PUROM

[Radon Detected in New Apartments: Will Strengthening Standards Solve the Problem?] Recently, radon levels exceeding the recommended limit have been detected in newly built apartments, raising concerns. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization. It is known to infiltrate the respiratory system in its gaseous form and can cause lung cancer and other health issues. Particularly, the detection of radon in newly constructed apartments has prompted the Ministry of Environment to tighten the indoor radon recommendation level for residential buildings approved for construction after July 2019, reducing it from 200 becquerels to 148 becquerels. However, there are no regulations requiring sanctions or re-measurements even if radon levels exceed the standard, and since radon measurements are conducted by contractors through subcontractors, doubts have been raised about the reliability of these tests. We hear from Choi Byung-seong, the executive director of the Climate Disaster Research Institute, who explains the high radon levels in apartments and discusses the safety concerns related to cement. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gTjvy4PY

[Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Kim Tae-soo’s Amendment on Indoor Radon Reduction Passes Plenary Session] Kim Tae-soo, Vice Chair of the Housing and Space Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (People Power Party, Seongbuk-gu District 4), announced the “Partial Amendment to the Seoul Metropolitan Government Indoor Air Quality Control Ordinance” that aimed at reducing indoor radon inflow in multi-use facilities and apartment complexes passed the plenary session on the 29th of last month. Last year, residents of newly built apartment complexes in Seoul independently measured indoor air quality and reported radon levels exceeding the Ministry of Environment’s recommended standards in some units. This led to collective complaints and media coverage, sparking public controversy. In response, Council Member Kim proposed the amendment to encourage the use of radon reduction construction methods in the installation of multi-use facilities or residential buildings. The goal is to protect citizens’ health and contribute to the creation of a safe indoor environment. The revised ordinance stipulates that, if there is concern over health risks from radon in certain areas, the Mayor may recommend the use of shielding or other construction techniques to reduce indoor radon inflow during the installation (including renovation or repair) of multi-use facilities or residential buildings in those areas. Additionally, the ordinance allows for recommendations that owners of multi-use facilities or residential buildings with high radon concentrations manage indoor radon levels in accordance with the standards set forth in the Enforcement Rules of the Indoor Air Quality Control Act. Council Member Kim stated, “This amendment is expected to help protect citizens from the Class 1 carcinogen radon and contribute to the establishment of a safer indoor environment.” He added, “I will continue to closely monitor and support the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s efforts to implement more proactive radon reduction measures.” Article Link: https://lnkd.in/g9Cn8cG9

[Is Our Apartment Safe? Shocking Results from Water Added to Cement!] [Choi Byeong-seong Report] Summary of the Article: 1. Radon Level Investigation Radon levels in newly built apartments in the metropolitan area have been measured at an average of 1125.79 Bq/m³, with a maximum of 1733.08 Bq/m³, which exceeds the safety standards set by the Ministry of Environment by more than seven times. 2. Radon in Building Materials One of the reasons for the high radon levels in new apartments is the cement used in construction. Experimental results show that when cement is mixed with water to form concrete, the radon emission significantly increases. 3. Radon Levels by Construction Company Radon levels exceeding the safety standards were detected in newly built apartments from various construction companies, even though the buildings are equipped with ventilation systems. 4. Lung Cancer Mortality Rate According to Statistics Korea, the mortality rate from lung cancer is 35.1%, the highest among all cancer types. Despite a decrease in smoking rates, the incidence of lung cancer is on the rise. 5. Environmental Impact While smoking and fine dust are known major causes of lung cancer, radon produced in residential spaces like apartments is also identified as an important factor. 6. International Research International studies have already confirmed that when cement reacts with water to form concrete, radon emissions increase. 7. Policy Recommendations The article emphasizes the need for government investigation and measures to address this issue. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gwG7ZqiE

[Stricter Radon Measurement Rules for New Apartment Buildings to Prevent Construction Companies’ 'Tricks'] Indoor radon concentration measurement methods for newly built apartments will be strengthened. Construction companies will be required to measure and record the average radon concentration every hour and submit this data to the local government. The National Institute of Environmental Research announced on the 28th that it will officially notify the revision of the standard testing methods for indoor air quality, which includes these changes. This revision was made to address concerns about the lack of reliability caused by varying radon measurement results depending on the testing agency. Under the new standards, construction companies must report the raw data of hourly average radon concentrations recorded during the measurement period to the relevant local authorities. Radon is usually measured over a 48-hour period in a sealed space, but there have been concerns that companies could manipulate the results by ventilating the area during the test. To enhance transparency, the Institute has decided that, in addition to the final measurement results, companies must submit the raw data of the hourly average radon concentrations. The number of apartment units subject to maximum radon testing will also increase from 12 to 20. Since radon measurement typically takes longer than that of other indoor pollutants, the number of tested units has been relatively low. Moving forward, the number of units will be increased to match the levels required for other indoor pollutants. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gSHSYCEj

["Active Promotion of the Harmfulness of Radon, a Group 1 Carcinogen, is Necessary" – A 5-Minute Statement by Councilor Park Yong-Hwa of Nam-gu] On the 27th, Councilor Park Yong-Hwa of Nam-gu delivered a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 298th 2nd regular meeting, stating, "There is a need for active promotion of the harmful effects of radon, a Group 1 carcinogen." Councilor Park emphasized, "The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radon as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside substances like smoking, asbestos, and benzene, and the World Health Organization (WHO) considers radon a major cause of lung cancer in non-smokers." Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gAARFrJS

[7.5% of newly built apartments exceed radon limits… 'Covert ventilation' measurement trick by construction companies] It has been confirmed that 7.5% of newly built apartments last year exceeded the radon limit, a carcinogenic substance. Even in apartments that met the standards, radon levels were found to be up to four times higher than the values measured by construction companies, raising doubts about the reliability of the measurements." Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gESdmXZN

[Radon Exceeds Safety Standards in New Apartments in Hanam City, Classified as a Class 1 Carcinogen] In Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, radon, a Class 1 carcinogen, was detected in some units of a new apartment complex. According to Hanam City on the 17th, residents of Apartment A, which recently started moving in, conducted their own radon tests and found that the radon levels exceeded the safety standards. As a result, they filed complaints with the city, demanding measures. To accurately measure the radon concentration, the city requested a re-test from the Gyeonggi-do Health and Environmental Research Institute. On the 16th, the city published the test results on its official website. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gM6Nz-Jj

[Dogs exposed to radon get lung cancer] Paper Link: https://lnkd.in/dHGjsvX

[Radon inhaled rabbits show lung cancer] Paper Link: https://lnkd.in/eJCmH3pu

[According to genetic polymorphisms, the risk of lung cancer development due to radon exposure may increase in non-smokers] Paper Link: https://lnkd.in/g72nnu3e