Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas and is measured in Becquerel per cubic meter (Bq/m3) of air.
Radon and tobacco smoke are among the most dangerous elements we have in our homes. If you live in a house with high levels of radon for a long time the risk of lung cancer increases. The National Board of Health limits for radon is 200 Bq/m3 air. By 2020 all Swedish homes must be below this limit.
Radon is not noticeable; it cannot be seen or smelled. The only way to detect radon is to measure it. Where can you find radon?
Radon in the soil
The soil under or around the house is the most common source of radon. Through cracks in the rock and sand ridges radon can penetrate up to the surface. Radon can also enter the house through cracks and leaks in the foundation. This is called “soil radon”. If you would like to get information about radon levels in your area, you should contact the environmental and health office.
Radon in construction materials
Stone based construction material contains radium that produces radon. Radon levels are in most cases low but the so-called blue concrete (used from 1930 until 1980) have levels in excess of 400 Bq/m3. In addition, too low air circulation also increases the radon levels. If you have an under-pressure in the ventilation system, the risk of radon being sucked in increases. The easiest way to reduce the radon is to increase the air circulation. Increased and balanced ventilation is especially effective if the radon is due to blue concrete.
To install a so called HRV system increases the possibility to adjust the correct air flow to your home without affecting the under-pressure. The air handling unit at the same time provides a good heat recovery. Using a counterflow heat exchanger also ensures that no internal leaks occurs, due to the separate channels in the heat exchanger. Learn more about our Temovex units.
Radon in water
Municipal water does not contain high levels of radon, since all municipal water is treated before being sent out to the households. If you, on the other hand, have your own wells drilled in rock there is a risk of high radon levels in your drinking water. By installing a radon separator (the water is aerated vigorously) much of the radon is removed. The risks of drinking radon water are minor though. Radon is absorbed in the stomach and then transported out of the body. Within an hour you will have exhaled most of it.
To find out if your own drinking water contains radon, you need to analyze the water. See www.ssi.se.
More information
www.boverket.se/sv/radonguiden (brochure about radon from the National Housing Board)