In all federal states except Salzburg 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 does not exceed 200 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.

The brochure on preventive measures against radon in new buildings, published by Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany and South Tyrol provides more Information.

If the radon concentration exceeds the action level of 400 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.

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.