The Radon Studies and Expertise Section (BERAD, ex-BERAM) is located in Fontenay-aux-Roses, in the Paris Region.

• Context and research themes
• Research axes
• Research team
• Facilities and techniques
• Partnership and research networks

Context and research themes

Radioactivity is everywhere in our environment: in soils (uranium and thorium chains) and in the air (radon). In certain special cases, this radioactivity can be the source of significant exposure levels and can justify the implementation of special arrangements, particularly regulatory ones. First, it is important to be familiar with the behavior of the corresponding radioelements and study the situations in which the population and workers are exposed.

Research axes

The BERAD has the following missions:

• The carrying out of studies and evaluations to support the public authorities in the following areas:

1. the evaluation of exposure to radon in buildings and workplaces
 
2. the evaluation of sources of exposure and the impact of activities leading to a reinforcement of the natural radioactivity
 
3. evaluation of the radiological and dosimetric impact of uranium mining sites and sites and soils polluted by radioactive substances,
 
4. support to the public authorities in the drawing up and application of regulations in the above-mentioned areas, particularly via the writing of guides and technical references on the evaluation and management of the associated risks

• Carrying out analysis and assessment services for industrialists or other players in society in the above-mentioned fields
 
• Defining and implementing studies and research on the transport of radon from the subsoil to the atmosphere and the mechanisms by which this gas becomes concentrated in dwellings.
 
• Carrying out studies and research to acquire, develop and maintain the skills and tools required for the assessment activities assigned to the unit, relying if necessary on the skills and tools available in the other units of the Health and Environment Pole, particularly concerning the modeling of the transfer of radionuclides and the evaluation of dosimetric impacts related to mining sites and polluted sites
 
• Contribution to training courses organized by the IRSN in the field of radon risk management.
 
• In addition to the above-mentioned missions, the BERAD provides its assistance, wherever necessary, to the activities of the other units of the SEREN and more generally the IRSN in the field of evaluating exposure to radon and to radionuclide sources present in soils, subsoils, and materials extracted therefrom.
  

Research team