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National Radon Action Plan official document and measurement

PNAR 2023-2032: National Strategy

National Radon Action Plan (PNAR) 2023-2032

The official document for reducing lung cancer from Radon gas in Italy. Discover new safety thresholds (300 Bq/m³), monitoring obligations for workplaces and homes, and remediation actions in priority areas.

Consult Decree 101/2020
Regional Situation

What is PNAR 2023-2032?

The reference framework for radon protection in Italy.

Regulatory References

National Strategic Framework

The National Radon Action Plan (PNAR) 2023-2032 constitutes the fundamental guidance document for Italian policies on radon risk prevention and reduction. Officially adopted with the DPCM of January 11, 2024 (published in the Official Gazette on February 21, 2024), the plan implements Article 10 of Legislative Decree 101/2020, transposing Directive 2013/59/Euratom.

It is a binding operational instrument that imposes immediate monitoring and remediation obligations, especially in priority areas, with the goal of significantly reducing the incidence of radon-related lung cancers over the next decade.

In Force Since January 18, 2024
Legal Reference D.Lgs 101/2020 Art. 10
MASE Logo - Ministry of Environment

Official PNAR page of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security.

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National Radon Action Plan 2023-2032 Cover

Download the official text of the PNAR 2023-2032 in PDF format.

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What is the National Radon Action Plan (PNAR)?

The National Radon Action Plan (PNAR) 2023-2032 is Italy's official strategic document for the prevention and reduction of radon risk. Adopted with the DPCM of January 11, 2024 (published in the Official Gazette on February 21, 2024), the Plan implements Article 10 of Legislative Decree 101/2020, which transposes European Directive 2013/59/Euratom on protection against ionizing radiation.

This is not simply a guidance document, but a binding operational program lasting 10 years. The PNAR establishes measurable goals, precise deadlines, and clear responsibilities for a network of entities including: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment (MASE), Regions, Regional ARPAs, ISS (Higher Institute of Health), and INAIL.

The development of the Plan was coordinated by ISIN (National Inspectorate for Nuclear Safety), which collected data from multi-year monitoring campaigns to build a solid scientific basis on radon concentrations in the Italian territory.

What does the PNAR consist of?

The Plan is articulated on three integrated strategic axes:

  • 1. Mapping and Measurement: Completion of the National Radon Chart, identification of "Priority Areas" (zones with >15% of buildings over threshold), and promotion of voluntary measurement campaigns for homes and businesses.
  • 2. Remediation and Mitigation: Definition of standard technical protocols for mitigation interventions (depressurization, mechanical ventilation, sealing), creation of the Register of Radon Remediation Experts.
  • 3. Training and Communication: Mandatory training courses for technical professionals (engineers, architects, surveyors), public awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives in schools.

The Plan also establishes reference levels for indoor radon concentration:
  • 300 Bq/m³: Maximum threshold for workplaces and existing dwellings. Exceeding this requires remediation obligations.
  • 200 Bq/m³: Goal for new constructions (permits issued after 31/12/2024).

Why is the PNAR fundamental?

The importance of the Plan lies in three key dimensions:

1. Public Health
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, with about 3,200 annual deaths in Italy estimated by the ISS. The PNAR aims to reverse this trend, saving hundreds of lives each year through prevention and remediation.

2. Legal Obligations
For the first time, Legislative Decree 101/2020 introduces criminal sanctions (arrest up to 6 months) and fines (€2,000-10,000) for employers who do not comply with measurement and remediation obligations. The PNAR defines the timelines and methods for fulfilling these obligations.

3. Economic and Real Estate Value
Radon disclosure is becoming an increasingly requested element in sales and leases. Measuring and certifying radon levels protects against disputes for "hidden defects" and increases property value. Remediation interventions can benefit from the 50% Renovation Bonus.

The 3 Strategic Axes of PNAR

The plan is articulated on three fundamental directives to cover every aspect of risk management.

1. Measurement and Mapping

Completion of the National Radon Chart. Identification of 'Priority Areas' (zones with >15% buildings over threshold). Promotion of incentivized measurement campaigns for private individuals and companies.

2. Remediation and Mitigation

Definition of standard technical protocols for mitigation interventions (depressurization, ventilation). Creation of the Register of Radon Remediation Experts.

3. Training and Communication

Mandatory training programs for engineers, architects, and surveyors. Awareness campaigns (Radon Day, pamphlets in schools) to inform the population about risks and solutions.

Priority Areas: The New Geography of Risk

A scientific redefinition of the territory to protect public health.

Scientific Identification Criteria

The concept of "Priority Area" replaces the old "Risk Zones". It is no longer based solely on theoretical geology, but on real monitoring data. A zone is classified as Priority if measurements show that exceeding the 300 Bq/m³ threshold affects a significant percentage of buildings (greater than 15%).

This data-driven approach allows resources (incentives, checks) to be concentrated where there is a real need, avoiding unjustified alarmism in safe but geologically suspicious areas.

Implications for Citizens and Businesses

Residing or operating in a Priority Area involves immediate regulatory changes:

  • Extended Mandatory Monitoring: The measurement obligation for workplaces extends to all ground floors (not just underground) and semi-basements.
  • Communication Obligations: Measurement results must be transmitted to the national SUR database (National Radon Information System).
  • Urban Planning Constraints: Major renovations must include preventive measures certified by a qualified technician.

