2 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Prepare the regulatory texts setting out the provisions for the application of Article L of the CSP as amended in accordance with the HPST Law. Publication of the Order in Council of State and implementing orders. DGS. ASN, DHUP, DGT, DSC Reduce the risk of exposure to radon in existing buildings. Development of regulatory provisions. Being drafted. Publication in November Action funding >> ACTION SHEET No. 3 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Action funding Set up a test mechanism for accompanying the new regulations in three pilot areas. Experiment with various methods of making owners aware and supporting them in making radon measurements and corrective actions. DGS. DHUP, ASN, ARS of the territories concerned. Define the most appropriate methods for generalising to all the territories concerned, support for the future regulations. Partnership with local associations. To be started. Start of experiments in autumn DGS / INCa National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 15

17 ACTION SHEET No. 4 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Action funding Prepare radon kits for carrying out measurements in dwellings. As part of the support system of the new provisions relating to radon in dwellings, the production of a kit for measuring radon in dwellings including the devices and information documents needed. DGS, ASN, DHUP. IRSN, CSTB, two ARS, INPES. Define the contents of the radon kit for testing in the pilot areas and assembly methods. Establishment of a working group to define the contents, in particular the accompanying documents. Public contract to place the order. To be started. September DGS. >> ACTION SHEET No. 5 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Prepare a decision-making guide for local authorities for managing radon-related risks. Based on the programmes of action undertaken by some local authorities, produce a guide to pass on their feedback. ASN. Local authorities. Make the approach and necessary tools for the implementation of a radonrelated risk prevention policy by a local authority available. External provider. Scheduled for Action funding ASN National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

18 ACTION SHEET No. 6 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Organise the validation of the new measuring devices. Until now, the measurements made within the regulations (LOP, LT) have been carried out using French dosimeters that have been known about for a long time. These dosimeters meet the requirements of the AFNOR standard NF M and are regularly subject to international comparisons. In the event of new dosimeters coming onto the French market (French or foreign) or the carrying-out of measurements by non-experienced persons (e.g. private individuals making self-measurements ), the presumption of reliability currently prevailing would no longer be valid. As such, consideration should be made to validating measuring devices that may possibly lead to the implementation of a national assessment procedure. IRSN. Ensure the reliability of all the measuring devices used for carrying-out an integrated measurement of the radon activity concentration in all types of places (LOP, LT, dwellings). Action funding IRSN called on by ASN National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 17

19 ACTION SHEET No. 7 of the national action plan for for the policy of managing radon-related risks in existing buildings for residential use. Conduct an assessment of the dwellings, radon and mine tailings issue. Make a REX from the situation at the Mallièvre site. Phase in the identification of areas where similar situations may be encountered. Obtain REXes from other countries having had to deal with such situations ASN. DGS, DHUP, IRSN, InVS, CSTB, CETE of the west, ARS, Div ASN. Define a management strategy at the national level. Management of the situation of the La Mallièvre site. Action funding ASN. >> ACTION SHEET No. 8 of the national action plan for the implementation of regulations for new buildings. Establish regulatory tools relating to the construction regulations for new buildings. Definition of regulatory requirements for new residential buildings located in priority areas. Note: So that future regulations are enforceable and enforced, it is essential that they are based on goals of means and not results. DHUP. DGS, ASN, CSTB. Reduce the risk of exposure to radon in new residential buildings. Preparation of regulations (decree and order) pursuant to Article L of the Construction and Housing Code. Drafting of the decree under way. Publication of the decree scheduled in National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

20 ACTION SHEET No. 9 of the national action plan for the implementation of regulations for new buildings. Establish a support system for regulations for new buildings. Organisation of local information meetings for professionals of the building sector. Preparation of communication materials. DHUP. DGS, ASN, CSTB, CETE, MEDDTL s decentralised services. Educate and inform professionals affected by the future regulations to ensure they are better implemented. Organisation of meetings Publication of information leaflets. Update of the MEDDTL website. Start conditional on the finalisation of the regulatory texts. 2011/2012. >> ACTION SHEET No. 10 of the national action plan for the implementation of regulations for new buildings. Accompanying actions Establish tools for evaluating preventive systems against radon in new buildings. Be able to verify the effectiveness of preventive tools on delivery of a building. Define and test protocols to evaluate the permeability of the building s base in respect of the soil: theory, experimental verification, development of protocols. CSTB. Proposal National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 19

