Monitoring radioactivity in the air
The Environmental Radioactivity Section (URA) specialises in monitoring radioactivity in the air.
The URA section continuously monitors radioactivity in the air in Switzerland. Measurements are carried out using the automatic URAnet aero monitoring network, which consists of 15 probes located throughout Switzerland. In addition, trace measurements are taken at six locations using samples from high-volume air filters (HVS). The newly developed measuring station on the Jungfraujoch complements the two measuring systems and replaces the previous measurement flights carried out by the Tiger aircraft fleet, which will be decommissioned in 2027.
The FOPH's monitoring instruments measure the concentrations of individual radionuclides present in the air, such as radioactive iodine or caesium. This makes it possible to determine whether the radioactivity is of natural origin or whether it has entered the atmosphere as a result of a nuclear or radiological event. Knowledge of the composition of a radioactive cloud and the concentrations of the radionuclides it contains provides valuable information about the possible cause of the event (e.g. incident at a nuclear power plant or use of a nuclear weapon). Such knowledge is also essential for the rapid implementation of appropriate protective measures.
More about monitoring radioactivty in the air
Europe’s highest-altitude radioactivity monitoring station on the Jungfraujoch
The FOPH monitors radioactivity in the environment – particularly in the atmosphere – and now also on the Jungfraujoch, at more than 3,400 metres above sea level.
Radioactivity in the air: trace analyses (HVS)
We operate six high-volume aerosol collectors to measure aerosol-bound radioactivity in outdoor air. The air filters are changed weekly and measured in the laboratory using gamma spectrometry.
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Ambient Radioactivity Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern