A national survey on radon remediation in Switzerland

We present and discuss the results of a national survey on radon remediation. The main purpose of the survey was to evaluate the rate of radon remediation in Switzerland and to identify the main reasons for not taking action in cases of high radon levels. Switzerland is strongly affected by radon problems and extensive efforts have been made to map the radon potential and to investigate the most effective methods to reduce radon levels in different buildings. However, since the radon remediation of buildings has been given over to experts in the private sector, and since there is no obligation to report a finished remediation to the authorities, it is difficult for the Federal Office for Public Health (FOPH) to track activities in this field. In order to improve this situation, the FOPH has launched a survey. We find a radon remediation rate of 46%. The most often applied method is aeration of the cellar and improvement in the tightness of floor slabs. The respondents indicate that concerns regarding the financial and/or invasive magnitude of the work are the most significant reasons for not taking action. We discuss the different outcomes of the survey in the three linguistic regions in Switzerland and identify aspects of our communication with the public, which should be improved in view of our findings.