IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS No.

SSG-91
Safety through international standards for protecting people and the environment

Protection of Workers
Against Exposure
Due to Radon
Jointly sponsored by

International Atomic Energy Agency SPECIFIC SAFETY GUIDE

Vienna, 2024
www.iaea.org
IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS AND RELATED PUBLICATIONS

IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

Under the terms of Article III of its Statute, the IAEA is authorized to establish or adopt
standards of safety for protection of health and minimization of danger to life and property, and
to provide for the application of these standards.
The publications by means of which the IAEA establishes standards are issued in the
IAEA Safety Standards Series. This series covers nuclear safety, radiation safety, transport
safety and waste safety. The publication categories in the series are Safety Fundamentals,
Safety Requirements and Safety Guides.
Information on the IAEA’s safety standards programme is available on the IAEA web site:
http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/
The site provides the texts in English of published and draft safety standards. The texts
of safety standards issued in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish, the IAEA Safety
Glossary and a status report for safety standards under development are also available. For
further information, please contact the IAEA at: Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100,
1400 Vienna, Austria.
All users of IAEA safety standards are invited to inform the IAEA of experience in their
use (e.g. as a basis for national regulations, for safety reviews and for training courses) for the
purpose of ensuring that they continue to meet users’ needs. Information may be provided via
the IAEA Internet site or by post, as above, or by email to Official.Mail@iaea.org.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
The IAEA provides for the application of the standards and, under the terms of
Articles III and VIII.C of its Statute, makes available and fosters the exchange of information
relating to peaceful nuclear activities and serves as an intermediary among its Member States
for this purpose.
Reports on safety in nuclear activities are issued as Safety Reports, which provide
practical examples and detailed methods that can be used in support of the safety standards.
Other safety related IAEA publications are issued as Emergency Preparedness and
Response publications, Radiological Assessment Reports, the International Nuclear Safety
Group’s INSAG Reports, Technical Reports and TECDOCs. The IAEA also issues reports
on radiological accidents, training manuals and practical manuals, and other special safety
related publications.
Security related publications are issued in the IAEA Nuclear Security Series.
The IAEA Nuclear Energy Series comprises informational publications to encourage
and assist research on, and the development and practical application of, nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes. It includes reports and guides on the status of and advances in technology,
and on experience, good practices and practical examples in the areas of nuclear power, the
nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
PROTECTION OF WORKERS
AGAINST EXPOSURE
DUE TO RADON
 The following States are Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency:

AFGHANISTAN GERMANY PALAU

ALBANIA GHANA PANAMA
ALGERIA GREECE PAPUA NEW GUINEA
ANGOLA GRENADA PARAGUAY
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA GUATEMALA PERU
ARGENTINA GUINEA PHILIPPINES
ARMENIA GUYANA
POLAND
AUSTRALIA HAITI
AUSTRIA HOLY SEE PORTUGAL
AZERBAIJAN HONDURAS QATAR
BAHAMAS HUNGARY REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
BAHRAIN ICELAND ROMANIA
BANGLADESH INDIA RUSSIAN FEDERATION
BARBADOS INDONESIA RWANDA
BELARUS IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
BELGIUM IRAQ SAINT LUCIA
BELIZE IRELAND SAINT VINCENT AND
BENIN ISRAEL THE GRENADINES
BOLIVIA, PLURINATIONAL ITALY
SAMOA
STATE OF JAMAICA
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA JAPAN SAN MARINO
BOTSWANA JORDAN SAUDI ARABIA
BRAZIL KAZAKHSTAN SENEGAL
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM KENYA SERBIA
BULGARIA KOREA, REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
BURKINA FASO KUWAIT SIERRA LEONE
BURUNDI KYRGYZSTAN SINGAPORE
CABO VERDE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC SLOVAKIA
CAMBODIA REPUBLIC SLOVENIA
CAMEROON LATVIA SOUTH AFRICA
CANADA LEBANON SPAIN
CENTRAL AFRICAN LESOTHO
SRI LANKA
REPUBLIC LIBERIA
CHAD LIBYA SUDAN
CHILE LIECHTENSTEIN SWEDEN
CHINA LITHUANIA SWITZERLAND
COLOMBIA LUXEMBOURG SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
COMOROS MADAGASCAR TAJIKISTAN
CONGO MALAWI THAILAND
COSTA RICA MALAYSIA TOGO
CÔTE D’IVOIRE MALI TONGA
CROATIA MALTA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
CUBA MARSHALL ISLANDS TUNISIA
CYPRUS MAURITANIA TÜRKİYE
CZECH REPUBLIC MAURITIUS
TURKMENISTAN
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC MEXICO
OF THE CONGO MONACO UGANDA
DENMARK MONGOLIA UKRAINE
DJIBOUTI MONTENEGRO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
DOMINICA MOROCCO UNITED KINGDOM OF
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MOZAMBIQUE GREAT BRITAIN AND
ECUADOR MYANMAR NORTHERN IRELAND
EGYPT NAMIBIA UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
EL SALVADOR NEPAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ERITREA NETHERLANDS, URUGUAY
ESTONIA KINGDOM OF THE UZBEKISTAN
ESWATINI NEW ZEALAND
VANUATU
ETHIOPIA NICARAGUA
FIJI NIGER VENEZUELA, BOLIVARIAN
FINLAND NIGERIA REPUBLIC OF
FRANCE NORTH MACEDONIA VIET NAM
GABON NORWAY YEMEN
GAMBIA OMAN ZAMBIA
GEORGIA PAKISTAN ZIMBABWE

The Agency’s Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 by the Conference on the Statute of the
IAEA held at United Nations Headquarters, New York; it entered into force on 29 July 1957.
The Headquarters of the Agency are situated in Vienna. Its principal objective is “to accelerate and enlarge
the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world’’.
 IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS SERIES No. SSG-91

PROTECTION OF WORKERS
AGAINST EXPOSURE
DUE TO RADON
SPECIFIC SAFETY GUIDE

JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY

AGENCY AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

VIENNA, 2024
 COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All IAEA scientific and technical publications are protected by the terms
of the Universal Copyright Convention as adopted in 1952 (Geneva) and as
revised in 1971 (Paris). The copyright has since been extended by the World
Intellectual Property Organization (Geneva) to include electronic and virtual
intellectual property. Permission may be required to use whole or parts of
texts contained in IAEA publications in printed or electronic form. Please see
www.iaea.org/publications/rights-and-permissions for more details. Enquiries
may be addressed to:

Publishing Section
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre
PO Box 100
1400 Vienna, Austria
tel.: +43 1 2600 22529 or 22530
email: sales.publications@iaea.org
www.iaea.org/publications

© IAEA, 2024

Printed by the IAEA in Austria

November 2024
STI/PUB/2098
https://doi.org/10.61092/iaea.ie56-5u7i

IAEA Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Names: International Atomic Energy Agency.
Title: Protection of workers against exposure due to radon / International Atomic
Energy Agency.
Description: Vienna : International Atomic Energy Agency, 2024. | Series: IAEA
safety standards series, ISSN 1020–525X ; no. SSG-91 | Includes bibliographical
references.
Identifiers: IAEAL 24-01701 | ISBN 978-92-0-126924-9 (paperback : alk. paper) |
ISBN 978-92-0-127124-2 (pdf) | ISBN 978-92-0-127024-5 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Radon — Safety measures. | Radiation — Safety measures. | Radon
— Health aspects. | Nuclear industry — Employees — Safety measures.
Classification: UDC 614.876 | STI/PUB/2098
 FOREWORD

by Rafael Mariano Grossi

Director General

The IAEA’s Statute authorizes it to “establish…standards of safety for

protection of health and minimization of danger to life and property”. These are
standards that the IAEA must apply to its own operations, and that States can
apply through their national regulations.
The IAEA started its safety standards programme in 1958 and there have
been many developments since. As Director General, I am committed to ensuring
that the IAEA maintains and improves upon this integrated, comprehensive and
consistent set of up to date, user friendly and fit for purpose safety standards of
high quality. Their proper application in the use of nuclear science and technology
should offer a high level of protection for people and the environment across
the world and provide the confidence necessary to allow for the ongoing use of
nuclear technology for the benefit of all.
Safety is a national responsibility underpinned by a number of international
conventions. The IAEA safety standards form a basis for these legal instruments
and serve as a global reference to help parties meet their obligations. While safety
standards are not legally binding on Member States, they are widely applied.
They have become an indispensable reference point and a common denominator
for the vast majority of Member States that have adopted these standards for use
in national regulations to enhance safety in nuclear power generation, research
reactors and fuel cycle facilities as well as in nuclear applications in medicine,
industry, agriculture and research.
The IAEA safety standards are based on the practical experience of its
Member States and produced through international consensus. The involvement
of the members of the Safety Standards Committees, the Nuclear Security
Guidance Committee and the Commission on Safety Standards is particularly
important, and I am grateful to all those who contribute their knowledge and
expertise to this endeavour.
The IAEA also uses these safety standards when it assists Member States
through its review missions and advisory services. This helps Member States in
the application of the standards and enables valuable experience and insight to be
shared. Feedback from these missions and services, and lessons identified from
events and experience in the use and application of the safety standards, are taken
into account during their periodic revision.
 I believe the IAEA safety standards and their application make an invaluable
contribution to ensuring a high level of safety in the use of nuclear technology.
I encourage all Member States to promote and apply these standards, and to work
with the IAEA to uphold their quality now and in the future.
 PREFACE

Requirements for the protection of people from harmful consequences

of exposure to ionizing radiation, for the safety of radiation sources and for
protection of the environment are established in IAEA Safety Standards Series No.
GSR Part 3, Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International
Basic Safety Standards (GSR Part 3), which is jointly sponsored by the European
Commission, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International
Labour Organization (ILO), the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA),
the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The present Safety Guide provides recommendations and guidance on
meeting the requirements of GSR Part 3 for protection of workers against exposure
due to radon in existing exposure situations and in planned exposure situations.
Recommendations and guidance are provided for dealing with exposure
in workplaces such as buildings, underground locations and industrial premises
involving the processing of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM).
The protection of workers in buildings with high occupancy factors for members
of the public, such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals, is also addressed.
Recommendations and guidance are provided for the implementation of
requirements for radiation protection through the application of a graded approach
and the principles of justification and optimization of protection and safety, in
order to identify workplaces of concern in a practical way. Recommendations on
the protection of workers against exposure due to thoron are also provided.
This Safety Guide is jointly sponsored by the IAEA and the ILO. The IAEA
gratefully acknowledges the contribution of experts from several Member States
and from the ILO to the drafting and review of the text.
 THE IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

BACKGROUND

Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon and natural sources of radiation are

features of the environment. Radiation and radioactive substances have many
beneficial applications, ranging from power generation to uses in medicine,
industry and agriculture. The radiation risks to workers and the public and to the
environment that may arise from these applications have to be assessed and, if
necessary, controlled.
Activities such as the medical uses of radiation, the operation of nuclear
installations, the production, transport and use of radioactive material, and the
management of radioactive waste must therefore be subject to standards of safety.
Regulating safety is a national responsibility. However, radiation risks may
transcend national borders, and international cooperation serves to promote and
enhance safety globally by exchanging experience and by improving capabilities
to control hazards, to prevent accidents, to respond to emergencies and to mitigate
any harmful consequences.
States have an obligation of diligence and duty of care, and are expected to
fulfil their national and international undertakings and obligations.
International safety standards provide support for States in meeting their
obligations under general principles of international law, such as those relating to
environmental protection. International safety standards also promote and assure
confidence in safety and facilitate international commerce and trade.
A global nuclear safety regime is in place and is being continuously
improved. IAEA safety standards, which support the implementation of
binding international instruments and national safety infrastructures, are
a cornerstone of this global regime. The IAEA safety standards constitute
a useful tool for contracting parties to assess their performance under these
international conventions.

