Radon in Saarland: Recognize invisible danger to health
Radon in Saarland: Recognize invisible danger to health
radon, an invisible and odorless noble gas, is one of the great unknowns in the health debate, especially when it comes to the lung cancer rate. After smoking, Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer. What makes it particularly tricky is the fact that many people do not even know that they expose themselves to dangerous radon values in their own four walls. In Saarland, the Situation is to be taken seriously due to the geological conditions.
Bernd Hoffmann from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection explains: "Radon is a radioactive gas that is created in the ground and can penetrate houses. His health consequences are enormous." This applies particularly to regions such as Saarland, where high radon values are measured in the floors. The measuring stations on site record values of up to 20 million Becquerel per hour. This clearly indicates the potential risks this gas.
alarming radon levels in private space
"I didn't let me sleep for a week, I was completely overwhelmed with the question of what to do," she recalls. Radon becomes a danger if it cannot evaporate outdoors, but builds up in closed rooms, where the air circulation is often too low.
underestimated risk of health and a lack of awareness
The problem about Radon does not really seem to be the focus in the political agenda. According to Hoffmann, awareness of this invisible danger is very weak. "A reference value for radon in Germany has been challenged for a long time, and we are happy that we have such a value at all. Now we have to gain experience with practical use," he says. The fact that Radon particularly often occurs in former mining areas such as Schiffweiler provides additional concerns. Already in 1996 values of almost 8,000 Becquerel per cubic meter were measured in private houses, which triggered great concern.
Another example is a daycare center in Marpingen, where a costly suction system had to be installed due to a review by the EU after radon values over 1000 Becquerel were found there. "However, the information about it was hardly communicated," criticized residents Thomas Fuchs, who found out by chance.
Obermann also had to be active to solve their radon problems. With a silicone seal, she was able to reduce the "fireplace effect", and the radon levels fell to less than 50 Becquerel. Her urgent appeal: "Everyone has to act themselves. The authorities do not inform far too little. Many people are not aware that radon is a danger because it has no smell and is invisible."
The implementation of radon measurements is possible for less than 100 euros and should be accessible to everyone in order to recognize and minimize potentially serious health risks.
also reported on this important topic "We in Saarland - the magazine" on SR television on September 5, 2024
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