Mapping the Geogenic Radon Potential and Estimation of Radon Prone Areas in Germany

Abstract

The geogenic Rn potential (RP) is conceptualized to quantify what “Earth delivers” in terms of Rn. The RP indicates the potential risk at a location or as mean over an area, which can arise due to indoor Rn in a building, originating from geogenic Rn, and depending on its physical characteristic regarding Rn infiltration. In geogenic Rn prone areas (RPA) which are ones with RP elevated after given criteria, the probability of encountering elevated indoor Rn concentrations is also elevated, again depending on house characteristics. In Germany, the RP is estimated from Rn concentration in soil air and soil permeability, with geology as auxiliary categorical predictor. The hazard level is “calibrated” by relating the RP to indoor Rn concentrations in standardized types of dwellings, which by applying “hazard thresholds” leads to delineations of RPAs. The purposes of identifying RPAs are more efficient allocation of resources to intensified surveying, remediation and possibly implementation of building codes. It is also part of the national “Rn action plan” required by the new EU Basic Safety Standards. We present an outline of methodology and show how RP and RPA maps can be generated. As examples, RP and RPA maps of Germany are shown.