THE IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

The status of the IAEA safety standards derives from the IAEA’s Statute,
which authorizes the IAEA to establish or adopt, in consultation and, where
appropriate, in collaboration with the competent organs of the United Nations
and with the specialized agencies concerned, standards of safety for protection
of health and minimization of danger to life and property, and to provide for
their application.
 With a view to ensuring the protection of people and the environment
from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, the IAEA safety standards establish
fundamental safety principles, requirements and measures to control the radiation
exposure of people and the release of radioactive material to the environment, to
restrict the likelihood of events that might lead to a loss of control over a nuclear
reactor core, nuclear chain reaction, radioactive source or any other source of
radiation, and to mitigate the consequences of such events if they were to occur.
The standards apply to facilities and activities that give rise to radiation risks,
including nuclear installations, the use of radiation and radioactive sources, the
transport of radioactive material and the management of radioactive waste.
Safety measures and security measures1 have in common the aim of
protecting human life and health and the environment. Safety measures and
security measures must be designed and implemented in an integrated manner
so that security measures do not compromise safety and safety measures do not
compromise security.
The IAEA safety standards reflect an international consensus on what
constitutes a high level of safety for protecting people and the environment
from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. They are issued in the IAEA Safety
Standards Series, which has three categories (see Fig. 1).

Safety Fundamentals
Safety Fundamentals present the fundamental safety objective and principles
of protection and safety, and provide the basis for the safety requirements.

Safety Requirements
An integrated and consistent set of Safety Requirements establishes
the requirements that must be met to ensure the protection of people and the
environment, both now and in the future. The requirements are governed by the
objective and principles of the Safety Fundamentals. If the requirements are not
met, measures must be taken to reach or restore the required level of safety. The
format and style of the requirements facilitate their use for the establishment, in a
harmonized manner, of a national regulatory framework. Requirements, including
numbered ‘overarching’ requirements, are expressed as ‘shall’ statements. Many
requirements are not addressed to a specific party, the implication being that the
appropriate parties are responsible for fulfilling them.

Safety Guides
Safety Guides provide recommendations and guidance on how to comply
with the safety requirements, indicating an international consensus that it

1
See also publications issued in the IAEA Nuclear Security Series.
 Safety Fundamentals
Fundamental Safety Principles

General Safety Requirements Specific Safety Requirements

Part 1. Governmental, Legal and

1. Site Evaluation for Nuclear Installations
Regulatory Framework for Safety

Part 2. Leadership and Management for Safety 2/1. Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Design

2/2. Safety of Nuclear Power Plants:

Part 3. Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation
Commissioning and Operation
Sources: International Basic Safety Standards

Part 4. Safety Assessment for Facilities 3. Safety of Research Reactors

and Activities

Part 5. Predisposal Management of

4. Safety of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities
Radioactive Waste

Part 6. Decommissioning of Facilities 5. Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Part 7. Preparedness and Response 6. Regulations for the Safe Transport

for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency of Radioactive Material

Collection of Safety Guides

FIG. 1. The long term structure of the IAEA Safety Standards Series.

is necessary to take the measures recommended (or equivalent alternative

measures). The Safety Guides present international good practices, and
increasingly they reflect best practices, to help users striving to achieve high
levels of safety. The recommendations provided in Safety Guides are expressed
as ‘should’ statements.

APPLICATION OF THE IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

The principal users of safety standards in IAEA Member States are

regulatory bodies and other relevant national authorities. The IAEA safety
standards are also used by co‑sponsoring organizations and by many organizations
that design, construct and operate nuclear facilities, as well as organizations
involved in the use of radiation and radioactive sources.
The IAEA safety standards are applicable, as relevant, throughout the entire
lifetime of all facilities and activities — existing and new — utilized for peaceful
purposes and to protective actions to reduce existing radiation risks. They can be
used by States as a reference for their national regulations in respect of facilities
and activities.
The IAEA’s Statute makes the safety standards binding on the IAEA
in relation to its own operations and also on States in relation to IAEA
assisted operations.
The IAEA safety standards also form the basis for the IAEA’s safety review
services, and they are used by the IAEA in support of competence building,
including the development of educational curricula and training courses.
International conventions contain requirements similar to those in the IAEA
safety standards and make them binding on contracting parties. The IAEA safety
standards, supplemented by international conventions, industry standards and
detailed national requirements, establish a consistent basis for protecting people
and the environment. There will also be some special aspects of safety that
need to be assessed at the national level. For example, many of the IAEA safety
standards, in particular those addressing aspects of safety in planning or design,
are intended to apply primarily to new facilities and activities. The requirements
established in the IAEA safety standards might not be fully met at some existing
facilities that were built to earlier standards. The way in which IAEA safety
standards are to be applied to such facilities is a decision for individual States.
The scientific considerations underlying the IAEA safety standards provide
an objective basis for decisions concerning safety; however, decision makers
must also make informed judgements and must determine how best to balance
the benefits of an action or an activity against the associated radiation risks and
any other detrimental impacts to which it gives rise.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR THE IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

The preparation and review of the safety standards involves the IAEA
Secretariat and five Safety Standards Committees, for emergency preparedness
and response (EPReSC) (as of 2016), nuclear safety (NUSSC), radiation safety
(RASSC), the safety of radioactive waste (WASSC) and the safe transport of
radioactive material (TRANSSC), and a Commission on Safety Standards (CSS)
which oversees the IAEA safety standards programme (see Fig. 2).
All IAEA Member States may nominate experts for the Safety Standards
Committees and may provide comments on draft standards. The membership of
the Commission on Safety Standards is appointed by the Director General and
includes senior governmental officials having responsibility for establishing
national standards.
A management system has been established for the processes of planning,
developing, reviewing, revising and establishing the IAEA safety standards.
 Outline and work plan
prepared by the Secretariat;
review by the Safety Standards
Committees and the CSS

Secretariat and
consultants:
drafting of new or revision
of existing safety standard

Draft

Review by Draft
Safety Standards Member States
Committee(s)
Comments

Final draft

Endorsement
by the CSS

FIG. 2. The process for developing a new safety standard or revising an existing standard.

It articulates the mandate of the IAEA, the vision for the future application of
the safety standards, policies and strategies, and corresponding functions and
responsibilities.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The findings of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects

of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and the recommendations of international
expert bodies, notably the International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP), are taken into account in developing the IAEA safety standards. Some
safety standards are developed in cooperation with other bodies in the United
Nations system or other specialized agencies, including the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme,
the International Labour Organization, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, the
Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization.
INTERPRETATION OF THE TEXT

Safety related terms are to be understood as they appear in the

IAEA Nuclear Safety and Security Glossary (see https://www.iaea.
org/resources/publications/iaea-nuclear-safety-and-security-glossary).
Otherwise, words are used with the spellings and meanings assigned to them
in the latest edition of The Concise Oxford Dictionary. For Safety Guides, the
English version of the text is the authoritative version.
The background and context of each standard in the IAEA Safety
Standards Series and its objective, scope and structure are explained in Section 1,
Introduction, of each publication.
Material for which there is no appropriate place in the body text
(e.g. material that is subsidiary to or separate from the body text, is included
in support of statements in the body text, or describes methods of calculation,
procedures or limits and conditions) may be presented in appendices or annexes.
An appendix, if included, is considered to form an integral part of the
safety standard. Material in an appendix has the same status as the body text,
and the IAEA assumes authorship of it. Annexes and footnotes to the main text,
if included, are used to provide practical examples or additional information or
explanation. Annexes and footnotes are not integral parts of the main text. Annex
material published by the IAEA is not necessarily issued under its authorship;
material under other authorship may be presented in annexes to the safety
standards. Extraneous material presented in annexes is excerpted and adapted as
necessary to be generally useful.
 CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Background (1.1–1.4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Objective (1.5, 1.6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Scope (1.7, 1.8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Structure (1.9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTION OF WORKERS

AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Types of exposure situation (2.1–2.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Principles of radiation protection (2.6–2.14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Protection strategy (2.15, 2.16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3. PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE

TO RADON IN EXISTING EXPOSURE SITUATIONS . . . . . . . 8

Responsibilities and functions of the government (3.1–3.16) . . . . . . . 8

Responsibilities and functions of the regulatory body or other
relevant authority (3.17–3.27) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Responsibilities and functions of employers (3.28–3.37) . . . . . . . . . . 16

4. PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE

TO RADON IN PLANNED EXPOSURE SITUATIONS (4.1, 4.2) 18

Responsibilities and functions of the government (4.3, 4.4) . . . . . . . . 18

Responsibilities and functions of the regulatory body or other
relevant authority (4.5–4.15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Responsibilities and functions of employers (4.16–4.31) . . . . . . . . . . 21
Compliance by workers (4.32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

APPENDIX I: PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST

EXPOSURE DUE TO THORON 27

APPENDIX II: QUALIFICATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

FOR PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST
EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON 30
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

ANNEX: PROTOCOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR

MEASUREMENT OF RADON 37

CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

 1. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

1.1. IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SF-1, Fundamental Safety Principles [1],
presents the fundamental safety objective and ten safety principles. Requirements
designed to meet the fundamental safety objective and to apply the safety principles
specified in SF-1 [1] are established in IAEA Safety Standards Series No.
GSR Part 3, Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International
Basic Safety Standards [2], which was jointly sponsored by the IAEA and seven
other international organizations. GSR Part 3 [2] includes requirements for the
protection of workers exposed to sources of radiation.

1.2. The World Health Organization has stated that radon is the second leading
cause of lung cancer in the general population after smoking [3]. Early studies
on underground miners demonstrated an increased incidence of lung cancer in
uranium miners exposed to very high concentrations of radon and its progeny.
Epidemiological studies summarized in reports of the United Nations Scientific
Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) [4, 5] and in
publications of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)
[6, 7] have shown a significant association between workers’ exposure due to
radon and lung cancer. These studies reflect the importance of protecting workers
from exposure due to radon.

1.3. GSR Part 3 [2] establishes requirements for the protection of workers against
exposure due to radon. Recommendations on occupational radiation protection,
including protection of workers against exposure due to radon, are provided in
IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-7, Occupational Radiation Protection [8].

1.4. Recent ICRP publications [6, 7, 9] have also been considered in preparing
this Safety Guide. The prerequisites for protection of workers from all sources
of radiation are set out by the International Labour Organization (ILO) [10]. The
ILO’s code of practice on the radiation protection of workers [11] has also been
taken into account in this Safety Guide.

1
OBJECTIVE

1.5. This Safety Guide provides recommendations on meeting the requirements

of GSR Part 3 [2] for protection of workers against exposure due to radon1 in
existing exposure situations and planned exposure situations.

1.6. This Safety Guide focuses on the identification of workplaces of concern

with regard to exposure due to radon and on the implementation of requirements
for radiation protection through the application of a graded approach and
the principles of justification and optimization of protection and safety. The
recommendations provided in this Safety Guide are intended for governments,
regulatory bodies and other relevant authorities (especially those with little or no
experience in radiation protection), employers, workers and service providers.

