Merience, Llimoner, 30, 08734 Olèrdola, Barcelona, Spain.
Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Nov 30;20(23):7128. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20237128.
Radon, a carcinogenic radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer according to the World Health Organization. European Member States are required to develop and implement National Radon Action Plans (RAPs) to address its dangerous health effects. However, assessing the effectiveness of these RAPs presents challenges for authorities. This study aims to explore the possibility of a systematic and standardised assessment method to evaluate the effectiveness of RAP strategies and its implementation. The method involved analysing the strategies of 27 EU Member States and the UK, conducting legal document analysis and group interviews with responsible authorities. Additionally, four regional workshops and one final European workshop were held. The research took place from March 2021 to May 2023. Findings indicate that evaluating RAP effectiveness is challenging due to limited existing common criteria or indicators. To address this, the study proposes guiding questions for each element required by the EU Directive, as well as additional questions related to education and training. This contribution benefits RAP owners and European regulatory authorities, supporting the development of effectiveness indicators for RAPs. By improving assessment methods, we can enhance the effectiveness of strategies in mitigating the risks associated with radon exposure.
氡，一种致癌放射性气体，是世界卫生组织认定的肺癌主要致病因素。欧洲成员国被要求制定并实施国家氡行动计划（RAP）以应对其危险的健康影响。然而，评估这些 RAP 的有效性对当局来说存在挑战。本研究旨在探索一种系统和标准化的评估方法的可能性，以评估 RAP 策略及其实施的有效性。该方法包括分析 27 个欧盟成员国和英国的策略，进行法律文件分析，并与负责当局进行小组访谈。此外，还举办了四个区域研讨会和一个最终的欧洲研讨会。该研究于 2021 年 3 月至 2023 年 5 月进行。研究结果表明，由于现有的共同标准或指标有限，评估 RAP 的有效性具有挑战性。为了解决这个问题，该研究针对欧盟指令要求的每个要素提出了指导性问题，并提出了与教育和培训相关的其他问题。这一贡献使 RAP 所有者和欧洲监管机构受益，支持为 RAP 制定有效性指标。通过改进评估方法，我们可以提高策略在减轻与氡暴露相关风险方面的有效性。
