RIVM: levels of radon in Dutch dwellings and buildings still low
An investigation conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in 2022 and 2023 shows that the concentration of the radioactive gas radon is low in dwellings and buildings in the Netherlands. The concentration does appear to be somewhat higher compared to previous investigations. One possible explanation for this is the energy crisis that took place between 2021 and 2023, when people aired out their homes less and more radon remained inside.
Radon is the result of natural decay
Radon is a radioactive noble gas that occurs naturally in the soil, and in construction materials made from soil substances. As a result of this natural process, radon is constantly released into our living environment. Investigations allow us to monitor the concentration of radon in dwellings and buildings.
No additional measures needed
The average concentration of radon in dwellings in the Netherlands is 21 Becquerel per cubic metre (Bq/m3). Becquerel is a unit that indicates the amount of radioactivity. In the Netherlands, we believe a radon concentration of less than 100 Bq/m3 in dwellings and buildings is acceptable. We refer to this as the reference level. Due to this, the government sees no reason to take additional measures.
The highest concentrations occur in dwellings and buildings in the riverine area (36 Bq/m3) and in South Limburg (59 Bq/m3). This is because of the soil type in those areas, which naturally contains more radon than in the rest of the Netherlands. On average, the radon concentration in the Netherlands is still very low compared to other European countries.
Ventilation remains important
The results of the investigation do show that the average concentration of radon in the entire country is approximately 1.5 times higher compared to the previous investigation conducted in 2013. At the time, the concentration was 16 Bq/m3. This is possibly due to the energy crisis in 2022, when households started ventilating less in general to save energy.
The most important thing you can do to keep radon levels low is good ventilation, particularly in homes with natural ventilation. This ensures that radon does not accumulate inside. In homes with mechanical ventilation, the concentration of radon is often lower. Exposure to radiation from radon is one of the factors that can increase the risk of getting lung cancer. RIVM adds that it is also a fact that smoking further increases the harmful effects of radon.
A year of measurements
RIVM’s investigation included a total of almost 2700 dwellings and over 350 workplaces and public buildings such as libraries, where radon levels were measured over the course of a year. Once the on-site investigation was complete, RIVM’s research team analysed the results.
As the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, we periodically commission RIVM to conduct a national investigation into radon in Dutch dwellings and buildings. We periodically commission the investigation in our role as coordinator of the National Radon Action Programme We have taken on this role in order to monitor and track radiation protection in the Netherlands. Our remit also includes continuing to draw a suitable amount of attention to the topic. We do this by educating the population; by providing information about radon and the importance of ventilation.
In addition to the ANVS, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is also a commissioning party of this investigation. They do so in order to keep an eye on radon in the workplace.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment presented the investigation report to the House of Representatives by means of a parliamentary paper. These ministries are responsible for the policy for radiation protection of the population and the environment (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) and workers (Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment) in the Netherlands.