We are conducting a national survey to assess children’s exposure to common sources of ionising radiation, including background radiation and medical diagnostic radiology. We aim to have representative information for all children in Switzerland. We are therefore sending questionnaires to a random sample of approximately 8000 children aged 0-15 years. The sample was obtained from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) and was drawn randomly from the FSO sample frame, which includes all Swiss residents. This is the first population-based nationwide survey in Switzerland on radiation exposure in children. The survey also collects information on exposure to UV radiation.
The survey will enable us to:
- Estimate the average doses received by children in Switzerland during a year from different radiation sources by age groups (0-4, 5-9, 10-14 years)
- To assess the errors of geographical exposure models developed during the project. These models will allow us to predict children’s exposure to background radiation based on where they live and to investigate cancer risks associated with estimated radiation exposure. Read more
- Estimate the contribution to cancer risks in children from common sources of radiation in Switzerland.
FAQ:
What will I benefit from answering the questionnaire?
You will receive a short summary of the measurement results for your child and be able to compare the exposure of your child to national averages. Importantly, your participation will directly help us better estimate radiation exposure in Switzerland and thus contribute to a better understanding of its effects on cancer risks in children. There will be no financial or material compensation.
Why did I get a questionnaire?
Your child was selected randomly from the sampling frame of the Federal Statistical Office. Click here to find out more about how this works.
Can I volunteer to participate, even though I was not sampled?
Unfortunately not as this would likely lead to results being less representative of the full population.