Radon is a radioactive gas and is measured in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) of air. Radon and tobacco smoke are among the most hazardous substances in our homes. Living for a long time in a house with high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. The National Board of Health and Welfare’s guideline value for radon is 200 Bq/m³ of air. Radon is not detectable by sight or smell. The only way to detect radon is by measuring it. Where is radon found?
Radon in the Ground
The ground beneath or around the house is the most common source of radon. Through cracks in the bedrock and sand ridges, radon can rise to the surface. Radon can also enter houses through cracks and leaks in the foundation, a phenomenon known as “ground radon.” If you want information about radon levels where you live, contact the environmental and health protection office.
Radon in Building Materials
Building materials based on stone contain radium, which emits radon. In most cases, the radon levels are low, but in so-called blue concrete (used from the 1930s until 1980), levels can exceed 400 Bq/m³. Insufficient air exchange further increases radon levels. If there is negative pressure in the ventilation system, the risk of radon being drawn in increases. The easiest way to reduce radon is by increasing air exchange. Improved and balanced ventilation is particularly effective if the radon comes from blue concrete.
Installing an FTX system increases the ability to adjust the correct airflow in the home without affecting the negative pressure. At the same time, the air handling unit provides efficient heat recovery. With a counterflow heat exchanger, you also ensure that no internal leakage occurs, thanks to the completely separate channels in the heat exchanger.
Read more about our Temovex units.
Radon in Water
Municipal water does not contain high levels of radon since all municipal water is purified before being distributed to households. However, if you have a private well drilled into bedrock, there is a risk of high radon levels in your household water. By installing a radon separator (which aerates the water intensively), a large portion of the radon can be removed. The risks of drinking radon-contaminated water are low. Radon is absorbed in the stomach and then transported out of the body. Within an hour, the majority is exhaled. To determine if your household water contains radon, you need to analyze the water. See www.ssi.se.