SCOPE

1.7. This Safety Guide provides recommendations on the protection of workers

against exposure due to radon in existing exposure situations and planned exposure
situations. This includes exposure in workplaces such as buildings, underground
locations and industrial premises involving the processing of naturally occurring
radioactive material (NORM)2. The protection of workers in buildings with high
occupancy factors for members of the public, such as schools, kindergartens and
hospitals, is also addressed. Exposure to 220Rn (thoron) and its progeny is also
considered in Appendix I. Recommendations on protection of the public against
exposure due to radon in existing exposure situations are provided in IAEA Safety
Standards Series No. SSG-32, Protection of the Public Against Exposure Indoors
due to Radon and Other Natural Sources of Radiation [16].

1
In this Safety Guide (and in the IAEA safety standards in general), the general phrase
“exposure due to radon” is used, and this includes exposure to both 222Rn and its progeny.
2
Specific information on protection from radon in workplaces, including those
involving different industrial processes involving NORM, is provided in Refs [12-15].

2
1.8. The recommendations on specific remedial actions3 and protective actions4
provided in SSG-32 [16] are also applicable in workplaces. Further information
is provided in Ref. [17].

STRUCTURE

1.9. Section 2 of this Safety Guide describes the framework for the protection
of workers against exposure due to radon. Section 3 provides recommendations
on the protection of workers against exposure due to radon in existing exposure
situations. Section 4 provides recommendations on the protection of workers
against exposure due to radon in planned exposure situations. The Appendices
provide recommendations on the protection of workers against exposure due to
thoron. The Annex provides information on radon measurement protocols and
measurement equipment.

2. FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTION OF WORKERS

AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON

TYPES OF EXPOSURE SITUATION

2.1. Based on the recommendations of ICRP Publication 103 [18], the

requirements established in GSR Part 3 [2] address three different types of
exposure situation: planned exposure situations, existing exposure situations and
emergency exposure situations. For the protection of workers against exposure
due to radon, this Safety Guide considers existing exposure situations and
planned exposure situations. Radon is not likely to give rise to an emergency
exposure situation.

2.2. An existing exposure situation is a situation of exposure that already exists

when a decision on the need for control needs to be taken (see para. 1.20(c) of

3
A remedial action is defined as “The removal of a source or the reduction of its
magnitude (in terms of activity or amount) for the purposes of preventing or reducing exposures
that might otherwise occur in an emergency or in an existing exposure situation” [2].
4
Protective actions are defined as “An action for the purposes of avoiding or reducing
doses that might otherwise be received in an emergency exposure situation or an existing
exposure situation” [2].

3
GSR Part 3 [2]). Existing exposure situations include exposure due to natural
sources as well as exposure due to residual radioactive material from past practices
that were not subject to regulatory control or that remains after an emergency
exposure situation.

2.3. Radon in dwellings and in many workplaces are considered examples of

existing exposure situations. Paragraph 5.1(c) of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The requirements for existing exposure situations…apply to:

…….

(c) Exposure due to natural sources, including:

(i) 222Rn and its progeny and 220Rn and its progeny, in workplaces other
than those workplaces for which exposure due to other radionuclides
in the uranium decay chain or the thorium decay chain is controlled as
a planned exposure situation, in dwellings and in other buildings with
high occupancy factors for members of the public”.

A planned exposure situation arises from the planned operation of a source or

from a planned activity that results in an exposure due to a source (see para.
1.20(a) of GSR Part 3 [2]). Since provision for protection and safety can be made
before embarking on the activity concerned, the associated exposures and their
likelihood of occurrence can be restricted from the outset. The primary means
of controlling exposure in planned exposure situations is by good design of
facilities, equipment and operating procedures, and by training.

2.4. Paragraph 3.4 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“Exposure due to natural sources is, in general, considered an existing

exposure situation.... However, the relevant requirements…for planned
exposure situations apply to:

…….

(c) Exposure due to 222Rn and to 222Rn progeny and due to 220Rn and to
220
Rn progeny in workplaces in which occupational exposure due to
other radionuclides in the uranium decay chain or the thorium decay
chain is controlled as a planned exposure situation;

4
 (d) Exposure due to 222Rn and to 222Rn progeny where the annual average
activity concentration of 222Rn in air in workplaces remains above
the reference level established in accordance with para. 5.27 after the
fulfilment of the requirement in para. 5.28 [of GSR Part 3].”

Figure 1 illustrates the approach for the protection of workers against exposure
due to radon in accordance with para. 3.4(d) of GSR Part 3 [2].

2.5. Exposure due to radon is determined in terms of the time integral of the
activity concentration of radon over a defined period of time. To determine which
of the requirements for exposure situations apply, the average annual activity
concentration is the quantity of interest.

Conduct survey of workplaces and

evaluation of annual average
activity concentration of 222Rn in air

Requirements for
No Is the 222Rn activity Yes Make reasonable efforts to
occupational exposure in
concentration above reduce 222Rn activity
existing exposure
the reference level?? concentration
situations apply

Does the 222Rn Take 222Rn measurements

No activity concentration after implementation of
remain above the reasonable efforts
reference level??

Yes

Relevant requirements for

occupational exposure in planned
exposure situations apply

FIG. 1. Approach for the protection of workers against exposure due to radon in accordance
with para. 3.4(d) of GSR Part 3 [2].

5
PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION

2.6. The main principles of radiation protection are expressed in Safety Principles
4–6 and 10 of SF‑1 [1]. Requirement 1 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “Parties with
responsibilities for protection and safety shall ensure that the principles of
radiation protection are applied for all exposure situations.” The fundamental
principles of radiation protection apply during the protection of workers from
exposure due to radon and its progeny.

Justification

2.7. For planned exposure situations, Requirement 10 of GSR Part 3 [2] states
that “The government or the regulatory body shall ensure that only justified
practices are authorized.”

2.8. For planned exposure situations, para. 3.16 of GSR Part 3 [2] states
(footnotes omitted):

“The government or the regulatory body, as appropriate, shall ensure that

provision is made for the justification of any type of practice and for review
of the justification, as necessary, and shall ensure that only justified practices
are authorized.”

2.9. For existing exposure situations, para. 2.9 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“For…existing exposure situations, each party with responsibilities for

protection and safety shall ensure, when relevant requirements apply
to that party, that protective actions or remedial actions are justified and
are undertaken in such a way as to achieve the objectives set out in a
protection strategy.”

2.10. For existing exposure situations, Requirement 48 of GSR Part 3 [2] states
that “The government and the regulatory body or other relevant authority
shall ensure that remedial actions and protective actions are justified and that
protection and safety is optimized.” Moreover, para. 5.7 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The government and the regulatory body or other relevant authority shall
ensure that the protection strategy for the management of existing exposure
situations…is commensurate with the radiation risks associated with the
existing exposure situation; and that corrective actions or protective actions

6
 are expected to yield sufficient benefits to outweigh the detriments associated
with taking them, including detriments in the form of radiation risks.”

Optimization

2.11. Paragraph 1.15 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that optimization “is a process
for ensuring that the likelihood and magnitude of exposures and the number of
individuals exposed are as low as reasonably achievable, with economic, societal
and environmental factors taken into account.”

2.12. Paragraph 1.24 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “Reference levels are used
for optimization of protection and safety in…existing exposure situations. They
are established or approved by the government, the regulatory body or another
relevant authority.” For existing exposure situations, para. 5.8 of GSR Part 3 [2]
states that “The regulatory body or other relevant authority and other parties
responsible for remedial actions or protective actions shall ensure that the form,
scale and duration of such actions are optimized.”

2.13. The value for the radon reference level for the protection of workers
against exposure due to radon depends on the prevailing circumstances under
consideration. Priority should be given to those workplaces in which the reference
level is exceeded, to ensure that radon activity concentrations in these workplaces
are reduced below the reference level and then optimized to ensure that they are
as low as reasonably achievable, with economic, societal and environmental
factors taken into account. Cost effective actions should be considered in the
optimization process.

Dose limit

2.14. Dose limits apply only for planned exposure situations. Paragraph 3.26 of
GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The government or the regulatory body shall establish
and the regulatory body shall enforce compliance with the dose limits…for
occupational exposures and public exposures in planned exposure situations.”
Dose limits for workers are detailed in Schedule III of GSR Part 3 [2].

PROTECTION STRATEGY

2.15. The government, regulatory body or other relevant authority is required

to establish a legal and regulatory framework for protection of workers against
exposure due to radon based on a graded approach. Depending on the magnitude

7
of exposures, the number of workers exposed and the authorities that are involved,
a comprehensive radon protection strategy may be needed. The strategy should
include measures to prevent the accumulation of radon in workplaces and to
protect workers in areas with high radon levels. The roles of relevant authorities,
such as those for occupational health and safety and public health authorities,
should be described in order to establish and maintain an effective and cooperative
regulatory regime.

2.16. Attention should be given to the characteristics of and contributors to the

exposure due to radon. The exposure is almost entirely from inhalation of the
short-lived progeny of 222Rn, which are unlikely to be in equilibrium with the
parent radionuclide. Therefore, special quantities, such as potential alpha energy
concentration, are used for expressing the concentration of radon progeny in air
and for estimating the resulting exposure. Recommendations on monitoring of
short-lived progeny of 222Rn are given in paras 2.60‒2.70 of GSG-7 [8].

3. PROTECTION OF WORKERS
AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON IN
EXISTING EXPOSURE SITUATIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT

3.1. Paragraph 5.3 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The government shall include
in the legal and regulatory framework for protection and safety…provisions for
the management of existing exposure situations.” This includes exposure due to
radon in workplaces in existing exposure situations. This legal and regulatory
framework should be included in the domains of radiation protection, occupational
health and safety or public health, depending on which is identified as the most
appropriate authority to be assigned responsibility for the control of radon in
these workplaces.

Identification of workplaces of concern

3.2. Requirement 47 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The government shall ensure that existing exposure situations that

have been identified are evaluated to determine which occupational

8
 exposures and public exposures are of concern from the point of view
of radiation protection.”

The identification of workplaces of concern should be based on the results of

radon surveys, measurements in workplaces, research data, geological and topsoil
data, the types of industrial operation or processing method involving NORM,
the construction materials used in buildings and the local climate conditions.

3.3. Footnote 49 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“In the case of exposure due to radon, the types of situation that are included
in the scope of existing exposure situations will include exposure in
workplaces for which the exposure due to radon is not required by or directly
related to the work, and for which annual average activity concentrations
due to 222Rn might be expected not to exceed the reference level”.

There are two categories of workplace that should be considered: above ground
workplaces and below ground workplaces.

Above ground workplaces

3.4. Examples of above ground workplaces that should be assessed to determine

the exposure of workers due to radon include the following:

(a) Enclosed buildings;

(b) Workplaces where the radon levels might be elevated due to the geological
conditions or due to limited ventilation;
(c) Workplaces with high occupancy factors for members of the public (e.g.
schools, childcare centres, hospitals);
(d) Enclosed raw material production facilities (e.g. processing facilities
involving NORM);
(e) Water treatment facilities;
(f) Fish hatchery buildings;
(g) Thermal spas.

