Radon in buildings

Average radon levels (geometric mean value) in in buildings in Germany Source: (according to Menzler et. al.)

The natural radioactive noble gas radon is constantly evolving in the geological subsoil. It is partially released into the air-filled pore spaces of rocks and soils. From the subsoil, radon reaches outside air and enters dwellings. The radon levels indoors depend on

• the formation of radon within the ground,
• the materials on the site, their properties relevant for radon transport, and
• the construction method.

Radon from the subsoil reaching the inside of a dwelling can expand further mostly via staircases, cable ducts and supply shafts, but also via floor slabs.

Radon concentrations

The radon concentrations measured in different studies cover a wide range. The annual mean value indoors averages 50 Becquerel per cubic meter (Bq/m³).

Elevated radon concentrations are more frequent in areas with increased radon levels in the soil air and radon-permeable subsoil. However, annual mean values exceeding 1,000 Bequerel/m³ indoors are rare even in such areas (Figure 1, Figure 2).

Frequency distribution in buildings with 1 and 2 flats

Ventilation influences radon concentration

The radon concentrations are also influenced by the inhabitants’ particular room use and lifestyle habits - i.e. above all their ventilation behaviour. A change in room use can sustainably change the radon concentrations.

The actual levels of radon concentrations indoors can only be determined by measurements.

Radon - an important health problem

Radon is present in all dwellings, thus posing a major health problem. For rooms used more frequently than on a temporary basis, it is therefore required to keep radon concentrations as low as possible.

The amount of radon entering a dwelling with the outdoor air during air exchange and being released from building materials can hardly be reduced. It is therefore not generally feasible to reach radon levels below 100 Bq/m³ indoors in Germany. Such a situation is to be found in areas with increased radon concentrations in outside air and in dwellings with an above-average release of radon from construction material.

Measures to reduce radon concentrations should always be considered with levels exceeding 100 Bq/m³.

Protective measures

Proven measures for the protection from elevated radon concentrations for both new and existing dwellings have been compiled by the BfS in the "German Handbook on Radon". To request a copy (in German) please send an e-mail to info@bfs.de.