The radioactive gas radon can accumulate in the basement or in basement rooms. From the ground it penetrates through cracks, joints or pipe penetrations into the interior and collects there. Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.
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Solution: Ventilate regularly
Cellars and basements should be ventilated regularly so that all the air is exchanged once. This is achieved through cross ventilation if all windows are opened at the same time. This creates a passage. In some places, however, ventilation is not enough, which is why a radon meter is recommended. This can measure the radon concentration in the buildings.
Where is the radon problem?
Radon is not a problem everywhere: According to the BfS, the concentration is higher between central and southern Germany, as well as in the far north, more precisely the low mountain ranges, the foothills of the Alps and in areas with rock moraines from the last ice age.