3.5. It is not normally practical to measure radon in every above ground

workplace. Therefore, representative local surveys for given types of workplaces
with similar characteristics should be performed. The results of radon surveys of
dwellings can be used to identify regions where workplaces with elevated radon
levels might be located. Radon levels in dwellings generally provide a useful
indication of areas in which workplaces with elevated radon levels might be

9
expected, since it is likely that the radon prone areas in above ground workplaces
coincide with the radon prone areas identified in dwellings. This information, if
available, can help States in identifying those areas that contain workplaces with
elevated radon concentrations. Surveys of above ground workplaces should be
designed so that information is representative of the radon activity concentration
levels in the area. The survey data collected should be evaluated to identify
workplaces of concern. If no workplaces of concern are identified, no further
action is necessary. If workplaces with exposures of concern are identified, the
government should ensure that measures to address exposures in workplaces are
included in the action plan (see paras 3.15 and 3.16). The results of these surveys
and their evaluation should be documented and made available to the public.
Information on the design of a radon survey can be found in Ref. [19].

Below ground workplaces

3.6. Examples of below ground workplaces that should be surveyed to determine

the exposure of workers due to radon include the following:

(a) Underground mines;

(b) Tunnels;
(c) Basements;
(d) Underground laboratories;
(e) Tourist caves;
(f) Food storage caves (e.g. for production of wine or cheese, for cultivation of
mushrooms).

A survey to determine radon levels in a representative sample for a given type

of below ground workplace should be performed. The results of the survey
should be used to decide if radon levels should be measured in all below ground
workplaces of that type.

Justification of remedial actions and protective actions

3.7. To meet Requirement 48 of GSR Part 3 [2] (see para. 2.10 of this Safety
Guide), the government should ensure that the benefits of remedial actions and
protective actions against exposure due to radon outweigh the detriments. For
workplaces in existing buildings or facilities, where the annual average activity
concentration of radon is below the reference level, exposure should be optimized
(see para. 1.24 of GSR Part 3 [2]). As such, actions that are expected to yield
the greatest benefits and outweigh the detriments should be implemented. These
actions should be adapted to national circumstances. Detriments include any

10
radiation risks introduced by taking the action, the cost of taking the action, and
any harm or damage caused by the action.

3.8. In the majority of circumstances, it is not considered appropriate to allow

exposures in workplaces above the radon reference level to continue (see para.
1.24 of GSR Part 3 [2]). Remedial actions and protective actions are required
to be justified and optimized (see paras 5.3(b) and 5.28 of GSR Part 3 [2]) and
should be implemented in the context of continual improvement of workplace
safety. Workers should be informed of these actions before implementation. These
actions should not conflict with other existing regulatory requirements such as
energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

3.9. Remedial actions are intended to act on the source of exposure; protective
actions are intended to avoid or reduce exposures, for example by acting
on the exposure pathways. Exposures can occur due to inhalation of radon
from the earth’s crust or from building materials. As stated in para. 2.10, the
government is required to justify the measures for the control of radon, such as
controls on building materials. Further recommendations are provided in paras
5.45–5.72 of GSG-7 [8].

Assignment of responsibilities and resources

3.10. Requirement 3 of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 1,

Governmental, Legal and Regulatory Framework for Safety [20], states:

“The government, through the legal system, shall establish and maintain
a regulatory body, and shall confer on it the legal authority and provide
it with the competence and the resources necessary to fulfil its statutory
obligation for the regulatory control of facilities and activities.”

3.11. The government should assign responsibility to the regulatory body or

other relevant authorities to establish and implement a protection strategy for the
protection of workers against exposure due to radon. Where responsibilities for
the protection of workers are assigned to more than one authority, the government
should make provision for the effective coordination of regulatory functions.
The protection of workers from exposure due to radon may involve several other
parties, including employers, service providers (see Appendix II) and workers.

3.12. Paragraph 5.2 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The government shall ensure
that, when an existing exposure situation is identified, responsibilities for
protection and safety are assigned and appropriate reference levels are

11
established.” The government should develop a plan for achieving long term
objectives such as conducting radon surveys, evaluating exposures in radon prone
areas, establishing radon requirements in building codes, taking remedial actions
and protective actions, and communicating with the public. Sufficient financial
support should be provided to support the implementation of the plan for the
protection of workers from exposure due to radon.

Involvement of different parties in the development and implementation of

the protection strategy for workplace exposure due to radon

3.13. In accordance with para. 5.3(d) of GSR Part 3 [2], the government is
required to provide for the involvement of interested parties in decisions regarding
the development and implementation of protection strategies, as appropriate.
As the protection of workers against exposure due to radon involves different
competencies, the interested parties should include authorities with responsibility
for radiation safety, occupational safety, public health and building construction,
as appropriate.

3.14. As part of the protection strategy for existing exposure situations, the
regulatory body or other relevant authority is required to ensure that information
is available to workers on the potential health risks of exposure due to radon (see
para. 5.5(b) of GSR Part 3 [2]). This should include information on the risk of
lung cancer due to radon exposure and the increased risk of lung cancer due to
the combination of smoking and radon. This information should also cover the
importance of assessing the radon levels in workplaces, the temporal variability of
radon levels, the use and interpretation of short term measurements and long term
measurements, the remedial actions and protective actions in existing buildings
and new buildings, and their effectiveness.

Establishment and implementation of an action plan for radon in

workplaces

3.15. Paragraph 5.2 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The regulatory body shall
establish and enforce requirements for the protection of workers in existing
exposure situations.” The action plan established for controlling public exposure
to radon indoors should also cover the implementation of a protection strategy
for exposure due to radon in workplaces. It should include identification of
workplaces of concern, risk communication, actions for reducing radon levels in
buildings and optimization of remedial actions and protective actions. The action
plan should be updated and approved periodically.

12
3.16. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should be directed to include
the following actions in relation to radon in workplaces in the action plan:

(a) Establish an appropriate reference level for radon in workplaces;

(b) Determine which types of workplace might be of concern, such as workplaces
in a radon prone area and workplaces located below ground;
(c) Provide information on health effects and on radon levels in workplaces as
part of the communication strategy;
(d) Facilitate radon measurements at workplaces, including establishment of
measurement protocols, and provisions for quality assurance of service
providers of radon measurements;
(e) Introduce specific requirements in building codes or in other regulatory
documents for new buildings to reduce radon levels in workplaces;
(f) Develop guidelines for remedial actions and protective actions in workplaces;
(g) Prioritize actions for reducing radon levels in situations for which such
actions are likely to be most effective.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE REGULATORY BODY

OR OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITY

3.17. Paragraph 5.5 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The regulatory body or other relevant authority shall implement the

protection strategy, including:

(a) Arranging for evaluation of the available remedial actions and

protective actions for achieving the objectives, and for evaluation of
the efficiency of the actions planned and implemented;
(b) Ensuring that information is available to individuals subject to
exposure on potential health risks and on the means available for
reducing their exposures and the associated risks.”

3.18. Recommendations on the provision of information on radon are

provided in paras 3.13–3.17 of SSG-32 [16]; these are also applicable for the
protection of workers.

13
3.19. Paragraph 5.4 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The regulatory body or other relevant authority assigned to establish

a protection strategy for an existing exposure situation shall ensure
that it specifies:

(a) The objectives to be achieved by means of the protection strategy;

(b) Appropriate reference levels.”

This includes establishing and implementing a strategy for the protection of

workers against exposure due to radon.

3.20. Paragraph 5.27 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The reference level for 222Rn
shall be set at a value that does not exceed an annual average activity concentration
of 222Rn of 1000 Bq/m3, with account taken of the prevailing social and economic
circumstances.” 5

3.21. In accordance with para. 5.20 (a) of GSR Part 3 [2], the reference level
for dwellings and other buildings with high occupancy factors for members of
the public is required to not exceed an annual average activity concentration
of 222Rn of 300 Bq/m3, taking into account the prevailing social and economic
circumstances. To avoid setting different reference levels for workers and the
public who occupy such buildings, the regulatory body or other relevant authority
should consider a reference level that does not exceed an annual average activity
concentration of 222Rn of 300 Bq/m3. These buildings include schools, childcare
centres and hospitals.

3.22. The reference level for radon in workplaces should be periodically

reviewed to ensure that it remains appropriate for the protection of workers. The
effectiveness of actions for protecting workers from radon should be evaluated
and updated as part of this review.

3.23. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should establish provisions
so that employers and workers are informed of the results of radon measurements
for both initial measurements and any subsequent follow-up measurements,
including those made after all reasonable efforts to reduce radon levels have been

5
The value of activity concentration of 1000 Bq/m3 corresponds to an annual effective
dose of the order of 10 mSv, on the assumption of an equilibrium factor for 222Rn of 0.4 and an
annual occupancy of 2000 h.

14
undertaken by employers. The regulatory requirements for employers should
specify the following:

(a) The types of workplaces in which radon measurements are needed;

(b) The measurement protocols for radon in workplaces (see Annex);
(c) Conditions for follow-up measurements of radon in workplaces;
(d) The retention time for records of measurements of radon;
(e) The procedures for comparison of measured radon levels with the reference
level;
(f) The procedures for optimization of protection and safety.

3.24. The national or regional authority with responsibilities for building and
construction safety should establish and implement building code requirements
to prevent the accumulation of radon indoors. These authorities should have
competence in structures and ventilation systems and means for implementing and
enforcing building code requirements for construction companies and building
owners. The relevant authority for construction safety should specify methods for
monitoring and documenting remedial actions made to buildings to ensure their
continued effectiveness. Practical guidance on actions to prevent the ingress of
radon is provided in Ref. [17].

3.25. Radon measurements should be performed in the locations where workers

spend a majority of their working time or where higher exposure due to radon is
likely. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should establish or approve
guidelines or measurement protocols to be used for radon measurements. The
measurement protocols should define how to measure and interpret radon activity
concentrations in workplaces.

3.26. The measurement protocols (see para. 3.25) should include guidance on
the type of detector, number and placement of detectors, measurement duration,
application of seasonal correction factors, acceptable uncertainties, and frequency
of duplicate measurements for quality control. They should also include guidance
on interpreting the results to ensure that they are representative of the annual
average concentration of radon in the workplace. Guidance on the measurement
of 222Rn and its progeny is provided in Refs [21–32].

3.27. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should specify the conditions
for conducting long term follow-up measurements after the implementation of
measures to reduce radon levels in the workplace. These conditions should be
specified by parameters such as change of ventilation system, renovation of
foundations and floors, change of doors and windows, and physical changes to

15
the building that might affect the activity concentration of radon in the workplace.
The Annex provides information on radon measurement protocols and equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF EMPLOYERS

3.28. Paragraph 5.28 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “Employers shall ensure that
activity concentrations of 222Rn in workplaces are as low as reasonably achievable
below the reference level…and shall ensure that protection is optimized.” The
responsibility for providing adequate protection of workers against radiation rests
with the employer, even if the employer is a subcontractor [10].

3.29. Employers are expected to comply with any requirements specified by the
regulatory body or other relevant authority on the control of exposure due to
radon in workplaces. Employers should implement the reference level set by the
regulatory body or other relevant authority, the measurement protocols for radon
in the workplace, and any remedial actions and protective actions necessary to
comply with the reference level and to optimize protection. Employers who do
not have the capability to take radon measurements themselves should seek a
qualified service provider.

3.30. Workplaces involving the mining or processing of materials containing

NORM might have elevated radon activity concentration levels. In some cases,
the processes involved can increase radionuclide activity concentrations and
therefore affect radon levels in the workplace. Practical guidance for specific
industries involving NORM is provided in Refs [12–15].

