+39 388 385 6034 +39 347 742 5111
Map of Radon Priority Areas Italy

Legislative Overview

Radon Regulations in Italy: History and Evolution

A journey from origins to today: how Italy adapted to European standards for protection against dangers of ionizing radiation and Radon gas.

Go to Current Law (D.Lgs 101/2020)
Regional Regulations

History and Evolution: From 1995 to Today

How Italy managed the Radon problem in the last 30 years

The Origins: D.Lgs 230/95

The first organic regulation on radiation protection in Italy was D.Lgs 230/1995. However, regarding Radon, it was limited to regulating a few specific situations (tunnels, mines, spas) and did not provide widespread obligations for general workplaces or homes. The limit at that time was set at 500 Bq/m³, much higher than current standards.

The European Turning Point: Directive 2013/59/Euratom

In 2013, the European Union issued Directive 2013/59/Euratom, which required Member States to lower reference levels (maximum 300 Bq/m³) and introduce monitoring and remediation obligations. This directive marked a fundamental change of pace, recognizing the need to protect not only "exposed" workers (radiologists, miners) but the entire population.

The Modern Era: D.Lgs 101/2020

On July 31, 2020 Italy transposed the European directive with D.Lgs 101/2020. This law repealed the previous legislation and introduced the current system: reference levels at 300 Bq/m³ (200 for new constructions), obligations extended to all underground rooms and schools, and the establishment of the National Radon Action Plan.

The Concept of Priority Areas

Where risk is highest

What are they?

D.Lgs 101/2020 introduces the fundamental concept of Priority Areas: these are specific Municipalities or geographic zones where it is estimated that the annual average radon activity concentration in air exceeds the reference level of 300 Bq/m³ in a significant percentage of buildings, set by law at at least 15%.

Who defines them?

Classification is not automatic but is up to individual Regions and Autonomous Provinces. These, making use of technical support from ARPA (Regional Environmental Protection Agencies), conduct complex measurement campaigns on a statistical basis and approve the list of areas with specific deliberation or regional law.

What changes for citizens?

In Priority Areas, the obligation to measure for workplaces extends also to all premises located on the ground floor, whereas outside Priority Areas the obligation generally concerns only underground or semi-underground rooms. Furthermore, information obligations in sales and possibilities for tax incentives for renovations are triggered.

What are the deadlines?

Once a zone is classified as Priority and published in the Official Gazette, a deadline of 18 months is triggered within which employers must have completed the first radon risk assessment. Since measurement lasts one year, it is essential to act immediately to avoid criminal sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Regulatory History

Why did the law change in 2020?
Italy had an open infringement procedure with Europe for failing to transpose Directive 2013/59/Euratom. Legislative Decree 101/2020 closed this procedure by aligning our safety standards with EU ones, lowering limits from 500 to 300 Bq/m³.
Is the old law 230/95 still valid?
No, D.Lgs 230/1995 was almost entirely repealed by D.Lgs 101/2020. All regulatory references in risk assessment documents must be updated to the new law.
What is the "Corrective" decree 203/2022?
It is a decree issued to correct some material errors and clarify ambiguous points of D.Lgs 101/2020 that emerged in the first two years of application. It better clarified the definition of "underground room" and training requirements for experts.
Is D.Lgs 101/2020 retroactive?
Yes, measurement obligations apply to all existing buildings falling within the scope (underground rooms or ground floor in Priority Areas), regardless of the year of construction. However, for new constructions (post 2024) stricter limits apply (200 Bq/m³).
Who pays for measurements in a condominium?
If it involves workplaces (e.g., concierge, offices), the cost is borne by the employer. For residential common parts there is no obligation, but if the assembly decides to measure, the cost is divided according to millesimal shares.
What does the non-compliant Employer risk?
Non-compliance provides for penal sanctions: arrest from 1 to 6 months or fine from 2,000 to 15,000 euros for omitted measurement. Sanctions are doubled if remediation is not started in case of exceeding limits.
Is the 300 Bq/m³ limit an annual average?
Yes, the reference level of 300 Bq/m³ refers to the average annual concentration. It is not an instantaneous value. This is why measurements must strictly last 12 months to have legal value.
Where can I find the list of Remediation Experts?
There is not yet a single national register. Experts are Engineers, Architects, or Surveyors registered with their respective orders who have attended a qualifying course of 60 hours. You can request titles directly from the professional.
Can I measure Radon myself?
For legal obligations (workplaces), NO. The measurement must be entrusted to an accredited dosimetry service or laboratory. For one's own private home for informational purposes, do-it-yourself dosimeters can be purchased, but it is always better to rely on certified laboratories for reliable results.
What is the link between smoking and Radon?
There is a strong synergistic effect. For smokers, the risk of lung cancer due to Radon is about 25 times higher compared to non-smokers exposed to the same concentration.
See All Radon FAQs

Doubts about regulations applicable to your case?

Our experts are updated on all the latest national and regional legislative developments.

Contact Us