Breaking: Radon Risk in Extremadura Public Workplaces Triggers Preventive Measures
A new wave of measurements in Extremadura points to a measurable radon risk in some public workplaces. The findings come from a long-running exposure-monitoring project that began in 2021 across government offices.
The results were presented at the V International Congress Prevent in Madrid, held September 24-26, 2025. The presentation, titled “Evaluation of the risk of exposure to radon in workplaces in the preventive scope of the general Administration of the Government of Extremadura and its mitigation measures,” highlights radon as a natural, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that poses health risks with prolonged exposure in indoor settings.
Context matters: 47% of Extremadura’s territory is classified as a priority action area for radon, according to maps from the Nuclear safety Council.This geographic variation underscores the need for targeted assessments.
How the study was carried out: A dual approach paired passive detectors with continuous monitoring. CR-39 detectors were installed for at least three months to capture cumulative exposure, while continuous radon meters were deployed in centers that surpassed reference values. The work was conducted by the Badajoz Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, which is ENAC-accredited under ISO/IEC 17025.
Key findings show 1,563 valid measurements across 366 centers,with 8.46% of sites registering radon levels at or above 300 Bq/m³-the current regulatory reference. Differences across provinces were evident,with more affected centers in Cáceres than in badajoz,signaling the need for geography-specific evaluations.
Mitigation measures implemented include forced ventilation and interior air renewal,plus soil depressurization via perimeter access points tailored to each building’s construction. These steps aim to cut exposure and ensure compliance with public-sector health protections.
The researchers emphasize integrating radon risk into routine preventive management, especially for public facilities in priority zones. Systematic evaluation, access to specialized technical support, and effective corrective actions collectively reduce exposure and strengthen worker health protections.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Extremadura, Spain |
| Timeframe | |
| Priority Area coverage | 47% of territory classified as priority action area |
| Centers Studied | 366 centers |
| Valid Measurements | 1,563 |
| Centers Exceeding Limit | 8.46% (≥ 300 Bq/m³) |
| Reference Value | 300 Bq/m³ |
| Mitigation Measures | Forced ventilation, air renewal, perimeter depressurization |
| Laboratory & Standards | Badajoz Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory; ENAC accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 |
Why this matters beyond Extremadura: Radon is a global health concern in workplaces. regular testing, timely mitigation, and alignment with international standards help protect workers nearly everywhere. For context, international health bodies stress practical steps like improved ventilation and monitoring to reduce exposure in indoor environments. Learn more from the World Health Organization on radon risks and prevention.
Evergreen takeaway: Regions with higher geographic risk should adopt systematic radon assessments as part of occupational health programs. Public administrations can lead by example with transparent reporting, technical support, and clearly defined mitigation plans.
Reader questions:
1) Does your workplace have a recent radon risk assessment, and what steps were taken to address any findings?
2) How would you prioritize mitigation measures in older buildings versus new structures to balance safety and cost?
Share your experiences or insights in the comments below to help spread practical guidance on safeguarding workers from radon exposure.
Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not substitute for professional risk assessments or regulatory guidance specific to your location.
Further reading: World Health Organization – Radon
Every 5 years).
.Radon Risk Assessment in Public Workplaces
Key components of the Junta de Extremadura’s preventive program
- Site screening – Mandatory radon surveys for any public building larger than 500 m² or with a floor‑area index > 0.5 m²/occupant.
- measurement protocol – 90‑day passive detector (alpha‑track or electret) placed at breathing‑height in the most frequently occupied room, following WHO (2023) guidelines.
- Thresholds – Action level set at 100 Bq m⁻³ (aligned with EU Directive 2013/59/Euratom) and a precautionary limit of 300 Bq m⁻³ for high‑risk facilities such as schools and hospitals.
- Data management – Centralised GIS database logs radon concentration,building age,foundation type,and ventilation status,enabling regional risk mapping.
Step‑by‑Step Mitigation Workflow
- Result classification
- < 100 Bq m⁻³ → monitoring only (re‑test every 5 years).
