STUK’s supervision ensured the safety of radiation practices  

The use of radiation is a key part of modern healthcare and is also involved in many processes in heavy industry as well as in the safety sector, research, construction and many others that are important for society. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority monitors the safety of the use of ionising radiation and other radiation practices. The supervision ensures that the practice is carried out in a safe and acceptable manner and in compliance with the radiation legislation and licence conditions. In 2024, the safety of radiation practices was at a good level.

During the past year, Radiation Practice Regulation had to intervene in shortcomings. Unauthorised radiation sources were found in operators' possession and sometimes they ended up in scrap metal recycling. Significant deficiencies were observed in the supervision of the transport of radioactive substances in accordance with the revised VAK Act (Act on the Transport of Dangerous Goods). The health care crisis and bankruptcies of many companies that own radiation sources have affected radiation safety and compliance. STUK’s supervision ensured that safety was not compromised even during challenging times. 

The last inspections targeted at wellbeing services counties were carried out in 2024, with the main theme being safety culture. During supervision it was observed that the X-ray departments of hospitals have an open atmosphere and a good safety culture. Employees also openly raise concerns and suggestions for development, which all hospitals address regularly. Based on the results, the greatest challenges to maintaining a good safety culture are caused by staff shortages, increased workload and rush.

There are many radiation users in Finland, but the proportion of radiation use in their operations varies. Last year, STUK organised several webinars, seminars and conferences to respond to the information needs of different parties and, on the other hand, to create dialogue among radiation users in order to find effective and radiation-safe practices. STUK published a guide on the installation of base station antennas for mobile communications operators to ensure that base stations in Finland will continue to be installed safely.

Supervision is also used to increase awareness of the requirements and good practices of radiation use. A good example is a new supervisory method developed and introduced in 2024: a guiding control survey for dental and veterinary healthcare operators. The survey can be used to map the implementation of radiation safety and to ensure that safety licences are up to date. STUK used the control survey to illustrate the radiation safety requirements as concretely as possible. 

Well-functioning waste management is required for small quantities of radioactive waste

Safe use of radiation also requires effective waste management of radioactive waste. For example, the national route for small quantities of radioactive waste from healthcare and industry to final disposal has been out of use since 2023. STUK actively investigated the situation in 2024 in co-operation with various parties in the industry. New removal routes have been found abroad. The state-maintained intermediate storage facility will be available to a limited use for some sealed sources in early 2025, but in practice, new solutions for small quantities of radioactive waste must be found quickly. 

In STUK’s blog in early autumn 2024, Tommi Toivonen, Director of the Radiation Practices Regulation department, stated that waste management of radioactive substances is a small but important part of national infrastructure. "It is in everyone’s interest that radiation sources are not lost or disposed of inappropriately. The rule of thumb must be that the user of the radiation source seeks a final disposal solution commercially, for example from the manufacturer of the radiation source. In the future, STUK will require operators to provide a written report on disposal or recycling options. The government will only take responsibility for radiation sources if there are no realistic alternatives," Toivonen wrote in the blog post. 

Measures to reduce the harmful effects of radon and UV radiation

The greatest radiation hazards are caused by radon in indoor air and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. According to STUK’s estimate, approximately 30,000 employees in Finland still work in conditions where they are exposed to radon levels exceeding the reference value. STUK monitored workplaces more intensively to ensure that employers measure radon levels and take measures to reduce exposure, if necessary. In 2024, focus areas for radon monitoring included restaurants and waterworks in Helsinki. STUK compiles regional statistics on radon levels in dwellings and workplaces. The statistics were updated in spring 2024. STUK also published a radon guide for housing companies. 

Last autumn, STUK hosted a meeting of the Nordic radiation safety authorities on non-ionising radiation. Topics of the meeting included supervision and communications in different Nordic countries. The report “Overview of radon management in the Nordic countries” was also drafted as a Nordic co-operation. The report examines the management of risks caused by radon and the differences in methods between the Nordic countries. 

The harms of UV radiation are mainly caused by the sun, so the prevention of harms is based on communication and guidance. STUK continued its long-term communications co-operation with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Cancer Society of Finland regarding the health effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) and sun protection. The most important form of co-operation was media communications. The #suniho campaign targeted at the public reached a total of approximately two million people. 

During 2024, STUK also led the effort to create a network of authorities, healthcare sector parties, other organisations and research institutes with the aim of enhancing co-operation and creating a uniform strategy for how Finland can reduce the adverse effects of UV radiation.

Assessment of radiation legislation begun

The current radiation legislation entered into force in December 2018. When preparing the Radiation Act and supplementary regulations, it was considered necessary to assess their functionality after approximately five years of experience. Last year, STUK started an assessment of radiation legislation and is preparing a report for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on the effectiveness of the legislation and the need for amendments. In the report, STUK will pay particular attention to the subject areas that saw significant regulatory changes in 2018. The assessment report was completed early in 2025.

The purpose is to identify potential needs for development of regulation, propose alternative implementation methods for the amendments and assess their impacts. In addition to STUK’s expertise, the assessment of the effectiveness of radiation legislation uses information obtained from operators, training organisations, other authorities and experts using questionnaires and interviews.

As part of the assessment, STUK carried out questionnaires for parties that conduct radiation practices, radiation users and other authorities in 2024.  People who use radiation in their work are mostly satisfied with the Radiation Act and the regulations clarifying the Act. For example, the respondents found the obligations imposed on operators based on STUK's audits and inspections to be appropriate and consistent. The responses highlighted the importance of safety. Nonetheless, there is still room for improvement in areas such as communications and instructions.