Is your workplace safe from radon exposure? This study highlights the significant health risks associated with workplace radon in Northamptonshire, a classified radon-affected area in the UK. The research reveals that a considerable number of premises exceed the UK's Action Level, potentially exposing staff to harmful radiation doses. The study involved an extensive survey of National Health Service (NHS) premises using track etch detectors and real-time monitoring, uncovering that certain staff members were receiving alarmingly high doses of radon, reaching up to 20mSv. This extensive surveying helped to assess remediation costs and implement them effectively. Furthermore, the survey sheds light on the annual collective dose from radon in rooms with elevated levels, which was found to be 285mSv. Fortunately, after remediation efforts, the average dose dropped substantially to 0.5mSv. Ultimately, this research demonstrates the importance of monitoring and remediation efforts to reduce radon exposure in workplaces and schools. With the average remediation cost in NHS premises standing at £3,950 per location, workplace radon monitoring is essential for regulatory compliance and protection of workers' health.
Published in Environmental Management and Health, this study on workplace radon in Northamptonshire aligns with the journal's focus on environmental hazards and occupational health. By investigating radon levels and remediation costs, the paper contributes to the journal's discourse on creating safer and healthier work environments. The citations of radiation protection journals further emphasize its relevance to the journal's scope.