21 ACTION SHEET No. 11 of the national action plan for monitoring the regulations in places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers. Update the framework agreement relating to collaboration between DGS and the ASN and develop a standard agreement for collaboration between ARS and ASN divisions. Update the 2008 DGS/DSC agreement. Prepare an ARS/ASN Div standard agreement. DGS. ASN, ARS, DGOS. Accompanying actions Clarify the roles of the different stakeholders at the national and local levels. Establishment of a working group. Work initiated at the meeting of 13 July Establishment of thematic sub-groups >> ACTION SHEET No. 12 of the national action plan for monitoring the regulations in places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers. Continue the control of organisations approved for measuring radon activity concentration. Article R of the Labour Code and the Decree of 22 July 2004 provide that radon measurements must be carried out either by the IRSN or by organisations approved by the ASN. This is to verify compliance with the rules set out under the approval procedure for the measurement of radon. ASN. ASN, IRSN. Accompanying actions The goal is to verify compliance with the rules set out under the approval procedure for the measurement of radon, in particular, compliance wit the standards for the measurement of radon and the ability of the personnel to guarantee to the owners or the employer the reliability of the services provided by the organisation of level 1 Option A / level 1 Option B / level N2. Development of an inspection programme by the ASN of the approved organisations. Preparation of an inspection guide for these organisations. 10 approved organisations inspected annually National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

22 ACTION SHEET No. 13 of the national action plan for monitoring the regulations in places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers. Accompanying actions Integrate radon into inspections carried out by the ARS or by labour inspectors. During its visits, the labour inspectors ensure the application of the specific provisions relating to radon. ARS officers carry out inspections of health, social and medico-social establishments during which the application of the radon regulations can be verified. In some areas, the radon component is included in the establishments inspections. Pursuant to Article of the CSP, officers of the ARS may moreover have the results of the radon activity measurements communicated to them for establishments open to the public. DGS, DGT. ARS, ASN, IRSN. Control the application of the regulations relating to establishments receiving the public and workplaces. Inclusion of the radon theme into the ARS inspection programmes. Standardised control and inspection tools to be created. Define the content of the control exercised by the ARS. Theme included in the ARS inspection programme. Tools to be developed. From National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 21

23 ACTION SHEET No. 14 of the national action plan for monitoring the regulations in places open to the public and the regulations applicable to workers. Adapt remedial methods to specific workplaces. Underground workplaces may be very varied, in particular in respect of their specific types (cavities, car parks...). Currently, solutions for the protection of buildings are aimed at more traditional buildings in terms of typology and the conditions of entry of radon into indoor environments. Current regulations on underground workplaces require the installation of remedial solutions, if necessary, in underground places. Therefore, it seems appropriate to conduct a study on the adaptation of the protection methods in respect of radon that takes into account the specific characteristics of these places (types, uses), to provide the initial technical elements for professionals having to carry out this work. CSTB, DGT. IRSN, INRS. Definition and adaptation of the protection solutions. To be defined. Theoretical study, pilot studies. Accompanying actions Proposal. Funding National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

24 ACTION SHEET No. 15 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Finalise the study relating to the mapping of the radon exhalation potential (action of the 2005/2008 plan). The delineation of radon priority areas in line with the administrative boundaries of the 31 départements currently covered by the regulations (defined from the results of radon measurements in dwellings (IPSN Radon Atlas / DGS)) is not satisfactory. To update these areas, a feasibility study for the application of the radon exhalation potential mapping, proposed by the IRSN, is performed for 3 départements of the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region. ASN, IRSN. ASN, IRSN, DT-ARS 54, DT-ARS 71, ARS Pays de Loire, ARS PACA, ARS Bretagne (Brittany). Dispense with the administrative boundaries of the départements in defining radon priority areas and consider a more accurate zoning at the municipal scale. Indirect method for characterising the radon exhalation potential of land (RT IRSN/DEI/SARG-05-06). Results of radon measurements in private housing and results of screenings conducted by approved organisations for the 3 départements of the Bourgogne region. All the work packages have been delivered to the ASN by the IRSN as well as the municipalities visualisation tool National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 23