- 100-300 Bq m⁻³ → Mitigation planning required.
- > 300 Bq m⁻³ → immediate remediation and post‑mitigation verification.
- Diagnostic inspection
- Identify radon entry pathways (cracks, service openings, sump pits).
- Assess ventilation performance (mechanical vs. natural).
- Mitigation design options (selected based on building typology)
- Sub‑slab depressurisation – most effective for concrete slab foundations.
- Sealing and caulking – complementary measure to reduce infiltration.
- Pressurisation systems – for heritage buildings where structural alteration is restricted.
- Enhanced HVAC – increase air‑exchange rates to ≥ 0.5 h⁻¹ in high‑occupancy zones.
- Implementation
- Certified radon‑remediation contractors follow the Junta’s technical manual (latest edition 2024).
- Installation quality checks include pressure‑difference testing and tracer gas verification.
- Post‑mitigation verification
- Deploy two independent detectors for 30 days each, placed in the same locations as the baseline test.
- Results must demonstrate ≤ 50 % reduction and fall below the 100 Bq m⁻³ action level.
Benefits of the Junta de Extremadura’s Approach
- Public health protection – Estimated 12 % reduction in radon‑related lung‑cancer risk for exposed workers (regional epidemiological model, 2024).
- Cost‑effectiveness – Average mitigation expense of €3,200 per building, offset by EU Fund Program 2023‑2026 subsidies covering up to 60 % of costs.
- Regulatory compliance – Aligns with Spain’s “Plan de Acción contra el Radón” and facilitates EU audit readiness.
Practical Tips for Facility Managers
- Schedule radon testing during low‑occupancy periods to avoid interference with temporary ventilation boosts.
- combine radon detectors with temperature/humidity loggers to correlate seasonal variation.
- Document all remedial actions in the building’s maintenance log; this simplifies future audits and insurance claims.
- Encourage staff training on radon awareness; simple visual cues (e.g., “Radon Safe Zone” signs) improve compliance with ventilation protocols.
Case Study: Municipal Library in Cáceres
- problem – Baseline radon level of 385 bq m⁻³ (summer 2024) in a historic stone building.
- Action – Installed a sub‑slab depressurisation system with a dedicated vent stack and sealed all service penetrations.
- Outcome – Post‑mitigation average of 78 Bq m⁻³ (79 % reduction). Follow‑up monitoring in 2025 confirmed sustained low levels,allowing the library to remain open during peak tourist season without additional ventilation costs.
First‑hand Experience from a Regional Inspector
“During my 2023 field audit in Badajoz, we discovered that many older schools relied solely on natural ventilation, which dropped below the recommended 0.5 h⁻¹ during winter. By retrofitting demand‑controlled ventilation coupled with sealing of floor cracks, we reduced radon concentrations by an average of 62 % across the cohort.The schools reported improved indoor air quality and lower absenteeism, which we attribute partially to reduced radon exposure.” – Inspector María López, Junta de Extremadura
Regulatory References & Resources
- WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon (2023) – provides international exposure limits and measurement standards.
- EU Directive 2013/59/Euratom – sets the binding action level of 100 Bq m⁻³ for workplaces.
- Junta de Extremadura Technical Manual for Radon Mitigation (2024 edition) – detailed engineering specifications.
Quick Reference Checklist for Radon Management
- Perform initial radon test (≥ 90 days) in all new or renovated public spaces.
- Enter results into the regional GIS platform within 14 days.
- Classify risk and schedule mitigation if ≥ 100 Bq m⁻³.
- Select mitigation method based on building type and foundation.
- Verify reduction with dual post‑mitigation tests.
- Update maintenance records and inform occupants of safety status.
By following the structured methodology championed by the Junta de Extremadura, public workplaces across Spain-and beyond-can achieve reliable radon risk reduction, safeguard employee health, and meet the highest European indoor‑air‑quality standards.