Focus: The Situation in the Regions

The implementation of the PNAR varies from region to region, creating a patchwork map:

  • Lombardy: National leader with Regional Law 3/2022. Measurement obligation already active for many workplaces and schools.
  • Campania: Very stringent regional law for the usability of underground commercial premises (Regional Law 13/2019).
  • Puglia: Monitoring obligation for all activities open to the public on the ground floor (Regional Law 30/2016).
  • Lazio: Regional plan focused on volcanic areas (Castelli Romani, Viterbese).

Obligations Timeline

A timeline of deadlines to avoid being caught unprepared.

By January 2025

Regions must publish the official list of Priority Areas in the Official Gazette. From that moment, the 18 months begin for carrying out the first mandatory measurements in workplaces on the ground floor in such areas.

For New Constructions (from 2025)

All new buildings (building permits post 31/12/2024) must be designed with anti-radon criteria (ventilated crawl space, membranes, sumps) to guarantee levels below 200 Bq/m³.

Underground Workplaces

For underground and semi-underground premises, the measurement obligation is ALREADY IN FORCE throughout the national territory, regardless of the priority area. Non-compliant employers are subject to sanctions.

Remediation Obligation

If measurements reveal >300 Bq/m³, the owner/employer MUST take corrective actions (remediation) using a qualified Expert within tight deadlines.

Who can perform interventions?

Qualified competence is the only guarantee of safety.

The Figure of the Remediation Expert

The success of the PNAR depends on technical competence. For this reason, Legislative Decree 101/2020 established the Expert in radon remediation interventions, a key figure with civil and criminal responsibilities.

Who is it?
It is a technical professional (Engineer, Architect, Surveyor) registered with the respective Association, who has obtained a specific qualification through a university or regional advanced training course of at least 60 hours, with a final learning verification.

What do they do?

  • Analyzes diagnostic measurement results.
  • Conducts inspections to identify gas entry points (cracks, joints, crawl spaces).
  • Designs the most suitable mitigation intervention (e.g., radon sump, forced ventilation).
  • Directs the works and certifies the achievement of safety levels (<300 Bq/m³) post-operation.
Note Well: The installation of DIY or non-certified systems (e.g., simple bathroom fans) has no legal validity and often proves ineffective or counterproductive, sucking more gas from the ground.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the National Plan

Does the PNAR also apply to private homes?
Directly, the obligation to measure only applies to workplaces. However, the PNAR provides for strong "promotion" actions for private individuals. In sales and leases, radon disclosure is not yet a national obstacle obligation, but it is becoming an indispensable legal protection to avoid future disputes for "hidden defects" of the property.
What is the precise threshold for acting?
The action level is 300 Bq/m³. If the average annual concentration exceeds this value, remediation intervention is mandatory to protect health. However, the WHO recommends acting already above 100 Bq/m³, as health risk starts to rise linearly from zero.
Who controls the application of the Plan?
Control is entrusted to the ARPAs (Regional Environmental Protection Agencies) and ASLs. They have inspection powers and can request the display of measurement reports and the remediation plan. The unavailability of these documents in workplaces subject to obligation triggers the criminal sanction process.
Are smart workers protected by the PNAR?
Yes. Legislative Decree 101/2020 equates all workers. If an employee works in smart working from a basement or located in a priority area, the employer must ensure radiological safety, requesting (or performing) the necessary measurements, subject to specific agreements on the responsibility of domestic premises which are evolving in jurisprudence.
Are there economic aids for remediation?
Radon mitigation interventions (e.g., rebuilding crawl spaces, internal ventilated coats, depressurization systems) may fall under the 50% Renovation Bonus. Expenses for preliminary measurements and Expert design are also deductible if connected to the building intervention.
How long does a radon measurement last?
To have a legally valid value, the measurement must last at least 12 months (two consecutive semesters). This is because radon concentration varies significantly between summer and winter. Short measures (7 days) also exist useful for preliminary screening, but they are not sufficient to fulfill legal obligations.
Are schools subject to PNAR obligations?
Yes, absolutely. Schools of all levels are considered workplaces under Legislative Decree 101/2020. Regions are completing systematic monitoring campaigns in schools, with remediation obligations for those exceeding the 300 Bq/m³ threshold.
Can I rent a room with radon above the threshold?
If the room is intended for work activity, no. Renting a property with concentrations above 300 Bq/m³ without informing the tenant can constitute civil and criminal liability. For homes, although there is no explicit ban, it is strongly recommended to perform the measurement and, in case of exceeding, proceed with remediation before leasing.
What changes for new constructions after 2024?
All buildings with a building permit issued after December 31, 2024, must be designed with anti-radon criteria (ventilated crawl space, waterproof membranes, pre-arranged suction sumps). The reference level for new constructions is stricter: 200 Bq/m³ instead of 300 Bq/m³.
What is the procedure to follow if I exceed the threshold?
The procedure involves: 1) Communication to the Region/ARPA within 18 months from measurement; 2) Appointment of a Remediation Expert registered in the Register; 3) Implementation of corrective measures within established times (generally 2 years); 4) New post-intervention measurement to verify effectiveness; 5) Communication of results to the national SUR database.

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