25 ACTION SHEET No. 16 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Establish the new mapping of the risk areas. Define by ministerial order the new mapping of the risk areas. Relevant Ministries and ASN. A first meeting of the relevant Ministries and the ASN was held on 9 March /2012. >> ACTION SHEET No. 17 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Standardise the existing measurement methodology guides for specific places. Following the implementation of Radon workers regulations, three IRSN methodological guides were added to the AFNOR standards list regarding the measurement of radon. These manuals describe the measurement of radon in underground buildings (RT IRSN/DEI/SARG ), spa buildings (IRSN/DEI/SARG RT) and cavities and underground structures (RT IRSN / DEI / WIS ). IRSN. IRSN, CEA, ALGADE, EDF, AREVA, ASN, UTBM, CSTB, Pe@rl, UBO. Harmonise the nature of the reference texts for measuring radon for the use of approved organisations. Only eventually have AFNOR standards. Discussion in the Radon working group of the BNEN M60-3 Committee Air Group. A first meeting was held on 08/03/2010 in which it was officially decided to transform the 3 guides into 2 AFNOR standards, the first relating to measuring in any type of building (NF M amended to reflect specifications of underground buildings and spa buildings) and the second relating to measuring in cavities and underground structures. 4 working meetings are planned for the text of each standard. Planned deadline for the revision of the NF M standard: Planned deadline for the new work and cavity standard: National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

26 ACTION SHEET No. 18 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Finalise the new building diagnosis standard. This action is a continuation of a previous action which aimed to establish draft requirements for the technical diagnosis of the building. On the basis of these proposed requirements established and defined in consultation with a working group (ASN, DHUP, IRSN, InVS, UPRAD, FFB, CAPEB, SOCOTEC, CERTU, Order of Architects, CETE of the west, DT-ARS of the Creuse), this action consists of engaging the standardisation work with the AFNOR in order to produce a normative document. CSTB. AFNOR working group. Establishment of a technical diagnosis standard for existing buildings. AFNOR working group. Publication of the standard scheduled for February National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 25

27 ACTION SHEET No. 19 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Finalise the transposition of the AFNOR standards for the measurement of radon activity concentration into international ISO standards. With its body of AFNOR standards, France has decided to promote the French methods of measuring radon within the international standardisation organisations. The transposition of 8 standards for measuring radon in air was initiated in 2008 and must be finalised. The transposition of 3 standards for measuring radon in water was initiated in early IRSN. BNEN experts. International experts in the corresponding working groups. Promote French methods for measuring radon internationally. Discussion within the WG17 (ISO/TC85/SC2) for the Air standards. Discussion in the WG4 (ISO/TC147) for the water standards. The 8 standards for measuring radon in the air have been accepted by a vote of the DIS and are currently undergoing a vote by the FDIS (last stage before publication). The 3 standards for measuring radon in water have been accepted as a new theme of work and are undergoing a CD vote. Publication of 8 standards for measuring radon in air scheduled for Publication of 3 standards for measuring radon in water scheduled for National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

28 ACTION SHEET No. 20 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Establish a certification system for the technical diagnosticians of buildings. Definition of the minimum competency and organisation required by operators who will have to perform technical building diagnoses provided for in the regulations undergoing preparation for existing buildings. DHUP, DGS. CSTB, ASN. Create a radon diagnostician profession. Preparation of regulations pursuant to Article L of the Construction and Housing Code. Start scheduled for late Publication of texts scheduled for late >> ACTION SHEET No. 21 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Adapt remedial solutions to the specific features of individual and collective residential buildings. Review of the various remedial solutions in buildings. Identification of specific characteristics linked to the existing dwellings. Adaptation of solutions to the existing dwellings. DHUP. CSTB. Propose an adaptation of remedial solutions to the case of dwellings. Study. In progress. Study completion scheduled for National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 27

29 ACTION SHEET No. 22 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Ensure the consistency between energy saving work and improving indoor air quality (including radon). Three techniques are currently used to reduce exposure to radon in buildings: sealing of the lower floor, ventilation of the base of the building, ventilation of the inhabited space. Although the first two techniques are not inconsistent with the objectives of energy saving, the third may be more difficult in a context where there is often confusion between insulation and containment. It is therefore essential to define the technical and practical recommendations to help professionals and individuals to take into account radon-related risks in energy saving work. DHUP. CSTB. Reconcile energy savings and indoor air quality (including reducing exposure to radon). Preparation and updating of leaflets and guides of recommendations for building sector professionals and the general public. Several documents being prepared to National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

