The presence of the radioactive gas radon is often overlooked and its harmful effects are easily underestimated, even though it is considered a major cause of lung cancer alongside smoking.
In this article, you will learn what radon is, how it gets into our homes and what specific steps you can take to protect yourself from it.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that is produced by the natural decay of radium, which is found in certain rocks and soil.
Radon can enter the house through cracks in the building structure and through drainage pipes and sewage systems. As the gas is heavier than air, it often accumulates in the basements of buildings, especially in cellars, garages and poorly ventilated rooms.
If radon is absorbed through the air we breathe, it can cause lasting damage to lung tissue and thus increase the risk of lung cancer if absorbed over a longer period of time.
In order to achieve low radon infiltration, a number of precautionary measures must be taken when building a house. Proper sealing of the building envelope is crucial, as is a proper ventilation and drainage system.
Regular ventilation is an important protection against excessive indoor radon concentrations. An automated ventilation system ensures a constant exchange of air, allowing dangerous gases to be removed. It is important that at least two ventilation units are linked to create an air flow through the living space. Only in this way can the radon reach the outside and escape into the open air.
Installing a ventilation system is a simple and cost-effective measure to protect against radon. The ventilation process reduces the radon concentration indoors and prevents excessive accumulation of the dangerous gas in your home.