3.31. In addition to the information provided by the government and/or regulatory

body, the employer should inform workers of the health risk of exposure due to
radon if exposure to elevated levels of radon is associated with their work. An
information campaign should be organized, and informational material should be
developed for workers on the following topics:

(a) The nature of potential health risks associated with exposure due to radon;
(b) The radon activity concentration levels to which workers are exposed, and
(for comparison) the reference level;
(c) The requirements for protecting workers;
(d) The methods of controlling radon levels and for optimization of protection
against exposure due to radon.

16
3.32. If the annual average activity concentration of radon in the workplace is
below the reference level, the employer should assess whether exposures are
optimized. The optimization of protection and safety should be done in consideration
of other hazards and risks in the workplace, such as noise, dust and heat.

3.33. The records of radon measurements should include information on locations

occupied by workers and the occupancy time. Employers should seek information
from the employers or outside contractors of other workplaces in which their
workers may work.

3.34. Follow-up measurements should be conducted in workplaces after

construction activities, refurbishment and renovation, and after changes have
been made to workplace ventilation. When renting a building, office or any other
facility for the purpose of work, the employer should request the results of any
radon measurements from the owner. The owner should provide tenants with
information on previous radon measurements, if available.

3.35. Employers should consult a qualified expert for advice on implementing

remedial actions for existing buildings to reduce exposure due to radon. Factors
such as the annual average radon activity concentration, occupancy, complexity
of remedial actions and number of workers affected should be considered before
implementing actions. Typical actions include the following:

(a) Control of the ingress of radon gas into the workplace, such as by sealing
floors;
(b) Active ventilation of workplaces, including through powered extraction
systems, air dilution systems and soil depressurization;
(c) Passive ventilation of workplaces, such as through roof, foundation or
basement ventilators, and isolation.

For control of radon in below ground workplaces (e.g. mines, caves, basements,
tunnels), ventilation is of crucial importance in ensuring occupational safety and
also in reducing elevated levels of radon. For workplaces with large areas, such
as factories, a combination of actions should be considered. Recommendations
on ventilation in the workplace are provided in paras 9.10–9.19 of GSG-7 [8].

3.36. Cost effective remedial actions and protective actions should be

implemented by the employer. However, for workplaces where it is not always
practicable to implement such actions (e.g. tunnels, historic heritage-protected
buildings, tourist caves), other administrative measures should be considered for
the protection of workers (e.g. restricting working time). Recommendations on

17
the cost effectiveness of radon control measures are provided in SSG-32 [16], and
more detailed information is provided in Ref. [3].

3.37. For the construction of new buildings in radon prone areas, measures
include membrane technology and air pressure control. Sometimes it is not easy
to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures for workplaces before they
are constructed, and the advice of experts on this subject should be obtained.

4. PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST EXPOSURE

DUE TO RADON IN PLANNED EXPOSURE
SITUATIONS

4.1. Paragraph 3.4(c) of GSR Part 3 [2] states that the relevant requirements
for planned exposure situations apply to exposure due to radon “in workplaces
in which occupational exposure due to other radionuclides in the uranium decay
chain or the thorium decay chain is controlled as a planned exposure situation.”
Such workplaces include mines and processing facilities for uranium and may
include other industrial activities involving other types of NORM [8]. Workers
in such workplaces are considered occupationally exposed, and their exposure
should therefore be managed using the relevant requirements established for
occupational exposure in planned exposure situations. Recommendations on
the protection of workers in such facilities are provided in paras 3.159–3.181 of
GSG-7 [8], and supporting practical guidance is provided in Refs [12–15]. The
protection of workers against exposure due to radon in such workplaces is not
considered further in this Safety Guide.

4.2. Paragraph 3.4(d) of GSR Part 3 [2] states that the relevant requirements for
planned exposure situations apply to “Exposure due to 222Rn and to 222Rn progeny
where the annual average activity concentration of 222Rn in air in workplaces
remains above the reference level”. The recommendations in this section apply to
such workplaces.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT

4.3. Paragraph 2.17 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The government shall ensure
that the regulatory body has the legal authority, competence and resources to fulfil

18
its functions and responsibilities.” The government should assign responsibilities
to relevant authorities regarding exposure of workers due to radon in planned
exposure situations. The government should assign sufficient human and financial
resources to any such other relevant authorities.

4.4. Paragraph 2.19 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The government shall establish mechanisms to ensure that:

(a) The activities of the regulatory body are coordinated with those of
other governmental authorities…and with national and international
organizations that have related responsibilities;
(b) Interested parties are involved as appropriate in regulatory decision
making processes or regulatory decision aiding processes.”

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE REGULATORY BODY

OR OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITY

4.5. Requirement 3 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The regulatory body shall
establish or adopt regulations and guides for protection and safety and shall
establish a system to ensure their implementation.”

4.6. Requirement 6 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“The application of the requirements of [GSR Part 3] in planned

exposure situations shall be commensurate with the characteristics of
the practice or the source within a practice, and with the likelihood and
magnitude of exposures.”

4.7. Protection of workers against exposure due to radon should focus on

workplaces with high radon levels and high occupancy, such as underground
mines, tunnels, and ground floor and below ground offices and laboratories.
The regulatory body or other relevant authority implement a graded approach
in selecting the relevant requirements for planned exposure situations that apply,
such as requirements for authorization and for implementation of a radiation
protection programme.

4.8. Requirement 20 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The regulatory body shall
establish and enforce requirements for the monitoring and recording of
occupational exposures in planned exposure situations.” The regulatory body

19
or other relevant authority should determine which of these requirements apply to
workers who receive exposure due to radon.

4.9. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should establish requirements
for notification and authorization for workplaces in which the radon activity
concentration remains above the reference level (i.e. as specified in para. 3.4(d)
of GSR Part 3 [2]). These requirements should specify the regulatory body or
other relevant authority that is to be notified, the responsibility of employers to
undertake the notification, the information to be included in the notification and
the time frame. With regard to applications for authorization, the information to be
supplied (e.g. the results of prior radiological evaluations or safety assessments)
should be specified by the regulatory body or other relevant authority.

4.10. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should provide guidance
on the methodology for the assessment of exposure due to radon. The guidance
should include information on how to address parameters such as the equilibrium
factor, dose conversion factor, occupancy factor, breathing rate, distribution of the
aerosol and the unattached fraction, as appropriate. The values for these parameters
should be realistic and specific to the type of workplace. Recommendations
relating to the service providers are provided in Appendix II.

4.11. A dose conversion factor for calculating the effective dose from
occupational exposure due to radon is necessary where the exposure is subject to
the requirements for planned exposure situations.

4.12. UNSCEAR undertook a comprehensive review of epidemiological studies

of lung cancer resulting from inhalation of radon and its progeny and also of the
results of dosimetric models since 2006 [5]. Given that the uncertainties from
both dosimetric and epidemiological studies give rise to a broad range of risk
estimates and that values from the current dosimetry and epidemiological reviews
are consistent with those used in previous UNSCEAR reports, UNSCEAR
recommends the continued use of the dose conversion factor of 9 nSv per h Bq m−3
equilibrium equivalent concentration of 222Rn, which corresponds to 1.6 mSv per
mJ h m−3 (5.7 mSv per working level month) of radon progeny, for estimating
radon exposure levels to a population [5]. UNSCEAR’s review of the evidence
was compatible with its previous assessment of lung cancer risk due to radon.
Therefore, UNSCEAR concluded that there is no reason to change the established
dose conversion factor [5].

4.13. The ICRP recommends a dose conversion factor of 3 mSv per mJ h m-3
(approximately 10 mSv per working level month) to apply to most circumstances

20
of exposure to radon and its progeny in workplaces and homes, equivalent to
6.7 nSv per Bq h m-3 using an equilibrium factor of 0.4 (16.8 nSv per Bq h m-3
equilibrium equivalent concentration) [9]. The ICRP considers this dose conversion
factor to be applicable to the majority of circumstances with no adjustment for
aerosol characteristics. If specific occupational exposures warrant more detailed
consideration and reliable alternative data are available, site specific doses can be
assessed using the methodology provided by the ICRP in Ref. [9].

4.14. In 2021, the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety issued an

overview document on managing exposure due to radon at home and at work [33],
in which it was indicated that it was up to individual national authorities to decide
whether and when to implement the new ICRP dose conversion factor for radon
contained in Ref. [9].

4.15. If a national dose registry is established (see para. 7.265 of GSG-7 [8]),
the results of individual monitoring of workers for exposure due to radon should
be incorporated. The data provided to the national dose registry should include
the method used in the dose assessment, the results of dose assessment and
characteristics of the workplaces.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF EMPLOYERS

4.16. Requirement 21 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“Employers, registrants and licensees shall be responsible for the

protection of workers against occupational exposure. Employers,
registrants and licensees shall ensure that protection and safety
is optimized and that the dose limits for occupational exposure
are not exceeded.”

In optimizing the overall protection and safety of workers in planned exposure

situations, the employers should consider other occupational health and safety
issues. Optimization of protection and safety is a prospective and iterative
process for ensuring that the likelihood of incurring exposures, the number of the
people exposed, and the magnitude of exposures are kept as low as reasonably
achievable, taking into account prevailing circumstances.

4.17. When implementing controls for radon in planned exposure situations, a

management system should be established to monitor and maintain these controls
to ensure that they remain effective over time. Employers should develop a

21
system that includes regular review and assessment of the effectiveness of
radon controls, radon measurements, dose assessment and information sharing.
Employers should also take steps to progressively develop an understanding of
how radon builds up in the workplace and the specific actions that are necessary
for protection of workers.

Workplace monitoring

4.18. The radon activity concentration in the workplace should be monitored,

either by active real time measurements or by long term passive measurements.
Real time measurements should be used when information on the variability of
222
Rn with time and location is needed, while passive detectors should be used
when long term average activity concentrations in the workplace are needed.
Monitoring of 222Rn progeny is encouraged, as appropriate. For example,
monitoring of 222Rn progeny more precisely assesses the exposure of miners.

4.19. For workplaces where annual average radon activity concentrations are
above the reference level on the basis of measurements with passive systems,
active monitoring should be considered in order to identify whether high radon
levels occur during working hours. Employers should consider estimating
exposure due to radon on the basis of monitoring during working hours in areas
where workers are present, taking into account the breathing zones of workers.

4.20. The calibration of passive radon detectors and continuous active monitors
should be traceable to primary or secondary radon standards. National or
international intercomparisons should be performed.

Notification and communication

4.21. The employer should notify the regulatory body or other relevant
authority either when the annual average radon activity concentration is above
the reference level or when it remains above the reference level despite all
reasonable efforts by the employer, depending upon national regulations. The
information and documentation to be provided as part of the notification should
include the following:

(a) The methods used to measure the activity concentrations of 222Rn and,
where appropriate, its progeny, and the results of these measurements;
(b) Identification and description of the workplaces, including a description of
the arrangements for the ventilation of these workplaces;

22
(c) Estimate of maximum annual working hours for workers in the areas with
elevated radon levels, and the associated estimated individual doses;
(d) A description of the remedial actions and protective actions taken to reduce
radon activity concentrations, and their effectiveness.

