What is Radon?

• Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas.
• It is odorless, tasteless, colorless, and present everywhere.
• Radon enters buildings and accumulates indoors.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

• Inhaling radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide.

What Are the Threshold Values?

• The official reference value (annual average) is 300 Bq/m³.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average of 100 Bq/m³.

How Does Radon Enter Buildings?

Radon infiltrates buildings mainly through convection and diffusion.

Convection (Air Currents, ~95%):

• Pressure differences between indoor spaces (low pressure) and the ground (high pressure) drive radon-laden air into buildings.
• Entry points include cracks, holes, cable and pipe penetrations, or completely open floors (e.g., in basements).
• All ground-contacting surfaces can be affected.
• Within the building, radon spreads primarily through convection via pathways like empty conduits, electrical wiring, water pipes, media conduits, and cable channels.

Diffusion (Material Permeability, ~5%):

• Radon diffusion is similar to water vapor diffusion in construction, where gases move toward areas of lower concentration.
• A material's gas permeability depends on its structure and the gas's properties. Noble gases like radon diffuse particularly well through porous materials.
• Few materials are completely radon-tight.

Building Materials (Exhalation):

• Studies by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) show that common materials like concrete, brick, and aerated concrete emit only low levels of radon, typically under 20 Bq/m³.
• As such, building materials are generally not a significant source of elevated indoor radon concentrations.

The Physical Cause: Pressure and Concentration Differences

The movement of radon into buildings is driven by pressure and concentration gradients:

• Inside the building, the stack effect (warm air rising) creates a slight vacuum (low pressure) above the floor slab.
• Below the floor slab, the pressure is significantly higher, creating a pressure gradient that draws radon into the building.

By reducing or interrupting this pressure differential, radon infiltration can be significantly minimized.

How to Reduce Radon Exposure?

• Seal cracks and gaps in the building’s foundation.
• Install ventilation systems to lower radon concentrations.
• Use radon-tight materials where possible in construction.
• Regularly test indoor radon levels, especially in areas with known radon prevalence.

Radon Measurement Solutions for Every Need

We offer a comprehensive range of products designed to help you measure radon levels and ensure compliance with safety standards. Whether you're monitoring workplace exposure or detecting radon entry points, our solutions are reliable and accurate.

If you're looking for a specific type of radon measurement tool or have unique requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us. Not all of our products are listed in the store, and we may be able to provide the exact solution you need.