Raising awareness through continuous indoor radon measurements in workplaces.

When radon is taken out of the scientific context in order to be understood by the public, the way the media approaches radon is prone to sensationalising. Communicating risk in a clear and effective manner was never easy and communication of radon risk poses serious challenges because radon is not widely known and specialists need to be more involved in engagement activities and campaigns to inform about radon exposure. This paper presents the results of the continuous radon measurements performed in workplaces for raising awareness among occupationally exposed workers. Radon measurements were made using Airthings monitors for up to 9 months of monitoring. Measured data correlated to real-time visualisation of the maximum radon levels provided convincing evidence that led to increased interest for radon exposure among exposed workers, raise awareness and empowered their own understanding of radon exposure.

Women in radiation (WiR)-a perspective for the strengthening of radiation protection.

Gender balance refers to the equitable treatment and access to opportunities for all genders. In order to achieve true gender balance, a variety of proactive approaches developed collaboratively, with insight from multiple perspectives, need to be implemented. With that purpose, the participation of women in professions related to radiation and radiation protection was prioritised and given high visibility by allocating a 'Women in Radiation' (WiR) Special Session at the 15th International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), hosted by South Korea on 20 January 2021. In this session, various issues related to gender balance and equity/equality were highlighted by the panellists, and further elaborated in a subsequent discussion with attendees. The main goal of the WiR Special Session was to convene women from different organisations, career and age stages, disciplines and countries, in particular to consider the Asian-Oceanic vision and status of gender equality, along with other topics to support a 'Call for Action', with concrete recommendations subsequently provided to IRPA. The discussion stressed the main needs and challenges faced by women working in various radiation fields, along with raising awareness of possible professional and employment opportunities. This paper identifies some steps necessary to encourage, enhance and support the inclusion of more diversity in nuclear professions with specific emphasis on women. In conclusion, gender balance and equality must be at the heart of any strategic plan for the future of the radiological protection profession; international cooperation between relevant bodies is essential for success and could serve as a catalyst for specific policy statements aimed at achieving a balanced representation of women in radiological protection.