From data to decisions – Quality assurance in radon policy

Abstract

Radon abatement policy is the response to the detrimental effect of indoor radon which is estimated to cause hundred thousands of lung cancer fatalities worldwide annually. The policy consists of decisions to implement measures. Decisions rest on data and (sometimes competing) interests, among them health protection. Its weight as an argument depends, among other factors, on knowledge about its subject – in this case, levels, effects, and geographical distribution of exposure to radon. Therefore, the quality assurance of radon policy depends on one of the underlying knowledge, from data to decisions derived from them. Some aspects of the quality assurance chain are discussed in this article.

European radon abatement policy: state and ongoing discussion

“…However, fine-tuning remains, as does further development of conceptual issues, such as the hazard vs. risk debate or due implementation of short-term radon measurement. Progress has been made in establishing QA chains (e.g., [14]), which we understand as the chain from QAed radon metrology to the final products which constitute radon abatement policy, such as delineation of RPAs on a geographical and collective scale, or decision on whether a building must be remediated, on a local and individual base.…”

“…Decisions about action are derived from scientific knowledge, observed data and stakeholder interests. As far as based on data, the chain from data to conclusions inferred from them should be quality assured in the metrological sense as well as regarding modelling, mapping and other evaluation steps (e.g., [14]); Stakeholder interests should be transparent. An example of a decision is whether an area (municipality, etc.)…”