30 ACTION SHEET No. 23 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Create an educational toolkit aimed at professionals of the construction sector. The requirement for managing radon in buildings is being intensified, thus it is necessary to effectively deliver information to actors in the field and in particular, the project management. To achieve this, it is proposed, based on current knowledge vis-à-vis the protection of buildings, to produce in conjunction with the FFB and/or CAPEB, an educational toolkit as a step towards this. Target: project management (companies, design offices). DHUP. CSTB, FFB, CAPEB, CETE North Picardy. Have a model training package for building sector professionals. Production of a summary document including: an overall description of the issue (risk, screening measurement, diagnosis and solutions for existing buildings, prevention in new building systems and materials available), for existing buildings: a description of possible solutions based on diagnoses, for new buildings: a description of preventive solutions. Start scheduled for late Completion of technical content expected in late National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 29

31 ACTION SHEET No. 24 of the national action plan for the development and implementation of new management tools and an operational system for the diagnosis of buildings and the carrying-out of work by building sector professionals. Assess the possibility of consolidating all the data relating to radon measurements, (LOP residential buildings and workplaces). Assess the possibility of consolidating into a database, exposure to radon in places open to the public, workplaces and apartment buildings. IRSN, ASN. DGS DGT DHUP. Initially, preparation of specifications. DGS/DGT/ASN/IRSN/DHUP meeting end of March >> ACTION SHEET No. 25 the national action plan for studies and research policy. Funding Write a guide to produce QHRAs at the regional level. This guide aims to provide an integrated method for the quantitative assessment of health risks due to domestic radon. Particular attention will be given to the production of data directly relevant to the establishment of a management system. InVS. ASN, IRSN, DGS, ARS. Proposal for a QHRA guide describing the equipment and methods required and possible interpretations / Special attention devoted to the advantages and limitations of the QHRA for the theme. Establishment of a working group bringing together the various actors. Meeting with national and international experts about the radon issue. During the first action plan, several QHRAs were prepared and will serve as the main support in preparing this guide InVS National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks

32 ACTION SHEET No. 26 the national action plan for studies and research policy. Introduce radon measuring in the monitoring of water quality for human consumption. Certain studies have identified locally high radon concentration levels. These concern samples of groundwater in areas where there is already high activity concentrations of radon in buildings related to the type of bed-rock. Indeed, in areas of crystalline rocks, 222 radon gas flows through small gaps in the soil and bed-rock. When the pores of the soil or bed-rock are saturated with water, the radon is dissolved in water which then transports it. Studies by the Member States have shown that for resources located in crystalline rocks, the concentrations can vary from 100 to 1,000 Bq.l-1. These concentrations may also vary according to the seasons. For water treatment facilities, simple and effective treatment methods allow the radon to be treated by stripping (bubbling) which is over 99% efficient. Aeration treatments are also 67 to 99% efficient. Granular activated charcoal filtration has demonstrated efficiency of %. In dwellings, simple actions, such as drawing drinking water, lead to a significant reduction in the radon content in water. However, the behaviour of radon in the public distribution system network is poorly understood at present. This knowledge is essential to decisionmaking for local management (deployment of a treatment system) or national management (need for regulations). The first goal is therefore to identify the behaviour of radon in the public distribution network and the criteria for changing it (length; reservoirs). A second goal is to examine the desirability and the feasibility of regulations in respect of the presence of radon 222 in drinking water. ASN, DGS. IRSN, ARS Limousin, Water producers and distributors. Assess the behaviour of radon in the distribution network. Define a position on the desirability and feasibility of regulations regarding the presence of radon in water for human consumption (EDCH). Technical study to meet goal 1 Think tank to meet goal 2 situation of EU regulations discussion about the desirability of regulations proposal for a regulatory strategy estimate of the cost / gain O1: COPIL for the technical study associating DGS/IRSN/ASN. Neither of these goals is currently in the operational phase Funding National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks 31

33 ACTION SHEET No. 27 the national action plan for studies and research policy. Study the feasibility of taking early action to assess the potential for the entry of radon in dwellings. This action aims to study the feasibility of a method for characterising the potential entry of radon into a building based on its characteristics, its permeability with the soil and the radon potential of the soil. This feasibility study must lead to the development of a systematic method for characterising a building in respect of its radon entry potential and ultimately, its impact on the exposure of the occupants. Approach: Development of the methodology (mechanical measurements and radon measurements). Search for a site for the experiments. Completion of experiments. Additional calculations and analysis of results. Technical feasibility and cost study. DGS, DHUP. CSTB, IRSN. Feasibility of a methodology for characterising radon potential in dwellings using measurements made in a short time. Test of the method on a pilot site. Pilot site identified. Implementation of experiments for monitoring of one year. Completion of the study in Funding DGS/DHUP/IRSN National Action Plan for the Management of Radon-Related Risks