21 September '20
partners from 26 different countries are investigating the effects of chronic exposure to low doses of radon and other natural radionuclides on humans and the environment. The ultimate goal is to improve risk management and, in doing so, reduce the risk of cancer. The consortium partners are devoting a research budget of 22 million euros to the H2020 project, called RadoNorm. “Which makes it the largest and most comprehensive European study on the subject ever. We are proud to be able to support this study from SCK CEN,” is the message from the researchers involved at SCK CEN, one of the driving forces behind the project.
According to the World Health Organization, radon is one of the major causes of lung cancer worldwide, along with smoking. In Belgium, radon causes 480 cases of lung cancer every year. Recent studies have shown cautious indications that radon could also lead to other cancers or diseases. In order to protect its citizens against radiation risks, the European Union has approved a new law and is investing in much-needed research. RadoNorm is one of those research projects.
The project is comprehensive: it aims to map out radon and NORM exposures (see box), develop new dosimetric techniques, evaluate impact on health and ecology, increase understanding of societal aspects and integrate uniform training into companies working with such materials. “The great strength of the RadoNorm project is the cross-pollination between numerous scientific disciplines. It brings together researchers from lots of areas: both in the natural sciences and in the social sciences. We, SCK CEN, are also throwing several disciplines into the struggle to help realize this ambition,” says Dr. Tanja Perko, project co-ordinator at SCK CEN.
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Changing behaviour and improving risk management by involving social sciences
The RadoNorm project pays special attention to the social aspect. SCK CEN is taking the lead for this aspect and directs 15 universities among which the Universities of Hasselt and Antwerp. In co-operation with these universities, SCK CEN is aiming to examine how citizens deal with the radiation risk. Prof. Dr.
Dr. Robert Malina (Hasselt University): “How can we encourage citizens to take action and contain those risks? It is that question we are seeking to answer together.” That answer lies in a correct, targeted communication strategy, as is believed at SCK CEN. “Communication about radon and NORM can play a key role in encouraging citizens to take action. In order to gain insight into this, we will use a wide range of research methods, such as surveys among the general population and industry,” says Dr. Robbe Geysmans, a sociologist at SCK CEN.
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Largest European study on radiation protection from radon and natural radioactive materials