Instruction and training

4.22. Paragraph 3.110 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“Employers, in cooperation with registrants and licensees:

(a) Shall provide all workers with adequate information on health risks due to
their occupational exposure in normal operation, anticipated operational
occurrences and accident conditions, adequate instruction and training
and periodic training in protection and safety, and adequate information
on the significance of their actions for protection and safety”.

4.23. The employers should provide workers with information about the health
risks of radon and strategies for managing exposure. Special attention should
be paid to newly recruited workers; this information should be included in their
introductory training before they take up their assignments. The following should
be included in the instruction and training:

(a) Health effects of exposure due to radon;

(b) The radon reference level;
(c) Information on the working areas with elevated radon levels based on
measurements;
(d) Arrangements for monitoring of workplaces or workers;
(e) Arrangements for record keeping;
(f) Any arrangements for health surveillance of workers;
(g) Methods for evaluating the exposure of workers due to radon.

Radiation protection programme

4.24. Requirement 24 of GSR Part 3 [2] states:

“Employers, registrants and licensees shall establish and maintain

organizational, procedural and technical arrangements for the
designation of controlled areas and supervised areas, for local rules and
for monitoring of the workplace, in a radiation protection programme
for occupational exposure.”

23
When developing the radiation protection programme, employers should ensure
that assessment and control of occupational exposure due to radon are based on
radon measurements (including, as appropriate, progeny), the characteristics of
the workplace and exposure pathways.

4.25. Administrative controls to reduce the occupancy of workers in areas with

high radon levels may be part of the radiation protection programme. Restricting
access to the area with elevated levels of radon is suitable only for those areas
within workplaces where occupancy is already low or when it is not possible to
implement actions to reduce radon levels.

4.26. Job rotation should not be used as a substitute for reducing the radon activity
concentration in the workplace. However, in some cases, job rotation may need
to be considered as part of the radiation protection programme to restrict the
exposure of individual workers in work areas with high radon levels. Job rotation
should be carefully planned before being implemented.

4.27. Requirements for the radiation protection programme are established in

paras 3.88‒3.98 of GSR Part 3 [2], and further recommendations are provided in
paras 3.49‒3.158 of GSG-7 [8]. The main components that should be considered in a
radiation protection programme for occupational exposure due to radon are as follows:

(a) Scope and description of the programme;

(b) Assignment of responsibilities for protection and safety for workers;
(c) The use and functions of qualified experts;
(d) Designation of areas and workplace monitoring;
(e) Local rules and supervision;
(f) Personal protective equipment (as appropriate);
(g) Work planning;
(h) Monitoring and assessment of exposure due to radon;
(i) Health surveillance (if appropriate);
(j) Information, instruction and training (including qualification and
certification of workers, as appropriate);
(k) Notifications and authorizations (as appropriate) and record keeping;
(l) Arrangements for quality assurance, audit and review.

Protection of pregnant workers

4.28. Requirement 28 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “Employers, registrants and
licensees shall make special arrangements for female workers, as necessary,
for protection of the embryo or fetus and breastfed infants.” As the exposure

24
due to radon is mainly to the lungs, the embryo or fetus is not significantly exposed
[34, 35]. Therefore, additional controls in relation to exposure to radon should not
be necessary for pregnant workers.

Protection of itinerant workers

4.29. The requirements of GSR Part 3 [2] apply to all workers, so the same level
of protection against exposure due to radon is required to be provided to itinerant
workers as to full-time workers. Employers should consider itinerant workers
when addressing exposure due to radon.

4.30. Itinerant workers should be provided with the same information on the
risks associated with exposure due to radon as that provided to full-time workers.
The relevant procedures, records and arrangements for monitoring and health
surveillance should be made available to itinerant workers by their employers.
More information is provided in Ref. [36].

4.31. The measurement programme for radon in workplaces and relevant records
should not discriminate between itinerant workers (whether self-employed or
employed by a contractor) and workers employed by the management of the workplace.
The programme should be made available to itinerant workers and their employers.
The arrangements for protection of itinerant workers should be reviewed periodically
to ensure effective optimization of protection and safety. Further recommendations
on the protection of itinerant workers are provided in paras 6.21–6.100 of GSG-7 [8].

COMPLIANCE BY WORKERS

4.32. Requirement 22 of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “Workers shall fulfil their
obligations and carry out their duties for protection and safety.” Further
requirements for compliance by workers are established in paras 3.83–3.84 of
GSR Part 3 [2]. In addition, Section 2.3.1(1) of the ILO code of practice on the
radiation protection of workers [11] states:

“Workers should follow, as instructed by the employer, all rules, regulations

and working procedures for the control of exposure to radiations and
radioactive materials in the working environment in order to protect their
own health as well as that of their colleagues.”

This guidance applies to work in areas with elevated radon levels. Workers are
encouraged to discuss with employers the optimization of protection and safety

25
and the process of continuous improvement of working safely in accordance
with Ref. [11].

26
 Appendix I

PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST

EXPOSURE DUE TO THORON

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EXPOSURES DUE TO THORON

I.1. Thoron (220Rn) has a half-life of 55.6 seconds and can migrate only a short
distance before decay. For this reason, indoor activity concentrations depend
primarily on the emanation of thoron from the surface of walls and floors.
Concentrations vary markedly across distances as short as one metre. Earth walls
and floors have been found to be significant sources of thoron in some cases.
Special attention should be paid to the production of construction materials that
are a source of thoron.

I.2. In enclosed workplaces, the spatial distribution of thoron is very different

from that of its progeny. The magnitude of the consequent doses depends on
the amount of 232Th present in the soil and in building materials, the rate of
emanation of thoron and the occupancy factor for the building (see para. 3.60
of SSG-32 [16]). Elevated thoron concentrations usually occur in areas where
naturally occurring thorium concentrations are elevated, such as in areas where
there are mineral sands or products containing thorium.

I.3. The worldwide average activity concentration of thoron (indoors and

outdoors) is approximately 10 Bq/m3 [37]. Airborne thoron activity concentrations
in a room are highly variable due to the very short half-life of thoron and changes
in ventilation, ranging over orders of magnitude in a typical 24 hour cycle,
from 1 Bq/m3 to 1000 Bq/m3. Because of its short half-life, the thoron decays
before it can migrate very far from its source, and the activity concentration of
thoron decreases sharply with increasing distance from the walls. Measurements
in specific regions with high natural background levels indicate thoron activity
concentrations up to 2300 Bq/m3 [38–41].

I.4. The dose conversion factors for thoron and its progeny are higher than
for radon and its progeny. Of the various thoron progeny, 212Pb and 212Bi
contribute 91% and 9%, respectively, to the total potential alpha energy. Because
212
Pb contributes almost all of the total potential alpha energy, its activity
concentration can be used as a surrogate for potential alpha energy concentration.
The assessment of risks needs to take the presence of thoron and its progeny
into account [42].

27
I.5. If there are workplaces where significant occupational exposure due to thoron
could occur, the government or regulatory body should establish requirements
relating to the protection of workers against such exposure. Recommendations
and guidance on the management of public exposure due to thoron are provided
in SSG-32 [16], and information on occupational exposure due to thoron is
provided in Refs [12, 43].

MANAGEMENT OF EXPOSURE DUE TO THORON

I.6. Attention should be given to occupational exposure due to thoron in

workplaces involving minerals containing elevated levels of 232Th, such as
monazite mines and processing facilities. The exposure in such workplaces is
required to be controlled as a planned exposure situation rather than an existing
exposure situation (see para. 3.4(a) of GSR Part 3 [2]).

I.7. The approach to managing radon in workplaces can also be applied to

thoron. For example, it may normally be assumed that the same remedial actions
and protective actions that are taken to reduce exposure due to radon will also
reduce exposure due to thoron.

I.8. In most countries, exposure due to thoron does not need to be subject to
regulatory control because of the low activity concentrations of thorium found
in building materials. In countries where high activity concentrations of thoron
are found in some workplaces, the regulatory body or other relevant authority
should consider establishing a reference level for thoron. The recommendations
provided in SSG-32 [16] on setting a radon reference level are also applicable
to setting a reference level for thoron. Exposure due to thoron should be either
assessed through individual monitoring or estimated from workplace monitoring
results. Ref. [5] provides further information.

I.9. In workplaces where high activity concentrations of thoron progeny are

present, these concentrations can normally be substantially reduced by the
methods applied to reduce the indoor activity concentrations of thoron. Owing to
the high spatial variability (see para. I.1), ensuring that rooms are occupied away
from the walls is effective in reducing the inhalation of thoron.

Preventive measures for workplaces in new buildings

I.10. Consideration should be given to preventive measures that can be applied

during the construction of new buildings in thoron prone areas. The regulatory

28
body or other relevant authority should establish a basis for identifying such
buildings and ensure that appropriate measures are taken in their design and
construction. The effectiveness of the measures should be checked. Appropriate
building codes and guidance on construction practices should be developed
by the relevant authority. Particular consideration should be given to building
materials that have elevated concentrations of 232Th.

I.11. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should consider whether
restrictions are required on the use of building materials that have been found to
emit significant quantities of thoron (see para. 5.22 of GSR Part 3 [2]). Further
recommendations are provided in paras 3.65–3.67 of SSG-32 [16].

29
 Appendix II

QUALIFICATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR PROTECTION

OF WORKERS AGAINST EXPOSURE DUE TO RADON

II.1. Paragraph 3.73(c) of GSR Part 3 [2] states that “The regulatory body
shall be responsible, as appropriate, for…[a]uthorization or approval of service
providers for individual monitoring or calibration services”.

II.2. Service providers have to comply with requirements set by the regulatory
body or other relevant authority. The services provided might include radon
measurement, calibration of radon detectors, guidance on remedial actions for
existing buildings, design of measures to reduce radon levels in new buildings
and the provision of advice as qualified experts on radon exposure. The service
providers for radon measurements, calibration, consultancy or techniques to
reduce radon levels in buildings should be qualified in accordance with procedures
approved by the regulatory body. Recommendations on the management system
for providers of technical services are provided in section 8 of GSG-7 [8].

II.3. Service providers should provide only services for which they can
demonstrate competence. Providers of general radiation protection services might
not have adequate competence with respect to protection against exposure due to
radon (e.g. a provider of calibration services might not have the competency to
provide services related to the selection and implementation of remedial actions
and protective actions against exposure due to radon). Operating organizations
should therefore ensure that the selected service providers are competent in the
specific area. Service providers should be able to demonstrate impartiality and
independence in relation to the services they provide.

II.4. With regard to the assessment of occupational exposure due to radon,

the regulatory body or other relevant authority should verify that the service
provider has an adequate management system and is technically competent
to provide results. Requirements for management systems should take into
account the requirements set out in Ref. [44] or an equivalent national validation
scheme or protocol.

II.5. The regulatory body or other relevant authority should establish

requirements for providers of radon measurement services. These requirements
should cover the following:

30
(a) The service provider’s management system, including its organizational
structure, and arrangements for training personnel, and for acquiring,
calibrating, operating and maintaining equipment;
(b) Methods and procedures for radon measurement that follow appropriate
codes and standards;
(c) Accreditation in accordance with national requirements or relevant
standards;
(d) Reporting to the national radon database, as appropriate.

