Radon in the workplace: compliance, measurement and risk management

How QleanAir France supports employers under the 2025 regulatory framework

Regulatory radon measurements, technical audits, and Assistance to Project Ownership (AMO) are the cornerstones of a safe work environment. QleanAir France helps organizations structure a compliant, measurable, and sustainable radon risk prevention strategy tailored to the latest legal requirements.

Understanding the Radiological Risk: From 300 to 100 Bq/m³
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that becomes a major occupational risk when it accumulates inside buildings. Colourless and odourless, it is officially recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. While the current French regulatory reference level is set at 300 Bq/m³, European epidemiological data and recent health recommendations point toward a statistically significant increase in risk from long-term exposure starting at 100 Bq/m³. Anticipating this shift is no longer just a matter of best practice but a strategic move for employer liability and indoor air quality (IAQ) management.

The 2025 Regulatory Framework: A Reinforced Protection Scheme
The update of the French Labour Directorate General guidance, supported by the Decree of May 15, 2024 (Titre II), strengthens employer obligations regarding "Reinforced Protection of Workers." Radon must now be systematically included in the occupational risk assessment (DUERP), with a focus on basements, ground floors, and specific structures like tunnels or underground cavities.

The regulatory workflow depicted in current expert training modules (Module III: Réglementation) establishes a clear hierarchy of actions:

Initial Verification: Using integrated detectors for continuous measurement to identify potential "Radon Zones" (currently defined as areas > 300 Bq/m³).

Administrative Compliance: Employers must ensure that the verification program and results are made available to the Social and Economic Committee (CSE), regional authorities, and the employees themselves.

The Reinforced Scheme: If concentrations cannot be lowered below the threshold, a specific "Radon Zone" must be delimited. This triggers mandatory individual dose assessments for workers before they enter the zone.

Dosimetric Follow-up: Any worker potentially exposed to an effective dose exceeding 6 mSv over a rolling 12-month period must undergo reinforced individual monitoring, with data systematically recorded in the SISERI national database.

QleanAir France: Operational Expertise and Technical Audits
Within this complex framework, QleanAir France acts as a high-level operational partner. The company performs regulatory radon measurements in strict compliance with official protocols, accounting for seasonal heating periods and building airflow dynamics. These measurements provide the objective data required to secure compliance and justify prevention budgets.

Beyond simple monitoring, QleanAir France conducts comprehensive technical audits to identify radon entry pathways and accumulation mechanisms. This expertise allows for the implementation of proportionate corrective actions, such as sub-slab depressurization, enhanced mechanical ventilation, or building envelope sealing. The objective is to target the 100 Bq/m³ threshold to stay ahead of future regulations.

Strategic AMO Support for Multi-Site Portfolios
QleanAir France also provides specialized Assistance to Project Ownership (AMO). This service is particularly vital for large companies with multi-site building portfolios across various geological regions. The AMO role ensures:

Coordination: Managing the interface between technical teams, stakeholders, and Occupational Health Services (Médecin du travail).

Governance: Structuring a long-term radon management strategy that integrates into the global CSR and QHSE policy.

Training: Providing the necessary information and safety protocols to workers before they operate in designated radon zones.

Conclusion: A Matter of Compliance and Sustainability
Radon management is no longer a marginal environmental issue but a core pillar of occupational health and sustainable QHSE management. By combining regulatory precision, technical depth, and strategic AMO support, QleanAir France enables employers to transform a legal constraint into a robust and scientifically grounded prevention culture.