Radon: An Invisible Radioactive Health Hazard That Is Ignored – Time to Demand Accountability

Despite clear legal requirements established by the Swedish Parliament regarding radon and gamma radiation levels in indoor and workplace environments, as well as defined goals within the environmental quality objectives “Good Built Environment” and “Safe Radiation Environment,” many stakeholders—including developers, building material suppliers, and decision-makers in public and private companies and organizations—show a troubling lack of accountability. Instead of taking necessary measures, economic profits are prioritized, subjecting people to life-threatening living and working environments. Ionizing radiation from radon and gamma radiation causes significant harm to human health.

 


 

1. Legislation and Environmental Goals Ignored

Source: Proposition 2001/02:128

According to Proposition 2001/02:128, radon levels in all schools and preschools were to be below the threshold of 200 Bq/m³ by 2010, with the same goal set for all residences and workplaces by 2020. Yet thousands of buildings remain unmeasured, unresolved, and unremediated, while new constructions lack sufficient radon protection. Government reviews and reports document the frequent disregard for requirements regarding radon-safe construction. Moreover, many private and public buildings have been granted final approvals without even measuring radon levels—the sole available method to verify compliance with laws, building regulations, or environmental agreements.

 


 

2. Economics Prioritized Over Health

Source: Annals of the ICRP & IAEA Safety Standards

Developers and property owners often claim that radon mitigation is too expensive. However, international guidelines, including those from the IAEA and EURATOM directives, alongside Swedish radiation protection laws and building regulations, make human health a statutory and uncompromising priority. Despite this, a review of Swedish properties shows that many older and newly built structures exceed the threshold of 200 Bq/m³. Alarmingly, in 2024, municipal property owners have publicly procured contracts stating, “We have over 30 multi-family buildings with radon levels above the legal limit!”

It is astonishing that these municipal officials appear unaware of Swedish legislative decisions, legal requirements, or the health implications for residents.

 


 

3. Lack of Accountability in Work Environments

Source: Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM

The issue extends beyond public and residential buildings to workplaces, where employers routinely send staff into radiation-exposed environments, such as tunnels, mines, underground facilities, and basements, without monitoring their total radiation dose. This breaches not only Swedish radiation protection laws and regulations but also the Swedish Work Environment Act and EU directives that require employers to measure and document radon exposure to safeguard employee health.

Employer accountability also extends to contracted personnel, and since 2018, Swedish radiation protection laws prescribe prison sentences for those responsible in respective organizations. The law explicitly states that neglecting health due to financial, negligent, or incompetent reasons constitutes a criminal act.

Cited: “Member States shall ensure that employers assess and document the risk of exposure to radon in workplaces.” (Directive 2013/59/EURATOM)

 


 

4. What Can You Do?

  • Demand accountability from employers: If you work in an environment with potentially high radon levels, request documentation of measurements, actions taken, and proper calculations of your radiation dose.
  • Ensure compliance for public or private property owners: Verify that suppliers meet legal standards by ensuring your properties have been correctly tested for radon and that delivered building materials comply with radiation protection laws requiring an annual dose limit of 1 mSv/year.
  • For tenants of public workspaces: Request information on radon measurements and any mitigation actions taken. Ask for specific data for your rented premises.
  • For residents, contact your landlord: Demand information on radon measurements and any mitigation actions taken. Ask for specific data regarding your home.
  • Raise awareness: Radon is an invisible threat, but together we can pressure decision-makers and property owners to take responsibility.

 


 

5. Time for Action

Source: Safety Reports Series No. 117 & IAEA Tecdoc 1951

The radon issue is neither new nor unknown, and the scientific links between radon exposure and cancer are well established. By ignoring thresholds, legal requirements, and agreements, developers, property owners, and employers subject individuals to life-threatening risks. It is time for our laws to be upheld and public health to be prioritized, as has been the goal of Swedish legislation for decades.

Cited: “Radon emissions in buildings can be effectively reduced through ventilation and ground radon mitigation but require compliance with international standards.” (Safety Reports Series No. 117)

Let us not accept that economic interests are placed above our collective right to a safe and healthy environment. Act today—for your sake and for future generations.

 


 

Annexes