31
 REFERENCES

[1] EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC
ENERGY AGENCY, INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION,
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION, OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY
AGENCY, PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION, UNITED NATIONS
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,
Fundamental Safety Principles, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SF-1, IAEA,
Vienna (2006),
https://doi.org/10.61092/iaea.hmxn-vw0a
[2] EUROPEAN COMMISSION, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF
THE UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY,
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION, OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY
AGENCY, PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION, UNITED NATIONS
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, Radiation
Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA
Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, IAEA, Vienna (2014),
https://doi.org/10.61092/iaea.u2pu-60vm
[3] WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public
Health Perspective, WHO, Geneva (2009).
[4] UNITED NATIONS, Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation (Report to the
General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes), Scientific Committee on the Effects of
Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), UN, New York (2022).
[5] UNITED NATIONS, Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation (Report to the
General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes), Scientific Committee on the Effects of
Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), UN, New York (2020).
[6] INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, Lung
Cancer Risk from Radon and Progeny and Statement on Radon, Publication 115, ICRP
40(1), Elsevier, Oxford (2010).
[7] INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION,
Radiological Protection against Radon Exposure, Publication 126, ICRP 43(3), SAGE
Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA (2014).
[8] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, INTERNATIONAL LABOUR
OFFICE, Occupational Radiation Protection, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG‑7,
IAEA, Vienna (2018).
[9] INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION,
Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides: Part 3, Publication 137, ICRP 46(3/4), SAGE
Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA (2017).
[10] INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION, Radiation Protection of Workers,
SafeWork Information Note Series, Information Note No. 1, ILO, Geneva (2011).
[11] INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION, Radiation Protection of Workers
(Ionising Radiations), ILO Code of Practice, ILO, Geneva (1987).

33
[12] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiation Protection Against
Radon in Workplaces Other than Mines, Safety Reports Series No. 33,
IAEA, Vienna (2003).
[13] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiation Protection and NORM
Residue Management in the Zircon and Zirconia Industries, Safety Reports Series No.
51, IAEA, Vienna (2007).
[14] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiation Protection and NORM
Residue Management in the Production of Rare Earths from Thorium Containing
Minerals, Safety Reports Series No. 68, IAEA, Vienna (2011).
[15] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiation Protection and
Management of NORM Residues in the Phosphate Industry, Safety Reports Series No.
78, IAEA, Vienna (2013).
[16] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, WORLD HEALTH
ORGANIZATION, Protection of the Public Against Exposure Indoors due to Radon and
Other Natural Sources of Radiation, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-32,
IAEA, Vienna (2015).
[17] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Protection Against Exposure Due
to Radon Indoors and Gamma Radiation from Construction Materials — Methods of
Prevention and Mitigation, IAEA-TECDOC-1951, IAEA, Vienna (2021).
[18] INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, The 2007
Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection,
Publication 103, ICRP 37(2­–4), Elsevier, Oxford (2007),
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icrp.2007.10.003.
[19] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Design and Conduct of Indoor
Radon Surveys, Safety Reports Series No. 98, IAEA, Vienna (2019).
[20] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Governmental, Legal and
Regulatory Framework for Safety, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 1
(Rev. 1), IAEA, Vienna (2016).
[21] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 1: Origins of Radon and Its
Short-Lived Decay Products and Associated Measurement Methods, ISO 11665-1:2019,
ISO, Geneva (2019).
[22] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 2: Integrated Measurement
Method for Determining Average Potential Alpha Energy Concentration of Its Short-
Lived Decay Products, ISO 11665-2:2019, ISO, Geneva (2019).
[23] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 3: Spot Measurement
Method of The Potential Alpha Energy Concentration of Its Short-Lived Decay
Products, ISO 11665-3:2020, ISO, Geneva (2020).
[24] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 4: Integrated Measurement
Method for Determining Average Activity Concentration Using Passive Sampling and
Delayed Analysis, ISO 11665-4:2021, ISO, Geneva (2021).

34
[25] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 5: Continuous Measurement
Methods of the Activity Concentration, ISO 11665-5:2020, ISO, Geneva (2020).
[26] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 6: Spot Measurement
Methods of the Activity Concentration, ISO 11665-6:2020, ISO, Geneva (2020).
[27] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 7: Accumulation Method
for Estimating Surface Exhalation Rate, ISO 11665-7:2012, ISO, Geneva (2012).
[28] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 8: Methodologies for
Initial and Additional Investigations in Buildings, ISO 11665-8:2019,
ISO, Geneva (2019).
[29] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 9: Test Methods for
Exhalation Rate of Building Materials, ISO 11665-9:2019, ISO, Geneva (2019).
[30] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 11: Test Method for Soil
Gas with Sampling at Depth, ISO 11665-11:2016, ISO, Geneva (2016).
[31] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 12: Determination of the
Diffusion Coefficient in Waterproof Materials: Membrane One-Side Activity
Concentration Measurement Method, ISO/TS 11665-12:2018, ISO, Geneva (2018).
[32] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 13: Determination of the
Diffusion Coefficient in Waterproof Materials: Membrane Two-Side Activity
Concentration Test Method, ISO/TS 11665-13:2017, ISO, Geneva (2017).
[33] INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE ON RADIATION SAFETY, Managing Exposure due
to Radon at Home and at Work, IACRS (2020).
[34] ZWACK, L.M., BRUECK, S.E., ANDERSON, J.L., HAMMOND, D.R., Evaluation of
Exposure to Radon and Radon Progeny in an Underground Tourist Cavern and Its
Connected Buildings, Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 2014-0158-3345, National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (2019).
[35] KEITH, S., et al, Toxicological Profile for Radon, Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA (2012).
[36] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiation Protection of Itinerant
Workers, Safety Reports Series No. 84, IAEA, Vienna (2015).
[37] UNITED NATIONS, Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation (Report to the
General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes), Scientific Committee on the Effects of
Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), UN, New York (2000).
[38] OMORI, Y., et al, A pilot study for dose evaluation in high-level natural radiation areas
of Yangjiang, China, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem, 306 (2015) 317–323,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4286-z

35
[39] RAMOLA, R., et al, Levels of thoron and progeny in high background radiation area of
southeastern coast of Odisha, India, Radiat. Prot. Dosim., 152 (2012) 62–65,
https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncs188
[40] KLEINSCHMIDT, R., WATSON, D., JANIK, M., GILLMORE, G., The presence and
dosimetry of radon and thoron in a historical, underground metalliferous mine, J.
Sustainable Min., 17 (3) (2018) 120–130,
https://doi.org/10.46873/2300-3960.1130
[41] SAÏDOU, et al., Radon-thoron discriminative measurements in the high natural
radiation areas of southwestern Cameroon, J. Environ. Radioact., 150
(2015) 242–246,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.09.006
[42] TOKONAMI, S., Characteristics of Thoron (220Rn) and Its Progeny in the Indoor
Environment, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17 (23) (2020) 8769,
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238769
[43] INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Occupational Radiation Protection
in the Uranium Mining and Processing Industry, Safety Reports Series No. 100,
IAEA, Vienna (2020).
[44] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, General
Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, ISO/IEC
17025:2017, ISO, Geneva (2017).

36
 Annex

PROTOCOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF RADON

A–1. This Annex provides an overview of protocols for the measurement of

radon and its progeny and of measurement equipment and techniques. Though
radon progeny contribute most of the dose, measurements of radon are generally
simpler and more cost effective than measurements of its progeny.

RADON MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS

Objective and contents of radon measurement protocols

A–2. The results of radon measurement are used to inform both employers
and workers on the level of exposure of workers (and hence the associated
health risks) and the need to optimize protection to keep exposures as low as
reasonably achievable.

A–3. The objective of radon measurement is to assess the activity concentration

of radon and, where appropriate, its progeny. The measurement protocol may
include the following:

(a) Criteria for measurement systems;

(b) Quality assurance;
(c) Method for determining the location and number of measurement points;
(d) Sampling duration;
(e) Approach to dealing with measurement uncertainties;
(f) Application of seasonal correction factors, if appropriate;
(g) Comparison of the annual average activity concentration with the reference
level;
(h) Frequency of, or other conditions for, repeat measurements;
(i) Criteria for additional investigations.

Measurement systems for radon in workplaces

A–4. The detectors for radon are usually not sensitive to thoron. Passive detectors
such as solid state nuclear track detectors are commonly used for long term radon
measurements in workplaces. The measurements provide results over a specific
period. Continuous radon monitoring can also be used for the measurement of

37
radon activity concentration in workplaces. This type of monitor provides a
time series of the radon activity concentration over the measurement period.
Continuous radon monitors identify the variation of radon activity concentration
(e.g. daily, seasonal, activities, occupancy periods) so as to provide information
to better assess the exposure of workers.

Calibration and quality management for radon measurements

A–5. Continuous radon monitors are usually calibrated individually by an

authorized organization, which could be the manufacturer or a service agent.
Equipment used for radon measurements needs to be calibrated at regular
intervals, as recommended by the manufacturer (typically annually), and
following any repair or certain types of maintenance. Following calibration, a
certificate needs to be provided, which includes the calibration date, results of the
test and the traceability to international or national standards.

A–6. Passive devices are calibrated in batches under different conditions, such
as a controlled radon concentration and at a specified temperature and humidity.
In certain cases, calibration at different activity concentrations can be performed.
Recommendations on service providers are provided in Appendix II.

Duration of radon measurements

A–7. Measurements need to be capable of determining the annual average

activity concentration of 222Rn in the workplace (e.g. taking into account the
measurement season and duration of exposure). The most reliable way is to take
measurements for a whole year. However, shorter sampling durations can be
used if they are considered capable of providing results that are representative of
the annual average radon level. This can be achieved by placing detectors for an
entire year, or else using a series of detectors placed for periods of a few months
to cover the whole year.

Seasonal correction factor for radon measurements

A–8. In some countries, seasonal correction factors are applied to measurement

results so that the results of measurements taken over part of a year can
be extrapolated to provide an annual average. Seasonal correction factors
are dependent on local factors such as climate, the type of building and the
characteristics of the workplace. They are not applicable to other situations unless
they have been evaluated as also being appropriate for wider use.

38
A–9. Reference [A–1] provides methodologies for radon measurements,
including long term measurements with a minimum duration of two months.
According to Ref. [A–1], at least half of the measurement period needs to be in
the annual cold season when heating is used. In addition, the measurements need
to be taken during a period when the number of consecutive days during which
the premises are unoccupied does not exceed 20%.

A–10. If the sampling duration does not cover an entire year, the best time to
perform sampling needs to be determined; this can be different from that derived
from the normal seasonal behaviour in buildings (e.g. due to specific variations in
natural or mechanical ventilation in underground workplaces, times with higher
work capacity and workplaces with different occupancy factors during specific
seasons, such as tourist sites and schools).

Location and number of radon measurement points

A–11. The evaluation of the annual average activity concentration of radon may
involve measurements in different zones within the workplace. Passive detectors
are relatively inexpensive. Therefore, it can be cost effective to take measurements
in several locations within the workplace to establish a more targeted protection
strategy. Where a workplace consists of different types of working area, each
area could be considered separately for the purpose of radon measurements.

A–12. Basement or ground floor rooms are likely to have the highest radon
concentrations. It is not necessary to carry out measurements in areas that
are unoccupied or are occupied infrequently. An infrequently occupied area
is generally not expected to be used by individuals for more than 50 hours
per year [A–2].

A–13. The radon activity concentration can vary significantly between adjacent
buildings. Consequently, it is usually necessary to take measurements in each
separate building. For multi‑storey buildings, measurements taken on the
ground floor and in basements (all levels) are the most important for assessing
compliance with the reference level for workplaces. Nevertheless, it may also be
useful to perform some measurements on upper floors (see also Table A–1).

