1. This paper evaluates the contributions of citizen science initiatives to radon research and radiation protection.
2. At least eight CS initiatives in the world are contributing to radon related research, with citizens meaningfully contributing to radon testing and measurements.
3. Experiences and lessons learned from these initiatives are identified and discussed in order to inspire future CS initiatives potentially reducing exposure to radon.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy, as it provides a comprehensive overview of existing citizen science initiatives related to radon research and radiation protection, as well as their potential benefits for both experts in the field and citizens living in radon-prone areas. The authors have used the ten principles of the European Citizen Science Association as a starting point for developing indicators for their analysis, which adds credibility to their findings. Furthermore, they have consulted experts in the field in order to identify relevant CS initiatives, which further strengthens their conclusions.
However, there are some potential biases that should be noted when considering this article. For example, the authors do not explore any counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the topic; instead they focus solely on presenting evidence that supports their claims about the value of citizen science initiatives for radon research and radiation protection. Additionally, while they acknowledge that most of these initiatives apply only the simplest form of participation (crowdsourcing), they do not discuss any potential risks associated with this approach or how it could be improved upon in future projects. Finally, while they note that most CS initiatives are led by authorities or universities in a top-down manner, they do not consider any other possible approaches or models for leading such projects.
In conclusion, this article provides a useful overview of existing citizen science initiatives related to radon research and radiation protection, but more exploration into alternative perspectives and approaches would be beneficial for understanding its full implications.