“But the mechanisms of this interaction are not understood. Also, it is not well known if radon interacts with air-borne toxins like nanoparticles. The major task of the Stockholm University team of researchers participating in RadoNorm is to investigate the levels and mechanisms of such interactions”, says Andrzej Wojcik at at the Centre for Radiation Protection Research at The Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW).
Start autumn 2020
The Stockholm University team participating in RadoNorm is composed of Andrzej Wojcik and Lovisa Lundholm from MBW and Karine Elihn from the Department of Environmental Science (ACES). The multidisciplinary 5-year project is currently at the stage of Grant Agreement preparation and is expected to start in autumn 2020. It aims to significantly reduce scientific, societal and technical uncertainties in all steps of the radiation risk management cycle for radon and NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) exposure situations. NORM refers to radionuclides of natural origin contained in or released from industrial waste and which may pose a risk to workers, public and the environment.
Radon major cause of cancer
Up to half of the average natural ionising radiation exposure of people comes from radon gas. Radon is formed by the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in soils. It can mix with the air in homes, offices and mines. Breathing radon-rich air can lead to lung cancer and today radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer, surpassed only by smoking.
Protection against radon exposure
The project, that has been granted in total 18 million Euro, is coordinated by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and includes 56 partners from 22 European countries. It will support European Union Member States, Associated Countries and the European Commission in the implementation of the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation at the legal, executive and operational level.
Develop radon communication
The project will also lead to development of recommendations and protection measures against radon and NORM, and contains a work package devoted to finding the best methods of communicating knowledge about health effects associated with radiation exposure.