A–14. The locations of radon detectors need to be representative in terms of the

exposure of workers. Usually, the detectors are not placed in enclosed spaces or
directly in a source of fresh air, such as a ventilation intake. Ideally, detectors are
placed in the breathing zone of workers but, in any case, at least one metre above
the floor, away from heat sources and at least 20 cm from walls or openings.

39
TABLE A–1. INDUSTRIAL RADON MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES ON
THE PLACEMENT OF RADON DETECTORS IN A WORKPLACE
(based on Ref. [A–2]).

Location Number of radon detectors

One detector in all rooms or areas. For larger rooms or areas, specialist
Basement and
measurement advice needs to be sought on the number of detectors
ground floor
needed.

Higher floors At least two detectors per floor and at least one detector per 250 m2.

Radon detectors are not to be moved during the measurement period. Several
ways to ensure secure positioning of detectors may be used, for example,
tamper-proof tape.

A–15. As part of the radon measurement protocol, the details of the measurement
location and the dates on which measurement started and ended are recorded.
Locations in workplaces to be considered for measurement of radon include:

(a) Rooms or areas that are occupied on a regular basis for more than four hours
a day;
(b) All underground rooms and areas that could be used by individuals for more
than 50 hours per year (about one hour per week);
(c) Any other rooms or areas where there are reasons to believe that radon
levels might be of concern.

A–16. References [A–3, A–4] provide examples of guidance and methodologies

used for radon measurements in two Member States. Reference [A–2] contains
guidelines for the locations for radon measurements in industrial workplaces.
Table A–1 summarizes the guidelines on the number of radon detectors needed.
According to Ref. [A–2], the rooms and areas considered for measurement are
those that are occupied on a regular basis for more than four hours a day. Other
areas to be considered include underground basement rooms or areas where there
is a significant risk of radon and that could be used by individuals for more than
50 hours per year (about one hour per week).

Comparing radon measurement results with the reference level

A–17. The measurement protocol is expected to describe how to evaluate the

results of radon measurements in the workplace against the reference level.

40
This includes determining the annual average radon activity concentration to
compare directly with the reference level. The protocol may also define whether
the evaluation is conducted for the entire workplace, whole buildings or defined
areas, whether a reliable estimate of the annual average activity concentration
can be obtained with short duration measurements, and how to ensure that any
uncertainties are acceptable.

Repeated or follow-up measurements

A–18. The need to repeat measurements of radon levels in the workplace

is normally specified by the regulatory body or other relevant authority. In
some cases, it may be necessary to perform follow-up measurements in the
workplace, for example using active instruments to evaluate exposure during and
outside working hours.

Measurements of radon progeny

A–19. Measurements of radon progeny are usually more complicated than

measurements of radon gas. Radon progeny are mainly attached to fine dust
particles in air and have relatively short half-lives. As such, they need to be
sampled and analysed relatively quickly (within approximately 30 minutes).
This is normally done by taking an air sample through a filter and then
analysing the filter.

A–20. The measurement of radon progeny generally involves active air

sampling in which a known volume of air is drawn through a filter. The alpha
or beta radiation emitted from radon progeny in the filter is counted during or
after sampling. Some methods determine gross activity, while others determine
the concentrations of individual radon progeny. For gross alpha counting,
the detection is often done simply with a scintillator disc that is mounted on a
photomultiplier tube and placed a short distance from the filter at atmospheric
pressure. Alpha spectroscopy can be used to determine the activity of
individual radon progeny.

RADON MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT

Types of radon measurement

A–21. There are several different types of radon monitoring equipment, which
are selected on the basis of the intended use of the measurement results. Such

41
equipment may also be capable of discriminating between radon and thoron, and
some equipment is designed to measure radon progeny. It is important that the
selected measurement instruments be suitable for the environmental conditions
(e.g. humidity, temperature, dust) in which they will be used. The main types of
radon measurement equipment are as follows [A–5]:

(a) Electret ion chambers;

(b) Solid state nuclear track detectors;
(c) Gamma spectrometry (e.g. using activated charcoal sampling);
(d) Scintillation detectors;
(e) Alpha spectrometry.

A–22. Passive detectors are simple to use, inexpensive and suitable for large
scale surveys (e.g. involving hundreds or even thousands of measurements).
However, the analysis of the results may be more complicated.

A–23. Passive radon dosimeters rely on the natural diffusion of radon gas
through a filter (to remove radon progeny) into the sensitive volume of the
detector. Passive alpha track dosimeters use solid state nuclear track detectors
that are exposed for a specified period and then assessed using a chemical or
electrochemical etching process. The number of tracks formed on the foil can be
counted to assess the radon exposure.

A–24. Electret ion chambers are passive devices that measure average radon
activity concentration during the monitoring period. The electret contains
a positively charged plate inside an ionization chamber. Radon gas enters the
ionization chamber by diffusion through a filter. Radon and the decay products
formed in the chamber ionize the air in the chamber. The negative ions are
collected on the positive electrode. The discharge of the electret over the given
period is related to radon concentration.

A–25. Another passive method for measuring radon uses activated charcoal,
which absorbs radon from the air within the pore space of the charcoal granules
for a defined period. Once the sampling has concluded, the charcoal is sealed
and the gamma rays from the radon decay products are analysed using gamma
spectrometry. The results are then converted to radon activity concentration using
a calibration factor. These measurements are sensitive to humidity and biased by
the equilibrium between adsorption and desorption and are generally suited only
to short term measurements.

42
A–26. Electronic integrating devices are active devices that use solid state
nuclear track detectors within a diffusion chamber to count alpha particles emitted
by radon decay products. This provides a cumulative value that represents the
average concentration over the monitoring period.

A–27. Continuous radon monitors are active devices that collect air for analysis
via a pump or allow air containing radon and its decay products to diffuse
into a sensor chamber. The air sample containing radon and its progeny is
analysed inside the chamber. Continuous radon monitors also include electrical
current or pulse ionization chambers, scintillation cells and solid state nuclear
track detectors.

REFERENCES TO ANNEX

[A–1] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of

Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 8: Methodologies for
Initial and Additional Investigations in Buildings, ISO 11665-8:2019,
ISO, Geneva (2019).
[A–2] INTERNATIONAL RADON MEASUREMENT ASSOCIATION, Industrial radon
measurement guideline to get an overall view of the radon concentration in a workplace,
IRMA 0791-30 (2017).
[A–3] HEALTH CANADA, Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings: Workplaces,
Schools, Day Cares, Hospitals, Care Facilities, Correctional Centres, Health Canada,
Ottawa, (2016).
[A–4] SWEDISH RADIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY, Mätning av radon på arbetsplatser,
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, Stockholm (2021).
[A–5] INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION, Measurement of
Radioactivity in the Environment — Air: Radon-222 — Part 1: Origins of Radon and Its
Short-Lived Decay Products and Associated Measurement Methods, ISO 11665-1:2019,
ISO, Geneva (2019).

43
 CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW

Boal, T.J. Consultant, Australia

Canoba, A. Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Argentina

Cruz Suarez, R. International Atomic Energy Agency

Gaunt, M. International Labour Office

German, O. International Atomic Energy Agency

Gruber, V. Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Austria

Gutiérrez Villanueva, J L. Radonova Laboratories AB, Sweden

Guzmán López-Ocón, O. International Atomic Energy Agency

Haridasan, P.P. International Atomic Energy Agency

Hondros, J. JRHC Enterprises, Australia

Hou, J. International Atomic Energy Agency

Lecomte, J F. Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear

Safety, France

Ma, J. International Atomic Energy Agency

Nikolaki, M. International Atomic Energy Agency

Niu, S. International Labour Office

Ogino, H. Nuclear Regulation Authority, Japan

Okyar, B. International Atomic Energy Agency

Otoo, F. Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana

Pinak, M. International Atomic Energy Agency

Saïdou Institute of Geological and Mining Research,

Cameroon

Shaw, P.V. International Atomic Energy Agency

45
Steves, K. Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors,
United States of America

Whyte, J. National Research Council, Canada

Zodiates, A. International Labour Office

46
@ No. 27

ORDERING LOCALLY
IAEA priced publications may be purchased from our lead distributor or from major local booksellers.

Orders for unpriced publications should be made directly to the IAEA.

Orders for priced publications

Please contact your preferred local supplier, or our lead distributor:

Eurospan
1 Bedford Row
London WC1R 4BU
United Kingdom

Trade orders and enquiries:

Tel: +44 (0)1235 465576
Email: trade.orders@marston.co.uk

Individual orders:
Tel: +44 (0)1235 465577
Email: direct.orders@marston.co.uk
www.eurospanbookstore.com/iaea

For further information:

Tel. +44 (0) 207 240 0856
Email: info@eurospan.co.uk
www.eurospan.co.uk

Orders for both priced and unpriced publications may be addressed directly to
Publishing Section
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre
PO Box 100
1400 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: +43 1 2600 22529 or 22530
Email: sales.publications@iaea.org
www.iaea.org/publications
24-02912E-T
IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS AND RELATED PUBLICATIONS

IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS

Under the terms of Article III of its Statute, the IAEA is authorized to establish or adopt
standards of safety for protection of health and minimization of danger to life and property, and
to provide for the application of these standards.
The publications by means of which the IAEA establishes standards are issued in the
IAEA Safety Standards Series. This series covers nuclear safety, radiation safety, transport
safety and waste safety. The publication categories in the series are Safety Fundamentals,
Safety Requirements and Safety Guides.
Information on the IAEA’s safety standards programme is available on the IAEA web site:
http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/
The site provides the texts in English of published and draft safety standards. The texts
of safety standards issued in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish, the IAEA Safety
Glossary and a status report for safety standards under development are also available. For
further information, please contact the IAEA at: Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100,
1400 Vienna, Austria.
All users of IAEA safety standards are invited to inform the IAEA of experience in their
use (e.g. as a basis for national regulations, for safety reviews and for training courses) for the
purpose of ensuring that they continue to meet users’ needs. Information may be provided via
the IAEA Internet site or by post, as above, or by email to Official.Mail@iaea.org.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
The IAEA provides for the application of the standards and, under the terms of
Articles III and VIII.C of its Statute, makes available and fosters the exchange of information
relating to peaceful nuclear activities and serves as an intermediary among its Member States
for this purpose.
Reports on safety in nuclear activities are issued as Safety Reports, which provide
practical examples and detailed methods that can be used in support of the safety standards.
Other safety related IAEA publications are issued as Emergency Preparedness and
Response publications, Radiological Assessment Reports, the International Nuclear Safety
Group’s INSAG Reports, Technical Reports and TECDOCs. The IAEA also issues reports
on radiological accidents, training manuals and practical manuals, and other special safety
related publications.
Security related publications are issued in the IAEA Nuclear Security Series.
The IAEA Nuclear Energy Series comprises informational publications to encourage
and assist research on, and the development and practical application of, nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes. It includes reports and guides on the status of and advances in technology,
and on experience, good practices and practical examples in the areas of nuclear power, the
nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
 IAEA SAFETY STANDARDS No. SSG-91
Safety through international standards for protecting people and the environment

Protection of Workers
Against Exposure
Due to Radon
Jointly sponsored by

International Atomic Energy Agency SPECIFIC SAFETY GUIDE

Vienna, 2024
www.iaea.org