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Logo AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety

Radon - an invisible threat

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Changed on: 23.12.2020

Effects of Radon

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Inhaled radon can cause damage to the lung tissue.

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is odourless, tasteless and colourless and is a decay product of uranium. Since uranium is found almost everywhere as a trace element (rock, soil, building materials), radon also occurs everywhere.

Inhabited buildings act - especially during the cold season - as suction cups. The stack effect causes a small negative pressure in the lower part of a building and radon-laden soil gas is drawn into the house.

Radon and its radioactive decay products (polonium, bismuth, lead) enter the lungs when air is inhaled. About 10 percent of all lung cancer deaths in Austria are due to the exposure to radon and its decay products.

Although radon is a naturally occurring noble gas in the soil, it must be seen as technologically induced indoor pollutant due to its possible accumulation in buildings.

caption
Inhaled radon can cause damage to the lung tissue.

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is odourless, tasteless and colourless and is a decay product of uranium. Since uranium is found almost everywhere as a trace element (rock, soil, building materials), radon also occurs everywhere.

Inhabited buildings act - especially during the cold season - as suction cups. The stack effect causes a small negative pressure in the lower part of a building and radon-laden soil gas is drawn into the house.

Radon and its radioactive decay products (polonium, bismuth, lead) enter the lungs when air is inhaled. About 10 percent of all lung cancer deaths in Austria are due to the exposure to radon and its decay products.

Although radon is a naturally occurring noble gas in the soil, it must be seen as technologically induced indoor pollutant due to its possible accumulation in buildings.

How to protect yourself against Radon?

How can I protect myself against radon?

1. Inform yourself

Seek further relevant information at the radon homepage of the BMK at www.radon.gv.at.

2. Test your home for radon

Taking a radon test is the only way to be certain about the radon exposure for an existing building. The measurement detectors are sent by mail - the measurement is simple and inexpensive. A radon measurement can be obtained directly from the National Radon Centre of Austria (radon@ages.at).

3. If necessary: Take action!

If elevated radon concentrations are detected, the problem can often be fixed with relatively simple measures. Do not operate an ostrich policy - but take responsibility for your health and that of your family.

4. Take preventive measures

If you are planning to build a new building or make alterations to the existing building, include simple radon protection measures in your plans. Preventive radon protection is cheaper, more effective and easier than retrospective radon remediation measures.

Radon measurement

Radon measurement

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Instruments for passive radon measurement: different dosimeters and an electret.

The radon concentration in indoor air can be measured relatively easily and reliably. The reference level for the annual average radon concentration in Austria is 300 Bq/m³ for buildings as well as workplaces.

To obtain a measurement result, which can be used for comparison with the reference level, the radon test must be carried out according to the Austrian Standard ÖNORM S 5280-1. It has to be measured for a minimum period of 6 months and at least half of this period must be within the heating season. A meaningful annual average can only be derived from results which meet these requirements. Further information on radon measurement can be obtained from the National Radon Centre of Austria (radon@ages.at).

Structural radon protection

Structural radon protection

Simple radon protective measures should be considered when planning a new building

In all federal states radon protection in buildings is regulated by the federal building legislation.

Simple and inexpensive preventive measures are the best protection against high radon concentrations in new buildings. Basic measures are generally recommended. In the communities with elevated radon risk further measures are advised.

Preventive measures are much simpler, more effective and more cost-effective than the subsequent radon remediation of a residential building. Basically, the tighter the building envelope is against the soil, the lower is the radon risk. New buildings should be designed in a way that the average radon concentration is well below 300 Bq/m³.

In the Austrian Standard S 5280-2 "Radon - Technical precaution measures in buildings" four types of prevention are identified. The type depends on the radon potential classification of the community and the type of building (e.g. basement, inhabited rooms in direct contact with the ground). The required radon protection measures are described for each scenario. They range from building in accordance with existing regulations for water penetration and rising damp to the installation of a radon drainage system (perforated pipes in the gravel bed below the foundation). The costs of preventive measures in new buildings in single-family homes usually do not exceed € 1.800 ,-.

After completion of the building, a control measurement is recommended.

Radon remediation options for existing buildings

If the radon concentration exceeds the reference level of 300 Bq/m³, this can be resolved through proven remediation measures for the building. The measures range from sealing components such as the bottom slab to the suction of the soil air from below the slab.

The costs of mitigation strongly depend on the required action. While simple measures - which often can be carried out by the house owner themselves - start at around just € 100, -, the costs can go up to € 5.000,- in case of complex conditions.

Consideration of radon protection measures in the course of a general renovation or thermal retrofitting

Refurbishments offer a good opportunity to reduce the radon concentration. Therefore it is essential to test the house for radon before the general renovation starts. When elevated radon levels are found, protective measures should be considered.

Various studies show that thermal retrofitting measures which increase the tightness of the building envelope can increase the indoor radon level. To avoid any bad surprises after thermal remediation, one should consider the radon situation in advance and, if necessary, take further action.

Radon-exposed workplaces

Radon-exposed workplaces

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Water basin in an Austrian water supply facility

At certain workplaces very high radon concentrations may occur. The limitation of radon exposure and the protection of employees are regulated by the Radiation Protection Act and the Ordinance on Radon Protection and apply to workplaces such as:

  • Water supply facilities
  • Mines
  • Show mines and show caves
  • Radon spas
  • Workplaces in ground floors and basements in radon prone areas

In Austria these companies need to measure the radon concentration at workplaces. In case the radon concentration in at least one workplace is above the reference level (300 Bq/m³), the company has to communicate the result to the authority and further measures to reduce the radon concentration have to be taken. In case the radon concentration can not be reduced below the reference level, a dose assessment of the employees has to be done.

AGES is an authorized inspection body

In our capacity as an/the authorized inspection body we offer radon concentration measurements as wells as dose estimations and assessments. For more information and details, please contact us via radonno@Spam@agesno.Spam.at.

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