Yoo Yongwon: Radon, a Group 1 Carcinogen, Detected Above Standard Levels in B-1 Bunker

Over 40 Strategic Command Officers Worked in the B-1 Bunker for Three Months

It has been pointed out that radon levels exceeding the standard have been detected in the B-1 bunker within the Capital Defense Command of the Army. Radon is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the morning of June 17, Representative Yoo Yongwon of the People Power Party held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "Since 2013, the military has regularly measured the air quality in the B-1 bunker, and it has officially acknowledged that radon exceeding the legal indoor air quality standard of 148 becquerels (Bq/m³) has been detected every time in some areas of the bunker." The B-1 bunker is a core national strategic command facility where the president commands during wartime, and it is also the venue for annual ROK-US joint exercises.

According to Representative Yoo, the Ministry of National Defense was aware of this issue and invested over 10 billion won over the past decade, but failed to improve the environment. In particular, from 2020 to 2022, the ministry commissioned a professional research service to assess the situation and establish radon reduction measures. From 2023 to 2024, it spent approximately 780 million won to enhance reduction facilities, but recent measurements still exceed the standard.

According to an actual military investigation, in 2020, the average radon level measured twice at two arbitrary locations within the bunker was about 450 becquerels, with a maximum detected value of 711 becquerels. Last year, the number of measurement locations was greatly increased to a total of 38 sites. As a result of the reinforcement work on reduction facilities, the average level dropped significantly, but still exceeded the standard. In some sections, the risk remained unchanged, with a maximum of 706 becquerels detected.

Representative Yoo pointed out, "The B-1 bunker is structured so that high concentrations of radon are continuously generated from bedrock and groundwater. The interior is cramped, and it is difficult for outside air to enter or for natural ventilation to occur." He added, "The most effective reduction measure would be to install additional air handling units throughout all areas of the bunker or to increase the capacity of the ventilation systems. However, due to lack of space, this is extremely difficult in practice."

According to Representative Yoo, the Ministry of National Defense was aware that radon levels exceeded the standard but did not inform the United States Forces Korea. In particular, around 40 staff members of the Strategic Command, which was established in October last year, were stationed and working in this bunker. The ministry did not officially notify the Strategic Command leadership in advance about the excessive radon levels, and these personnel were exposed to high concentrations of radon for three months. It was only after the spouse of an officer filed a complaint through the National Petition System in November last year that the personnel were able to relocate their workplace outside the bunker.

Representative Yoo stated, "Radon cannot be completely removed by air handling units. Particles suspended in the air or attached to dust can be re-dispersed and directly enter the human body through the respiratory system." He criticized, "Knowing these facts and still assigning personnel to that space constitutes negligence of duty and could be considered a human rights violation."

Accordingly, Representative Yoo called on the Ministry of National Defense to: ▲ establish effective measures to reduce radon levels throughout all areas of the B-1 bunker; ▲ conduct thorough health examinations for all 40 or so Strategic Command officers; and ▲ prepare effective measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Representative Yoo emphasized, "Incidents in which service members who are dedicated to national security are unknowingly exposed to danger must not be repeated." He added, "The Ministry of National Defense must now take responsibility, provide a clear explanation to the public, and offer a sincere apology to the service members and their families. I strongly urge deep reflection and substantial follow-up actions."