Radioactivity in the environment
The Environmental Radioactivity Section (URA) constantly monitors changes in natural and artificial radioactivity in the environment, particularly in the vicinity of nuclear facilities, industries, research institutes and hospitals that use radioactive substances.
The resulting exposures are calculated to determine the risks for the population. Most of the results of measurements of radioactivity in the environment can be consulted online on the www.radenviro.ch platform ; this is supplemented by the annual publication of all the results obtained as part of the monitoring, together with their interpretation (annual reports). The radioactivity monitoring laboratory is accredited (ISO 17205).
Mission and organisation of the Environmental Radioactivity Section (URA)
The Environmental Radioactivity Section (URA) coordinates the national programme for monitoring radioactivity in the environment and draws up an annual sampling and measurement plan. It operates its own laboratory for measuring radioactivity in the environment.
Radioactivity alarm system
Several independent systems are in operation to monitor ambient exposure in Switzerland.
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.
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Ambient Radioactivity Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern