Radon measuring program in Baden-Württemberg: Free interior measurements for health care

Radon measuring program in Baden-Württemberg: Free interior measurements for health care

The Environment Ministry in Baden-Württemberg has launched a new program for interior measurements to protect the citizens of the state from increased radon values in their own four walls. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas that is created in the ground and in rock and can get into buildings. Exposure compared to increased radon quantities over a longer period of time increases the risk of lung cancer and makes the program particularly relevant for the health of the residents.

The new measurement program enables citizens to get two passive measuring cans free of charge, which they can place in their living rooms. These measurements extend over a period of twelve months and thus provide an exact picture of the radon situation in the interiors. After the evaluation in the laboratory, the participants receive the result and can compare it with the legal reference value.

The geographical location plays an important role in determining the radon values, and especially in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg there is an increased risk due to the floor-bound radon sources. The ministry has already shown 29 municipalities in the middle and southern Black Forest as the radon pre -organization area, and the radon load in many buildings can also be high outside of these areas. It is therefore important that the citizens have the opportunity to check their personal radon situation.

Environmental Secretary Dr. Andre Baumann emphasizes the importance of the program and explains that only those who know their radon situation can take measures to reduce the values. Good ventilation and structural measures can help reduce increased radon values.